Scarring is a natural part of the healing process of the body after surgery or injury. Scars are areas of fibrous tissue that replace normal skin or other tissue in the incision area(s) or by tears in the dermis (the thick layer of living tissue below the epidermis which forms the true skin).
Scar information
No two scars are the same
Each person’s scars heal differently
Surgical approaches may change the look of scars
Your scar may be reddened at first and may settle down to become paler in colour and smoother
It will take up to 12-18 months after your surgery/injury for your scar to settle fully
Scars will change in appearance but will never completely 'go away'
Signs of infection
You should always watch for signs of infection from the surgical site that can indicate a systemic infection including:
Warmth
Redness, itchy and/or pain
Odour
Drainage or discharge
It is excessively swollen
You have a fever
If any of these signs are present or you are concerned about your scar and its appearance, seek medical advice immediately.
Scar care
Make sure to:
Pat dry your scar after a bath or shower
Use a mild body wash and avoid using scented bathing products such as shower gels or soaps
If your medical professional approves, use a perfume-free and dermatologically tested moisturizing cream such as E45 dermatological cream or aqueous cream that does not contain Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) to moisturize the skin surrounding your scar twice a day (Note - it is believed that Sodium Lauryl Sulphate causes damage to the skin barrier)
Wear loose, comfortable clothing around your scar to avoid rubbing against the scar or friction which may irritate it
Avoid picking or scratching your scar
What can I expect?
As you begin to heal, you may experience the following:
Scars can go through a phase of becoming pinker or slightly red in colour
On occasion, your scars may itch or tingle
You may experience a little numbness in the area of the scar and in some instances, it may be permanent
What can I do to help heal my scar?
You can assist in the healing process by doing the following:
Eating foods high in Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) and Vitamin C supplements which are required for the synthesis of collagen and elastin formation. Vitamin C is widely known to assist in speeding up the healing process and minimizes raised scar formation. It is also a highly effective antioxidant and protects your cells from damage by free radicals.
Eat a healthy and well-balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, proteins, and green leafy vegetables. Eliminate processed foods and start 'clean eating' (real foods that are abundant in nutritional benefits).
Make water your drink of choice.
Avoid smoking - smoking (including 1st and 2nd hand smoking) delays the formation of healing tissue and causes a higher risk of postoperative complications. It also sets the stage for increased scarring at the edges of a wound.
Use scar creams - research in scar reductions has shown that certain ingredients such as Vitamin E oil, allantoin, and (ironically) silicone are effective ingredients that aid in reducing the appearance of scars. The silicone that we are trying to avoid ironically also works to flatten and fade scars by hydrating the tissue according to medical research.
Other ingredients, such as salicylic acid or retinol, can help fade existing scars by exfoliating dead skin cells and speeding up cell turnover.
The way our scars heal, and their general appearance, depends on the extent of the incisions, the location of the incisions, including personal individual factors such as your age and genes.
Protect your scars (no sun)
Scars are sensitive to sunlight, highly vulnerable to UV, and are prone to burn easily which leads to hyper-pigmentation and darkening. Protect your incisions/scars from sunlight (including tanning beds) for a minimum of 1-year post-surgery (preferably 18 months).
All posts are intended strictly for educational purposes. It is not intended to make any representations or warranties about the outcome of any procedure. It is not a substitute for a thorough in-person consultation with a medical professional. If you have questions about your personal medical situation, please call your healthcare provider.
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