Scar Care and when to start
Updated: Nov 1
One of the most common questions is "How do I get the best-looking scar?"
First thing first, You must wait until your wound is completely healed before you can start using any topical scar products (especially those silicone sheets). If your wound is still draining or scabbed over, be patient and wait a bit longer for your wounds to fully close. Superficial stitches would be out by this time as well and deeper stitches may still be dissolving. The reason we need to wait is that adding too much moisture to a new incision may cause it to open up which is a major complication.
While you wait for your incision to heal; being active will help you recover quicker. You may not be overly motivated to do very much but every little bit helps. Wounds need good fresh blood circulating and toxins to be removed. Activating your lymphatic system is a great way to improve healing. Move a little more each day. Do what you can without causing too much pain. Deep breathing and gentle walking are ideal in the first 1-2 weeks after surgery.
Make sure to follow your surgeon's recommendations. Certain restrictions may have been advised by your direct care providers. Do your very best to follow those recommendations. For some procedures, they may limit weight lifting, turning and twisting activities as well as any weight-bearing restrictions. It all really depends on the type of procedure you had and your surgeon's preferences. Need support check out the resources below.
Fluid buildup can cause discomfort, tension and excessive pressure to your fragile new incision. Gentle lymphatic massage can be very therapeutic. It can encourage and support the lymphatic system to flow draining excess fluid through the cardiovascular and urinary systems. You should absolutely find a local care provider like a Physical Therapist or Massage Therapist certified in Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) or a Certified Lymphatic Therapist (CLT).
After the scabs are off roughly 2 weeks after surgery you can begin scar massage. Scar massage can greatly benefit the appearance of the scar and also helps prevent adhesions from forming. It is also fairly gentle during the initial healing process and progressively gets more aggressive after the wound is fully healed. Always work with clean hands. Working the entire length of the scar in all directions. The more consistent you are with your daily scar massage the better results.
All scars will go through changes and will fade over time. The best way to know how you will heal is to look at how your skin healed from your past injuries. Scars may take a year to fully fade. Luckily nowadays there are more options available to camouflage scars if you do not like the end result like lasers and medical tattoo camouflage
One oils my folks have had good results with is Omeza Oil which is made from essential fatty acids designed to help strengthen skin and improve pigmentation. The lidocaine pain and itch relief oil option is a great choice with the added benefit of addressing that itchy new incision feeling as well as any residual pain. https://medicalmonks.com/product/omeza-lidocaine-lavage/ Use code BETTERMONKS for 10% off
Silicone sheets are another great option if you tend to heal with raised scars with hypertrophic or keloid scars. If you need input on an open area, send a picture through the HELP button or check the resource for a scar care home program