Having Surgery or Had An Injury? - Looking After Your Scar

Two weeks after surgery/injury your scar should be healing, but it can take from 6 weeks to 3 months before you're fully healed. There are some things you can do during the healing process to prevent an abnormal scar forming and improve the appearance of your scar.

1. Massaging - massaging your scar is an important part of your treatment regime. Remember to do a "dry massage" before applying any moisturiser or silicone gel (I recommend silicone gel, researchers found that silicone gel application resulted in a better-appearing scar 3 months after surgery, it has been tested to be effective and produce 86% reduction in texture, 84% in reduction of colour and 68% reduction in height of scars). It should be applied for 3-4 months twice daily to get the optimum results. Generally don't use silicone gel for longer since it can cause the skin to become irritated and breakdown from continually being moistened, if concerned like any product that we have a reaction too, stop using and consult your doctor.

2. Sun- Avoid too much sun exposure. Scar tissue is very sensitive, this makes it very easy for scars to get sunburnt and then you can get hyperpigmentation which is when the scar will become darker than the surrounding skin.

3. Temperature - Extremes of temperature can make itchy scars worse, particularly heat so avoid very hot baths or showers.

4. Cleanliness - Use a fresh clean face flannel and change it every day for the first couple of weeks and dab to dry the scar. Keeping the area super clean to avoid any infections this is super important. So once clean before you apply your creams or massage make sure hands and nails are washed, dried and clean.

It'll be alright - Everyone is worried and scared by surgery be it elective or medically required but with a little time, good sleep, good nutrition and some self care as above everything will be fine.

Please have a look at Kelo-cote Scar Treatment, it is a gold standard product used by healthcare professionals and they have a free downloadable booklet on caring for your scar. I hope you find this information of help and it gives you some peace of mind. X