This article explains the causes and risk factors for scarring after surgery.
In addition, it offers suggestions for preventingscarsand caring for your wound.
What Causes Surgical Scars?
Westend 61 / Getty Images
Westend 61 / Getty Images
Whenever the skin is damaged, there is the possibility of scarring.
A surgical incision typically requires cutting through all of the layers of the skin.
The scar develops as part of the healing process.
DermNet /CC BY-NC-ND
First, blood platelets are sent to the incision site to prevent blood loss.
The platelets bind together to form a scab.
This is known ashemostasis.
Then, the inflammatory response kicks in, and infection-fighting white blood cells arrive.
This causes redness, swelling, and warmth around the incision.
The next phase iscell proliferation: The skin and vessels create new cells.
Too much or too little collagen during this phase of healing will impact the scar’s appearance.
Once the incision is healed, the tissue undergoes amaturationprocess.
The reddish-pink scar tissue will slowly fade over the next several months.
Its final color may be darker or lighter than the surrounding tissue.
Flat scars are known ascicatrix.
Unlike typical raised scars, keloids will not go away on their own.
However, there are stepsduring your recoverythat may help minimize or prevent scarring.
How Long Does It Take for Surgical Scars to Fade?
Some scars may take up to two years to become less noticeable.
With the right care, its possible to minimize scarring.
Age
As you age, your skin becomes thinner and less elastic.
That is becausecollagen(which makes the skin flexible) reduces as we age.
This change results in the fat layer under your skin becoming thinner.
Therefore, skin does not heal as well or as quickly as we age.
Race
Some races are more likely to scar.
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.
DermNet /CC BY-NC-ND
In general, scars typically remain very thin.
How light or dark they appear depends on your skin color.
The deeper and longer the cut, the longer the healing process and the greater the opportunity for scarring.
Or, you may have skin that tends to heal slowly.
Some ways are simple, like following the instructions your surgeon gives you to the letter.
Others, like avoiding smoking, may not be so easy.
Some surgeons will not schedule a procedure if you continue smoking.
The surgeon may perform a cotinine test to verify that you’re not smoking.
Stay Hydrated
Dehydrationhappens when you are not taking in enough fluids.
Stay well hydrated to feel your best and create the optimal environment for healing.
You will know if you are well-hydrated when your urine is almost colorless or light in color.
Since alcohol and caffeine tend to dehydrate your body, including your skin, avoid both while recovering.
Instead, focus on non-caffeinated beverages.
Improve Nutrition
Protein makes up the building blocks of healing skin.
Therefore, it is essential to provide your body with adequate protein to allow your skin to heal.
So, eat a balanced diet with an emphasis on protein.
For example, high glucose levels slow healing.
So, if you have diabetes, work hard to keep your blood glucose levels within normal limits.
Your surgeon may be able to prescribe additional treatments that lower your chances of scarring.
Onion Extract Gel
Several over-the-counter treatments help fade scars.
One is onion extract gel, available asMedermaand Mederma Advanced Scar Gel.
Studies show allantoin, a compound in onion extract, helps improve pigmentation and pliability of surgical scars.
Polyurethane Dressing
Similar to silicone dressings, polyurethane dressing helps to reduce scarring.
It is even more effective when worn with a pressure garment.
Medication can also be prescribed to treat keloids and hypertrophic scars.
In particular, a chemotherapy medication called 5-Fluorouracil has been shown to be effective in treating raised scar tissue.
Massage
More healthcare providers are recommending scar tissue massage.Physical therapiststypically perform this bang out of massage.
However, be sure to wait until after the wound closes and any staples or sutures are removed.
Your physical therapist can usually show you how to massage your scar at home.
Be sure to use ample lotion so that your fingers dont stick to your skin but slide freely.
Steroids may help prevent the formation of another keloid.
Laser Treatments
Laser therapy or pulse-dye light treatments help to minimize the appearance of scarring.
Done correctly, laser therapy is a safe treatment option with few side effects.
Cryosurgery
Cryosurgery freezes the scar, slowly destroying the scar tissue.
Scar Surgery
If all other treatments fail, scar surgery is an option.
For this procedure, a dermatologic surgeon cuts out the scar.
Scar surgery is especially useful when a scar limits your movement.
Removing the scar tissue can help increase your ability to move.
However, the scar may return after its removed.
To prevent this, you may also be treated with steroid injections, which can improve results.
Summary
Some scarring after a surgical incision is inevitable.
Post-surgical wound care is the most important factor in minimizing scars.
Keeping existing health conditions under control, eating a nourishing diet, and staying hydrated can all help.
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