Scar care for improved comfort and appearance after healing

After a surgery or an injury, caring for the newly healed wound can minimize the appearance of a resulting scar. Once the incision or wound area has healed to the point that new skin has formed and has a pink appearance, you can begin scar care. 

“We commonly get calls from pediatricians and families about reducing the impact of a scar, and there are things you can do at home that will help no matter where the scar is or what it’s from,” said Edward Buchanan, MD, chief surgical officer at Texas Children’s Hospital North Austin Campus and pediatric plastic surgeon. 

Step 1: silicone

Several over-the-counter products are available to improve the appearance of a scar. Dr. Buchanan recommends choosing one that is silicone based, whether it comes as a gel or a sheet that can lay over the area of the scar. Silicone-based scar care products encourage healthy skin around the scar and protect the delicate new skin from further damage. 

“All types of scars can benefit from the application of a silicone product,” said Dr. Buchanan.

Step 2: massage

Scars can become raised due to difficult in healing. Massaging the scar and the area around it helps the body to remove any extra fluid or inflammation at the original wound site so that new skin cells can continue to repair the area of injury. 

“Once or twice a day while you're watching TV or sitting around, massage the area of the scar in a circular motion — right where you can feel the firm scar tissue underneath your finger,” said Dr. Buchanan. 

Step 3: sun protection

Once the wound has healed and pink skin is visible in the area of injury or incision, blocking that area from the sun will make the scar less visible as it matures. Sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or greater can be used right over the scar and should be reapplied throughout the day. 

“If the scar burns during the maturation process, it'll change its eventual color so that  once it's mature, it won't look like your natural skin, it'll have a different color that makes it more noticeable,” said Dr. Buchanan. 

When to see a plastic surgeon about your scar

No matter the source of the scar, taking these three steps early on as the scar is healing can improve its appearance later on. 

Some scars, however, require advanced medical care to become less noticeable. Hypertrophic scars can be raised above the plane of the skin and can be itchy and a different color than the surrounding skin. Keloid scars are raised and appear to bubble over the area of initial incision or injury. In both of these cases, a plastic surgeon can intervene to improve their appearance. 

“If you're worried about a hypertrophic or a keloid scar, please come see your local plastic surgeon. Those are almost impossible to treat with just scar therapy,” said Dr. Buchanan. 

Using injections and/or prescription topical creams, even these scars can improve. For any scar, regardless of its source, early care will lead to the best outcomes for both comfort and appearance. 

Schedule an appointment with Texas Children’s Plastic Surgery by calling 832-822-3180.