How to Care for a Scar (and Reduce Its Appearance)
All surgeries, whether medical or cosmetic, have one thing in common: you will be cut, even if only a little. The cuts leave scars, which if you’re focused on maintaining your health or reaching a goal, may not mean much to you at the moment. However, if you’re worried about unsightly scarring from surgery, you have options before and after the procedure.
What is a scar, really?
You may be wondering why your body can’t just heal by growing back normal skin where the incision was made. This is a fair question. To understand what scars are, Dr. Jacob Hiavi , former president of the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery and the California Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, explained, “Scars are a natural part of the body’s healing and repair process. When the dermal layer of the skin is damaged (either by accidental trauma or deliberate/surgical incision), the body forms new collagen fibers to repair the damage.”
He said that the new scar tissue that forms usually has a completely different color, texture and quality than the tissue around it. The final appearance of your scar will depend on a number of factors, such as how much collagen your body produces, which is influenced not only by genetics, but also by age. Your physical health, your surgeon’s techniques, and your post-operative care will also determine what it will look like. In short, there is a lot going on here, but there are ways to influence these factors as well.
How to prepare the skin before surgery
Even before the big day, there are some steps you can take to make sure your skin is healthy and ready for cutting, stretching, stitching and other (safe) abuse.
“Make healthy lifestyle choices before your surgery, such as avoiding smoking, drinking plenty of water, and eating well,” said Dr. Kevin Duplechain , Triple Board Certified Surgeon in Lafayette, Louisiana. “Proper skin care before surgery, as well as with post-operative skin care, is essential to reduce the appearance of scars.”
Hayavi echoed these recommendations, adding that it’s also important to choose a reputable surgeon – as long as you have the choice. Of course, there are times when a patient has an unexpected operation or a health problem needs to be addressed immediately and locally. However, if you have time, you should research surgeons and never be afraid to ask them questions about their methods and recommendations. ( Here are some more tips for preparing for surgery, including questions you should ask.)
What can you expect from the appearance of your scar immediately?
Scars change over time as the incision heals and with your care. Hayavi said that on the first day, the scars would be very pink, with small scabs, similar to what you see after an accidental injury. Some surgeries require working deeper inside the body and, depending on the procedure, your scars may be supporting new tissue or other heavy objects. For example, a scar from an incision over an implant will look different and take longer to heal.
In the first week, the scars will be tender. Your surgeon will tell you how to clean the area and if you have absorbable stitches or stitches that need to be removed. You may also have Steri-Strips or Butterfly Bandages at the incision. These are thin dressings that can be used as a backup for absorbable sutures or even after your sutures are gone. Keep them until they fall off on their own and discuss best practices with your surgeon. Listen carefully to any instructions you receive, and if you don’t receive any instructions, ask. Proper postoperative care and removal of sutures is important not only for the appearance of the area, but also for your overall health and recovery.
“After a few weeks, your scars will still be pink, but are usually completely closed, allowing you to bathe more easily,” he said. “At this stage, you can also use make-up to cover. However, incisions should be handled delicately in the coming months, as any strain can increase the appearance of the scar.”
If your surgeon has recommended any postoperative supportive clothing, wear it. They can be uncomfortable, but they serve several purposes, from reducing swelling to helping loosened skin heal. For example, after a breast augmentation, you are asked to wear a front closure bra similar to a sports bra to prevent stress on the scars.
Hiavi and Duplechain were also adamant about avoiding the sun. UV rays and sun exposure can lengthen the time it takes for a scar to mature and can even permanently darken and discolor the tissue. For the first six months after surgery, use a bandage or opaque clothing to cover the area. Always use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher (in general, but especially now).
How to care for a scar after surgery
Duplechain warned that while there are plenty of “scar creams” on the market, you shouldn’t just load them into an Amazon cart and be done. Your surgeon should instruct you about caring for your scar with creams and moisturizers in about two weeks. Again, if they don’t, ask.
Do not use harsh skin care products or cosmetics until complete recovery. Duplechain even said that you should check all of your skin care ingredients with your doctor or nurse. Instead of investing in untested creams, he added, stick with “the only product proven to work in research”: silicone-based patches, strips or gels. Your surgeon can probably give you some, and you can also find them without a prescription .
“Unlike creams, these products physically support the scar by holding the two sides of the incision together to help you achieve an almost invisible scar,” he said. “Silicone has been shown to inhibit scar formation by slowing down the activity of fibroblasts (cells that produce collagen and scars).”
He also suggested lymphatic drainage massage, which has been shown to speed up healing by improving blood flow to the area and taking into account how you move your body. Stretching or straining at the incision site can increase pressure there, widening the scar. In other words, take it easy.
Can anything be done about the appearance of the scar once it has healed?
The appearance of old scars can also be improved with certain treatments. Duplechain said: “While scars cannot be completely removed, they can be improved to appear narrower, smoother, softer and generally less noticeable. I would recommend a thorough consultation with your doctor to find the most appropriate treatment or procedure for your case based on the size, color, thickness and location of your scar.”
Here are a few treatments you can consider to reduce the appearance of scar tissue:
- Steroid injections
- Radiation therapy
- Dermabrasion and microdermabrasion
- laser resurfacing
- Filler injections
- Microneedling
- Cryosurgery
- Revision scar surgery, including skin removal or grafting.
Or just leave your scar the way it is – it’s part of your journey and maybe even gives you a chance to tell a story.