Whether from a major procedure or a minor scrape, scars appear when skin experiences trauma or incisions during surgery. The good news is there are effective and proven strategies for minimising the appearance of scars, and even in time, getting rid of them.
Scars are your body’s way of healing an open wound, tear or incision in the deeper layers of the skin or tissues. Certain factors beyond your control determine how your body will heal. We can’t change these factors, but understanding them provides an insight into the extent of scarring you may experience after your procedure:
Skin types: Your skin colour and tone is determined by your genetic predisposition to melanin (a chemical that provides pigmentation to the skin). This scale helps determine how your skin scars and heals.
Age: As we age, we lose the fat beneath our skin, as well as elastin and collagen. This causes skin to become less elastic, thinner and more delicate making it more susceptible to scarring.
The incision: The deeper and longer the incision, the more likely there will be scarring. A larger incision tends to be exposed to more stress due to the body’s movements, which can cause healing to slow down.
Lifestyle choices: Diet, sun exposure, smoking, and pollution, can impact your skin’s healing capabilities.
How your skin heals: Your genetics, medications and existing medical conditions can impact how slow or fast your skin heals.
When do scars look their worst?
For the first couple of weeks after surgery, a scar can appear red, angry and lumpy. Between approximately four and eight weeks, it can look wider and redder and, at times, worse than it looked initially. Scars often remain red for up to six months afterwards as they flatten out and start resembling the surrounding tissue’s colour and appearance. Over time, a scar can fade considerably, sometimes completely.
How to manage scarring post-surgery
While some scarring is inevitable, there are many different ways to minimise scarring after your procedure. Create a scar management regime for first-line therapy that suits your scar, skin type, and lifestyle.
Skin rejuvenation treatments: Dr Page will explain advanced scar management options offered by Assure Cosmetic Centre. Conducted by highly experienced dermal therapists using the very latest-technology equipment, skin is healed and rejuvenated with treatments including IPL (intense pulsed light), microdermabrasion, micro needling, chemical peels and LED therapy.
Applying pressure: Flattening your scarring helps prevent it from becoming raised and the most effective way to do this is by using pressure. Taping is an easy way to support the wound while applying gentle and continuous pressure to the area.
Rose Hip Oil: Massaging the scar with Rose Hip oil is a simple and soothing home remedy with real benefits. Containing vitamins A, C and E, antioxidants and essential fatty acids, Rose Hip is clinically proven to speed up the healing process. It is especially effective for surgical scars, stretch marks and pigmentation. Start massaging your scar two weeks after surgery when the sutures have been removed and the scabs have fallen off by themselves. Apply oil twice a day and gently massage the scar for as long as possible with some firmness.
Silicone Gel: Over-the-counter gels can help prevent abnormal scarring, reduce redness and soften and flatten raised scars. Apply daily for 12 weeks to treat both new and old scars. It is also soothing if your scar feels itchy or irritated.
09 August 2022
Written by Elizabeth Clarke