Postoperative scars and treatment
It is common for scars to fully mature for up to a year after any surgical procedure or trauma to the area. While these incisions are healing, there are a few things that may help to ameliorate your incision/scar. The most proven (as well as cheapest) modality is simple scar massage. Applying pressure and massaging the well-healed scar has been shown to improve the appearance as it breaks up the scar tissue, hopefully producing the finest scar as possible. Other things that have been shown to add some benefit, albeit controversial, are silicone sheets, hydration, and topical steroids. In addition, avoidance of direct sunlight to the incision will significantly help the appearance as they tend to discolor with UV light during the healing process. Typically, scar treatment may begin once completely healed and on average ~6-12 weeks postoperatively.
If unsightly scars are still present after approximately a year’s time, other things that your surgeon may consider are intralesional steroid injections, laser, or just surgical revision of the scar itself. Depending on the time from the procedure, some of these modalities or laser therapy may help. However, scar revision may certainly be entertained, which could be performed at the same time as any revisionary procedure, if you are unhappy with the result.
Visit our office for options and a full line of scar treatment products that have been shown to make great improvement with the appearance of incisions.