Scar Management After Plastic Surgery: Tips on How to Maintain the Best Results

Scar Management After Plastic Surgery: Tips on How to Maintain the Best Results Post Surgery

Undergoing plastic surgery can be an exciting and transformative experience. It offers both physical and emotional benefits. While scars are a natural part of the healing process, how they form, mature, and heal can be influenced by various factors, including the type of surgery, skin type, and most importantly, the care you provide during the recovery phase. With the right care, the appearance of scars can be minimized, leading to better aesthetic results.

Let’s explore effective scar management techniques, tips for taking care of your scars, and achieving the optimal cosmetic result. 

How do scars form? 

Scars form as part of the body’s natural healing process when the body undergoes any type of injury or cut. Your skin will go through a series of phases throughout the healing process. Let’s break those down below. 

Inflammatory phase: Immediately after surgery, the body starts to repair itself by forming a clot and initiating inflammation.

Proliferative phase: New tissue starts to form, and your collagen production will increase to help rebuild new and healthy appearing skin.

Maturation phase: The newly formed tissue will begin to mature, tightens, and strengthens. This can take several months up to a year. This is when you will notice that the scars will appear more defined and the color will start to fade. Optimally a scar is done healing from 6 months to a year. Make sure to give your scars the correct care to achieve the best cosmetic result. 

Even though scarring is a risk for any type of surgery or procedure, the severity and visibility can be minimized with a proactive approach and proper post-operative care.

Scar Management Tips

1. Listen to your Surgeon 

The most important step in scar management is to follow the post operative instructions provided to you prior to your surgery. Your surgeon will give you a step by step guide on scar care and how to prevent post surgery complications. One key note to remember is to keep the surgical site clean and dry during the first two weeks of healing. This will help keep the area from infection and promote optimal healing. We recommend cleaning the area with an antibacterial soap such as Dove or Dial. 

2. Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize!

Keeping the wound hydrated helps to promote faster healing. Once the incision site has healed sufficiently, applying a gentle, non-comedogenic moisturizer or an ointment with ingredients like vitamin E or silicone can be beneficial.

3. Wear that SPF!

UV rays can cause scars to become darker and more prominent. Always apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to the scar before going outside. This will help protect the healing tissue from pigmentation changes, as new skin is forming. Stay away from tanning beds! The UV lights will cause more damage to the scars as the UV is stronger and is in more direct contact with the skin. It’s also a good idea to wear protective clothing or bandages over the scar if you're going to be in the sun for prolonged periods. 

4. Scar Massage

Once your surgeon gives you the go-ahead, gentle scar massage can help to break down the collagen fibers that form the scar tissue. Clockwise and counterclockwise massage can be performed on scars multiple times a day for 15 minutes. This will help the scar to become flatter and less noticeable over time. Using oils or creams during the massage can increase hydration and make it easier to manipulate the skin. 

5. Avoid Nicotine

Smoking, vaping, and THC use can interfere with the body’s healing process as it reduces blood flow and can lead to delayed wound healing, increased scarring, and a higher risk of complications. For the best healing, try to avoid smoking. 

6. Stay Hydrated and Eat a Balanced Diet

Nutrition and water intake plays a significant role in how your body heals. A well-balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals (vitamin C, zinc, and protein) can increase collagen production and skin repair. Staying hydrated is equally important, as it supports overall skin health.

7. Topical Scar Treatments

Many stores now offer over-the-counter scar treatments, such as silicone gel sheets, scar creams, and vitamin E oils. While these can be effective, research has shown that silicone-based products are among the most effective.

Some people may choose to use remedies like aloe vera, honey, or coconut oil for scar healing, although these are less scientifically supported than medical-grade treatments. Be cautious when trying any new product, and always consult your surgeon to ensure it won’t interfere with your recovery process.

8. Patience is Key!

Scars take time to fully heal. Even though it may look very prominent and unsightly immediately after surgery, the appearance of scars continues to improve over the next few months. It's important to be patient and follow the guideline given to you prior to your surgery.

It can take anywhere from six months to a year for a scar to completely heal and maintain its final form. During this time you will start to notice it fading in color and becoming less visible. Some scars may continue to change over the course of a few years before they settle into their final appearance.

When to call your Surgeon 

 Redness that starts to increase and spread outside the initial incision line, warmth or heat palpable to touch, discharge, an odd odor, hypertrophic appearance (thickening of the skin), or significant pain, call your surgeon immediately. Early intervention can help prevent complications and improve the final appearance of your scar.

What have we learned? 

Scarring is a natural occurrence post procedures and surgical intervention. While it can be a concern of many, the good news is that if cared for properly, you can minimize the visibility and enhance the outcome of a well healed scar. By following your surgeon’s instructions, staying consistent with scar treatment, and being patient throughout the healing process, you can achieve the best possible outcome and enjoy the results of your surgery without the distraction of unsightly scars.

Remember, everyone heals differently and no scar is the same, scar management is a gradual process. With the proper care, you’ll be on your way to achieving the optimal cosmetic result!  If in doubt, discuss your scar healing and treatment with your board-certified plastic surgeon.