Treating Scars After Plastic Surgery
Scars are a normal part of healing after surgery. Anytime a surgeon makes an incision, a scar will inevitably form as a result. While they will fade over time, scars are typically permanent. Although plastic surgeons are skilled at placing incisions to make them as inconspicuous as possible, as a patient, there are also steps you can take to support good healing and improve the final appearance of your scar.
A scar will continue to mature for 12 to 24 months after surgery, and sometimes even longer. During this period, there are several strategies that can improve the final outcome. These include scar massage, sun protection, silicone-based products, and in some cases, laser therapy.
Ways To Improve The Appearance of Scars After Plastic Surgery
Scar Massage
Scar tissue does not form overnight. It goes through several stages of healing. Scars tend to look their most prominent around three weeks after surgery. At this time they tend to appear very red, raised, and lumpy. This can be concerning for patients, but it is a completely normal part of the process. This stage is actually the ideal time to begin scar massage, provided the incision has fully closed.
Massage should be done in both circular and linear motions over the length of the scar. Aim for about two minutes per day, every day, and continue daily for the first year after surgery. Regular massage helps improve circulation in the area, breaks down excess collagen that can lead to raised scars, and supports flatter, smoother skin. This supports optimal scar healing. Over time the scar will be much thinner and flatter, and it will be a lighter colour.
Sun Protection
New scars are very sensitive to sunlight, and ultraviolet (UV) rays in particular. Fresh scars are always red, and this redness can last anywhere from six months to a year. Sunlight can cause the scar to appear redder and delay the time it takes to fade. UV rays can even pass through light clothing and worsen the appearance of the scar. In warm climates, if you’re wearing a t-shirt, for example, the fabric may not provide full protection. In these cases, it’s best to apply sunscreen directly to the scar, even when it’s covered. Keep applying sunscreen consistently for nine months after surgery to help the scar fade more evenly over time.
Silicone Gels and Sheets
Silicone remains one of the most reliable and well-studied treatments for scar management. It has been used for more than three decades and is often recommended as a first-line option. Clinical studies show that silicone helps reduce redness, flatten raised scars, and improve overall texture and softness.
Today, silicone gel is preferred by many patients due to its ease of use. It can be applied directly to the scar in a thin layer and is suitable for twice-daily use at home. Treatment usually begins two to three weeks after surgery, once the wound has healed. Continued use over 6 months provides the best results.
In addition to gels, silicone sheets can also be used. These flexible adhesive sheets cover the scar and are especially useful for larger or more prominent areas. Some patients alternate between gel and sheet depending on convenience. Some newer products combine silicone with sunscreen, offering both protection and scar treatment in a single application.
CO2 Laser Therapy
For patients with more noticeable scarring or those seeking further improvement, CO2 laser therapy can be an excellent option. This treatment uses targeted light energy to create microscopic channels in the skin, which trigger the body’s natural healing response. The laser stimulates collagen and elastin production, helping to smooth, tighten, and remodel the scar.
Fractional CO2 lasers only treat a fraction of the skin’s surface at a time, leaving surrounding tissue intact. This approach shortens healing time and lowers the risk of complications. The treatment is customised to each patient, depending on the age, thickness, and location of the scar.
Laser therapy typically begins six to twelve weeks after surgery, once the incision has fully healed. Early intervention can help influence how the scar forms, but older scars can also respond well. Most patients require one to three sessions, spaced several weeks apart. Each session helps flatten raised areas, reduce discolouration, and improve skin texture. Results continue to evolve for several months after the final treatment as collagen production continues.
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