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Once your scar has fully healed (with no scabs present and dry surfaces) it can be treated using creams, oils or silicone gels to make it softer and flatter. Massaging it also has many therapeutic advantages.
Avoid direct sun exposure on the scar area; too much exposure may result in permanent discolouration and take months to fade.
When to Start Scar Treatment After Surgery
Optimal timing for starting scar treatment after surgery varies based on procedure type and healing. Here are guidelines:
- After 4 weeks, scar care is recommended by Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Shield the scar from sunlight to expedite healing.
- Dermabrasion, as per NCBI, is suitable once the wound is well-epithelialized, typically 2 to 3 months post-surgery for optimal results.
- Michigan State University advises starting scar treatment about two weeks after Steri-Strips removal, if absorbable sutures were used.
- Begin scar massage beyond 2 weeks after injury, per Mederma. Scar massage boosts treatment effectiveness.
- ASPS recommends antibacterial ointments, daily bandage change, no scab picking, limited sun exposure, and consulting a healthcare provider for personalized guidance.
- Scar massage timing is usually around two weeks post-surgery, per Dignity Health Medical.
In summary, scar treatment initiation hinges on surgery type and healing pace. Consult a healthcare provider for guidance.
Seek Expert Advice or Medical Guidelines
At some point following any surgery, scars will form. Their visibility depends on multiple variables. Some factors beyond our control – like genetics and age – cannot be altered but others such as skin tone, scar size, injury location and surgical techniques used may all have an effect.
As wounds heal, they go through a proliferative phase during which cells called fibroblasts assemble at the site of injury to form new skin and blood vessels that help heal incisions.
Once healing is complete and no scabs remain, it’s advisable to begin scar treatment with silicone gels or creams, since moistened skin makes scars less visible.
As part of an effective scar management plan, it is recommended to maintain a clean environment while not picking at or irritating scars. Furthermore, massage may help soften and smooth tissue to minimize scars over time.
Silicone Gels
Silicone gels are an effective treatment for scar reduction. They work to decrease water loss from the skin while simultaneously stopping its overproduction of collagen that creates raised scars.
Silicone gel can be applied directly to scars for up to 12 hours daily or three months at a time, acting as protection and covering. Furthermore, this protective layer can cover tapes, medical devices or wound dressings from being seen.
Gel sheets can be found for various areas of the body, including abdomens and breasts. Easy to apply and comfortable for extended wear times, these gel sheets can easily be washed with mild soap before being reapplied after each use.
As is best practice when showering or exercising in public spaces such as swimming pools or gyms it should always be removed prior to these activities.
Massage can be an effective way of diminishing scars. However, it should only be undertaken once stitches have been removed or dissolve and skin has become dry and flexible – typically within three weeks after removal or dissolving of stitches or removal from wound site.
Creams
There are various creams, ointments, and sheets designed to assist in scar treatment. These products can help to either prevent scars from forming, keep them flat and soft over time or lighten existing scars.
Once the wound is fully closed and healed (no open areas, scabs or signs of inflammation), we suggest applying scar lotion or ointment three times daily for 10 minutes each time; at this point it’s also beneficial to start self-massage which will soften its impact.
Dr Moncrieff employs surgical techniques and advanced scar creams to minimise surgery scars, but genetic factors will ultimately decide how noticeable they are. Once they complete the remodelling phase – which typically lasts several weeks to years – scars will usually change from thick and red to flat, soft, textured skin tone over time.
Massage
Scars may feel tender and tender at first, but with regular massage therapy sessions they can gradually become less painful over time.
Use non-perfumed and soft lotions and oils, applying gentle pressure when massaging scars. Massage should occur two or three times each day for approximately 10 minutes.
Massage can be particularly useful during the proliferative stage, which lasts approximately two to four weeks and involves the gathering of fibroblast cells at the wound site and their subsequent depositing of large quantities of collagen to strengthen its healing.
According to Livestrong, massaging during this phase can reduce scarring by breaking up collagen fibers that make scars darker or more prominent; similar results will appear more gradually with mature scars.
What Are Some Common Scar Treatment Options After Surgery
What are the common scar treatment options after surgery? Here are some:
- Silicone products: Sheets and gels moisturize scars, usable under makeup and clothes.
- Prescription creams, ointments, gels: Treats injury-caused scars. For cosmetic scars, consult if over-the-counter helps; prescriptions might include steroids or antihistamines.
- Surgical removal or treatment: For deeper scars, options like grafts, excision, dermabrasion, or lasers. Skin grafts use tissue from elsewhere, aiding burns. Surgery fixes function-impairing scarring.
- Pressure therapy: Heals wounds with pressure, curbing scars, especially burns or keloids. Lessens color, hardness, size of raised scars. Six weeks’ use post-surgery prevents them. Moist dressing with pressure garment boosts results.
- Lasers and light treatments: Top for scar prevention, reducing raised scars and keloids. Additional treatments like corticosteroids enhance outcomes, injected into scars.
- Antibiotic ointments: Daily bacitracin use offers antimicrobial effects and wound moisture.
- Skin needling: Involves rolling a device with tiny needles to improve scars. Multiple treatments needed, results vary.
To conclude, scar treatment post-surgery includes silicone products, prescriptions, surgery, pressure therapy, lasers, antibiotics, and skin needling. Consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice.
How Long Does It Take for Scars to Heal After Surgery
The duration for scars to heal after surgery varies due to individual healing, surgery type, and scar location. A general timeline for scar healing after surgery is as follows:
Immediately after surgery, scar strength gradually increases, reaching maximum tension around 4-6 weeks.
Within the initial weeks after surgery, the scar enters the proliferative stage, assisted by fibroblasts (cells capable of rapid production) that aid in scar tissue growth.
During the first few months, the scar continues to heal, potentially appearing raised, red, or itchy. This is a common part of the healing process, with the scar gradually fading and flattening over time.
It may take 12-18 months for the scar to fully settle and mature after surgery. During this period, the scar’s color may become paler, and its texture smoother.
On average, it takes around two years for surgical scars to fade. However, it’s important to acknowledge that healing rates vary among individuals due to factors like age and skin characteristics.
It’s crucial to adhere to proper scar care practices and consult your healthcare provider for specific instructions on managing your scar post-surgery. This could involve maintaining cleanliness, guarding the scar from sunlight, and employing scar creams or silicone sheets to aid the healing process.
What Are Some Natural Remedies for Preventing Scarring After Surgery
Several natural remedies can help avert scarring post-surgery. Consider the following options:
- Coconut oil: Moisturize and stimulate collagen with liquid coconut oil. Gently massage onto the scar.
- Aloe vera: Promotes healing, apply aloe vera gel to the scar.
- Vitamin E: Aid scar tissue healing with Vitamin E lotion or oil, applied twice daily.
- Olive oil: Daily massage using extra virgin olive oil, leaving it overnight and rinsing in the morning.
- Cocoa butter: Smooth and soften scars using cocoa butter, a natural moisturizer.
- Lemon juice: Lighten scars with citric acid in lemon juice. Soak cotton ball, apply after cleansing, rinse when dry.
Note, natural remedies may not be universally effective. Consult healthcare provider for personalized post-surgery scar care instructions.
