Treatment FAQ

when to start scar treatment

by Karelle Fay Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Don't rush into scar treatment right after your injury. Take good care of your wound first and wait until the skin has completely healed (no scab) before starting to apply any topical products such as Mederma® Scar treatment.

How long after plastic surgery can I start Scar treatment?

Feb 24, 2022 · Home Remedies and Over-the-Counter Scar Treatments. Sunscreen. Wearing broad-spectrum sunscreen is the easiest and cheapest way to protect a scar and your skin in general, Ortiz says. This is important ... Petroleum jelly. This is helpful for newer scars that are still healing, and it can help the ...

When can I start Scar treatment after a tummy tuck?

Nov 24, 2017 · Starting scar treatment two weeks after the surgery is the best time to ensure you are getting satisfactory results after your plastic surgery. Make sure to discuss with your plastic surgeon the aspect of the incision as it is highly important to keep the incision site clean and cared for during the weeks following plastic surgery.

What are the treatment options for bad scarring?

Once the wound is fully sealed and the tapes are removed from surgery, you can begin to apply various skin creams and treatments to help the scar fade. A popular and commonly used treatment is silicone cream, which speeds up scar maturation, and …

When can I start using scar gel on my incisions?

Mar 25, 2011 · I generally start my patients on scar treatment at about 2-3 weeks after surgery. Once the incisions are fully closed, due to the risk of infection with a small skin opening. Traditionally silicone sheets were recommended, and many physicians still …

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When should I start treating my scars?

Scars don't go away completely, but you can do things to help your scar look and feel better. Talk with your dermatologist (skin doctor) before doing any of the things below. Most people can start doing them about 4 weeks after surgery.Feb 9, 2022

When should I start moisturizing my scars?

Keeping the skin moisturised once the initial wound has healed, after approximately 3 weeks, is the best method of preventing or reducing scars. Bath emollients and moisturisers can also help to restore the skin's smoothness and elasticity.

When should I start using silicone scar gel?

You can begin using silicone gel for your scar as soon as your wound is fully healed and there is no more bleeding or scabbing. Generally, it takes about 3 weeks for a wound to fully heal, but this can vary by patient.Apr 2, 2021

Is scar treatment necessary?

Depending on their size, type and location, your scars may look unsightly and may even make it difficult to move. Not all scars require treatment, and many fade away over time. If a scar is bothering you or causing pain, treatments can help.Mar 15, 2021

How do you tell if a scar is still healing?

Even after your wound looks closed and repaired, it's still healing. It might look pink and stretched or puckered. You may feel itching or tightness over the area. Your body continues to repair and strengthen the area.

Can massaging a scar make it worse?

If a patient massages their scar prematurely it could cause the wound to tear or reopen, risking an infection. It's therefore important to advise them to not begin massaging until the wound is fully healed.Oct 28, 2019

Can silicone sheets make scars worse?

Yes, it appears this is a safe treatment and the FDA even recommends silicone strips for the treatment and reduction of scars. There have been no reported side effects from using silicone strips because it is made of non-toxic, medical-grade silicone.Jun 2, 2020

Does silicone gel work on old scars?

Silicone can help reduce the appearance of new scars, though it may not improve the appearance of old scars. Doctors have used silicone sheeting for over 35 years , and silicone gel is also now in use. Evidence seems to suggest that these options are effective at reducing scars and improving their appearance.

Can you use silicone gel and sheets together?

As a general rule, silicone ointments should be applied to a scar 2 or 3 times daily for 8-12 weeks. Some silicone ointments don't dry quickly and may be sticky to the touch. One must also be careful not to get silicone on clothes or other fabrics like bed sheets, as they have the propensity to stain.Mar 12, 2021

What are the 3 types of scars?

Types of scarsNormal fine-line scars. A minor wound like a cut will usually heal to leave a raised line, which will gradually fade and flatten over time. ... Keloid scars. ... Hypertrophic scars. ... Pitted or sunken scars. ... Scar contractures.

Is scar tissue permanent?

Is Scar Tissue Permanent? Scar tissue is not a permanent fixture in the body. After it forms and heals, the scar must remodel. This adjustment is necessary so the new tissue can tolerate the stress and forces that the body typically experiences in a day.Sep 6, 2021

Do scars grow with you?

Scars continue to mature and change for up to 12-18 months. During this time there will be pinkness in the wound. The final quality of the scar is determined by the wound itself, inherited skin healing qualities and how well the wound was cared for.

Why is scarring important in surgery?

