Plastic surgery restores form and function through reconstructive procedures, cosmetic enhancements, and body contouring.
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The first six weeks constitute the primary healing phase, where the wound gains tensile strength. Although the skin is closed, the deep tissue is only held together by sutures. Patients must avoid any activity that puts tension across the scar.
During this time, the scar will likely look red and slightly raised. This is the normal inflammatory response. Patients must resist the urge to judge the result during this “ugly duckling” phase. Protection and patience are the mandates.
Suture removal is a delicate step. The surgeon removes the stitches carefully to avoid disrupting the wound edges. Once stitches are out, the wound is mechanically weak.
To compensate, “micropore” tape or Steri-Strips are often applied across the scar for several weeks. This tape acts as an external suture, offloading the tension from the healing skin. Keeping the scar taped can significantly reduce widening.
Once the wound is fully epithelialized (no scabs), silicone therapy begins. Silicone sheets or gels are the only clinically proven topical treatments to prevent hypertrophic scarring. They work by hydrating the stratum corneum and regulating fibroblast production.
Patients are instructed to wear silicone sheets for 12 to 24 hours a day for at least 3 to 6 months. This constant contact keeps the scar flat, soft, and pale. It is the most proactive step a patient can take to ensure a good result.
UV radiation is the greatest threat to a fresh scar. Sun exposure triggers melanocytes to deposit pigment in the inflamed tissue, leading to permanent hyperpigmentation (darkening). A dark scar is far more visible than a pale one.
Strict sun avoidance is mandatory for the first year. This means covering the scar with clothing, tape, or a hat. Sunscreen (SPF 50+) should be used, but physical blocking is superior. A scar protected from the sun will fade to near-invisibility.
Starting around 3 to 4 weeks, scar massage is recommended. Using firm circular pressure, the patient massages the scar for several minutes daily. This mechanical force helps to break up the disorganized collagen bundles and align them.
Massage also helps to desensitize the area and reduce the “tethering” of the scar to underlying tissues. It promotes softness and pliability, turning a firm ridge into soft skin.
Scar revision is often a multi-modal journey. 6 to 12 weeks after surgery, laser treatments may be initiated to refine the result. Vascular lasers (PDL) can treat persistent redness. Fractional lasers can blend the texture of the scar with the surrounding pores.
These “finishing touches” polish the surgical result. They are handy for smoothing the transition zone between the scar and normal skin, making the line more challenging to detect visually.
The body continues to remodel the scar for over a year. Adequate protein intake is essential for collagen synthesis. Vitamins A, C, and Zinc act as cofactors in tissue repair.
Hydration is critical for maintaining skin turgor and elasticity. Patients are encouraged to maintain a healthy diet and avoid inflammatory foods (e.g., excess sugar/alcohol) to support long-term maturation.
Patients should know that healing takes time. At three months, the scar may still look pink. By six months, it will start to fade. After 12 to 18 months, the scar usually becomes a thin, soft, white line.
Evaluating the success of a revision before the 1-year mark is premature. The body’s own remodeling capabilities are powerful, and the scar will continue to improve long after the surgeon has finished their work.
If a scar begins to thicken or raise (hypertrophy) during the healing process, early intervention is key. Steroid injections (Triamcinolone) can be injected directly into the scar to suppress the overactive healing response.
This “course correction” prevents a new hypertrophic scar from fully forming. Regular follow-up visits allow the surgeon to spot these signs early and treat them aggressively.
The final result of scar revision is often psychological as well as physical. Fading a traumatic scar can help fade the memory of the trauma. Patients frequently report a sense of closure and renewed confidence.
The goal is reached when the patient no longer thinks about the scar daily. It transitions from a defining feature to a minor background detail, allowing the patient to move forward without the visual baggage of the past.
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You can start using silicone gel or scar cream as soon as the wound is fully closed and any scabs have fallen off. This is usually around 2 to 3 weeks after surgery. Do not apply it to an open wound.
You should protect the scar from direct sunlight for at least one full year. The scar tissue is very sensitive and can turn permanently dark brown if exposed to UV rays while it is still maturing.
No, the scar will never disappear completely. It will become a thin, pale, soft line that is much harder to see, but a trace will always remain. The goal is improvement, not perfection.
If you notice the scar becoming raised, itchy, or firm, call your surgeon immediately. We can inject a small amount of steroid into the scar to calm it down and flatten it out before it grows too much.
You need to be careful. Even after the stitches are out, the wound is weak. Avoid heavy lifting or stretching the area for at least 4 to 6 weeks. If you pull the fresh scar, it will widen and become more visible.
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