Welcome to Scar Care 101. Understanding the intricacies of scar care is crucial for optimal healing, so we sat down with Nurse Melisa to talk about scar reduction, healing, and aftercare, and walked through some of the most common questions we get about scarring at FORM Face + Body.
Surgical scars are a natural part of the healing process after any operation. While they serve as a reminder of the medical journey you’ve been through, proper care and management can significantly improve the way they heal and your overall comfort along the journey..
How do scars heal?
Let’s understand the basics of scar healing so you can understand what’s going on underneath the skin’s surface. Surgical scars form as part of your body’s natural healing response to an incision made during surgery. The healing process typically involves several stages:
- Inflammation: Immediately after surgery, the area around the incision becomes puffy and inflamed. You’ll typically notice redness, swelling, warmth, and some pain as the body’s healing process kicks in.
- Proliferation: In the following days and weeks, new tissue begins to form at the site of the future scar. Specialized cells called fibroblasts kickstart collagen production. Collagen is the main structural protein in connective tissues and is essential in rebuilding the injured area.
- Remodeling: This final stage can last for months or even years depending on the size, type, and area of the healing. Newly formed tissue is reshaped and strengthened over time, with collagen fibers reorganizing to improve the scar’s strength and flexibility. Don’t judge a scar too quickly! Patients are often amazed to see how much their scars improve months or even years following surgery.
What are the different types of scars?
Not all scars are created equal. Each one is as unique as a snowflake, shaped by time, the unique properties of your skin and your body’s healing processes. The appearance and characteristics of your scar can vary depending on several factors:
- Normal or flat scars: This is the most common scar type. These appear as flat, pale marks that blend with the surrounding skin over time.
- Hypertrophic scars: These scars are raised above the skin and typically look red or pink in color, but remain within the boundaries of the original wound.
- Keloid scars: These are similar to hypertrophic scars in that they’re raised up off of the skin, but they extend beyond the original wound boundaries. This scar type is more common in people with darker skin tones.
- Atrophic scars: These appear as sunken, lowered or pitted areas due to the loss of underlying tissue at the scar site.
- Contracture scars: Often resulting from burns, these scars can tighten the skin in the scar site, potentially limiting movement.
What influences the way my surgical scar heals?
Several factors can influence how your surgical scar heals:
- Type and location of surgery
- Surgeon’s technique and skill
- Your age and overall health
- Genetics
- Skin type and colour
- Post-operative care
How can I prepare for surgery to ensure optimal healing of my future scars?
While there’s not much you can do specifically to prevent scarring before surgery, maintaining good overall health can support optimal healing.
Here are ways you can help your scars heal smoothly and effectively:
- Nutrition: Consume a balanced diet rich in protein, vitamins and minerals to support your body’s healing processes.
- Hydration: Drink plenty of water to maintain good skin health.
- Avoid smoking, nicotine, and excessive alcohol consumption: Both can negatively impact wound healing.
- Stress management: High stress levels can impair healing, so find effective ways to relax, seek support, and destress during recovery.
- Follow all pre-operative instructions from your healthcare team
What can I do after surgery to help scars heal effectively?
The first 48 hours after surgery are crucial for proper scar formation. To make sure your scars heal effectively:
- Keep the wound cleaned and protected as instructed by your surgeon after surgery. We fully equip patients with comprehensive guidance, so you’ll be well informed to care for yourself and ensure maximal healing.
- If recommended, you may need to temporarily wear post-surgical compression garments, especially for larger incisions.
- Follow all post-operative instructions carefully, including any restrictions on movement or activity. It can feel discouraging to have to wait to exercise or move your body, but you can enjoy more gentle activities until you’re healed and able to fully enjoy your beautiful results!
What does long-term scar care look like?
After the initial healing period (this varies, but in general is at least two weeks) you can start more active scar care:
- Gentle Cleansing: Once your FORM provider gives the go-ahead, clean the area with mild soap and water.
- Moisturizing and Massaging: Apply recommended moisturizers like Vaseline, polysporin ointment, or Aquaphor. Gently massage the scar in circular motions. This can help decrease sensitivity and improve appearance by promoting collagen remodeling.
- Sun Protection: This is incredibly important! UV radiation can darken scars, making them more noticeable. Always apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to your scar when it might be exposed to the sun.
- Silicone-based Products: Once the scar has fully healed, consider using silicone-based moisturizers or silicone sheets. These can help keep the scar hydrated and may reduce scar thickness.
What products and treatments can help improve the appearance of my scars?
While many over-the-counter products claim to improve scar appearance, beware of false claims. it’s best to stick with those recommended by healthcare professionals:
- Vaseline, Polysporin ointment, or Aquaphor: These products keep the scar moisturized and can be used for massage.
- CytoDerma: This silicone-based product can be used once the scar has fully healed.
- Silicone sheets/tapes: These can help flatten and fade scars over time.
For more troublesome scars, ask the FORM team for recommendations. Depending on your situation, we may suggest:
- Steroid or plasma injections
- Laser therapy
- Microneedling
- Scar revision surgery
- Scar tattooing (medical tattooing to camouflage the scar)
Avoid these common scar care mistakes!
Use Nurse Melisa’s advice to avoid these common pitfalls in your scar care routine:
- Neglecting massage: Regular, gentle massage is crucial for preventing your incisions from becoming hard and inflexible. This might be uncomfortable at first or feel like a hassle once you’re healing, but it’s worth it.
- Sun exposure without protection: This can lead to permanent darkening of the scar. Even if you believe your scar has healed, the skin on your scar is a different texture than the surrounding skin and more susceptible to pesky UV rays.
- Applying vitamin E directly to the scar: Contrary to popular belief, this isn’t recommended as it can thin the skin and impact the scar’s healing and appearance.
- Using hydrocortisone for itching: While it may provide temporary relief, using hydrocortisone to ease an itch can also impair healing.
Good things take time
Remember, scar healing is a gradual process that can take months to years. Be patient and consistent with your scar management techniques. Don’t be discouraged by initial results – improvement often happens slowly over time and the final results can last a lifetime.
Surgical healing safety
While most surgical scars heal without complications, contact your healthcare provider if you notice:
- Signs of infection (increased redness, warmth, swelling, or discharge)
- The scar becoming increasingly painful or itchy
- Reopening of the wound
- Excessive scarring or keloid formation
We’re here to support your surgical healing journey
Choosing a skilled, experienced surgeon can help ensure your scars heal effectively with an optimal outcome. With proper care, patience, and time, many scars will fade and flatten, becoming a less noticeable part of your skin’s landscape. Always consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice on scar management, and don’t hesitate to reach out to the FORM Face + Body team if you have concerns about your healing process.
Ready to book your surgery? Contact us to book your consultation today.