Scar formation is a natural part of the healing process that allows our bodies to strengthen the wounded area by stimulating collagen production. Still, they can physically mar what was once smooth, beautiful skin.

Does scar massage help with scar tissue?

The British Skin Foundation explains that scar massage increases blood flow to the wounded area and promotes healing. In addition, it loosens the scar tissue’s attachment to surrounding tissue, giving the patient more flexibility and fewer negative symptoms. Together, these actions can flatten the appearance of more prominent scars and help to reduce the difference in pigmentation.

Types of Scars

There are several types of scars and different treatments depending on the type of scar and how mature the scar is.

Medical Reasons to Treat Scars

It’s perfectly normal to seek treatment for scars because you don’t like the way that they look. However, you may have some medical reasons for scar treatment:

What to Know Before Treatment

Before you embark on treatment for a scar, there are a few helpful things to know:

Home Remedies and Over-the-Counter Scar Treatments

You can try a few home remedies or over-the-counter treatments for scars.

Scar Treatments Provided by a Doctor

If over-the-counter treatments don’t help, or if the scar is particularly large or concerning, seek help from a doctor for your scar. Dermatologists and plastic surgeons have many treatment options nowadays, Hruza says. Your doctor will consider several factors to help steer treatment:

Do's and Don'ts of Shopping for Skin Care Products

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Tummy Tuck Surgery

A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty is a transformative body contouring procedure designed to tighten abdominal muscles and remove excess skin and fat that have not responded to diet and exercise alone.

Tummy Tuck Surgery & Scars

Scars from a tummy tuck surgery can vary in size depending on the extent of the procedure. Some patients have only a partial or mini-tummy tuck, so their scar may be smaller. Others may be getting the full, traditional tummy tuck and that typically requires an incision that is a bit longer and placed at the bikini line.

Tummy Tuck Results

To be honest, whether you start a couple of days or a few weeks after your tummy tuck surgery will have minor differences on the final outcome of your scar. For the first few days following the surgery, you will be instructed by your plastic surgeon to keep your incision site clean in order to avoid infection.

Recovery

Once your incision site is fully healed and the scar has matured, you can fully enjoy your new body transformation. Like mentioned, due to the low positioning of the incision site by your plastic surgeon, you will very likely be able to hide any visible scar with clothing or a bikini.

Why does it take so long for a wound to heal?

When the wound has stopped itching or being painful. If the wound from your accident was deep, the damage is likely to be also extensive. The healing process is a very intricate one. As a result, it may take longer for your body to completely close and heal the wound.

What happens if you cut yourself in a car accident?

If you have been involved in a serious car accident, cut yourself deep by a sharp object, burnt yourself or seriously grazed yourself on a rough surface, you will likely end up with some level of skin damage. With or without using any medication, the body starts to repair and heal itself moments later . The end result is a scar.

Can you use scar cream on Amazon?

You may be eager to see your skin return to normal but it is crucial to wait until the scar is totally healed in order to use a scar removing cream. This scar cream on Amazon is very effective at alleviating the appearance of scars. But in order for you to realize good results, they must be used at the right time.

Can scar removal cream cause infection?

This is likely to end up as an infection. By using scar removal cream before your wound stops itching or feeling painful you not only risk having an even larger scar but you’ll also place your life at risk.

Is it ok to use scar removal cream?

The wound may have stopped hurting and you also don’t feel itchy. But when you look at it and notice that it’s still swollen, then it’s not the best time to use scar removal cream. Having a swollen wound means that the body isn’t yet done with the repair and healing process.

Can scars be hidden?

If you’re lucky, you’ll have a scar that is barely visible and one that can easily be hidden. Unfortunately, others may end up with scars that remain quite conspicuous after their incident. This may cause you to feel cautious when the area is exposed.

Can you put lotion on a scab?

It is, therefore, a good idea to wait until the scab has completely peeled itself and when the wound is totally closed for you to apply any lotion, makeup, petroleum jelly or Scar removal cream.

What causes scarring?

During the body’s natural healing process, scarring can result when your skin injury goes deeper than the first layer of skin. As your body heals an injury, a new skin layer is formed to repair the tissue damage.

What is the best treatment for scar removal?

Since not all scars are the same, it is important to see your healthcare provider or a dermatologist before starting any type of scar removal treatment. A provider will be able to diagnose the type of scar you have. They can also rule out any evidence of skin cancer or other skin conditions.

The bottom line

Although a scar is usually permanent, you may be able to minimize the appearance of even the largest and most complex scars. Available treatment options may include a combination of over-the-counter products, injections, cryotherapy, laser treatments, or surgery.

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