Surgical scars are much like any other scar that develops on the body. The only real difference is the uniformity of the wound from a surgical procedure. But like any other cut or sore, the process of healing causes collagen to accumulate within the incision site. This often affects the thickness and elevation of scar tissue. At the same time, new blood vessels form within the healed tissue, causing the incision site to redden. Eventually, the scar tissue may flatten and lighten, but still remain somewhat visible. Different products and procedure are available to further reduce the appearance of a surgical scar. However, the type of scarring, the tension of the skin and your genetics can influence the type of treatment used to improve the scar.
Step 1
Apply a silicone-based scar cream along the surgical site. Silicone is known to flatten scar tissue with the rest of your skin, explains the American Academy of Dermatology. When used each day, it can make surgical scars less noticeable. Silicone can also be administered in gels, bandages and sheeting.
Step 2
Flatten surgical scars with corticosteroid. Injecting cortisone or other steroidal drugs into the incision site can soften scar tissue by inhibiting collagen production. This can cause raised scars to shrink and flatten with the rest of your skin.
Step 3
Remodel raised surgical scars with dermabrasion. In dermabrasion, a device removes the surface tissue along the surgical site, helping to reshape the contour of the scar and encourage the growth of new skin. Depending on the severity of your scarring, more than one treatment may be necessary to improve the surgical scar.
Step 4
Minimize surgical scars with a chemical peel. Like dermabrasion, the surface layer of the incision site is removed during the procedure. However, this time an acidic agent burns away the surface scar tissue, stimulating the production of new skin cells that are more even in color and texture with the rest of your skin.
Step 5
Fill surgical depressions with a cosmetic filler. If the surgical site sinks down as the area heals, injections of hyaluronic acid, collagen or fat can elevate the scar tissue level with the surrounding skin.
Step 6
Undergo another surgery to diminish scar tissue. According to the Society of Plastic Surgeons, doctors can surgically remove the scar tissue that's formed after a prior surgical procedure. Once the tissue is removed, the area is suture or fitted with a graft to minimize scarring.
Tips and Warnings
- Treatments are often combined to improve the overall effects of scar revision. Your dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon can help you determine which treatments will best serve your scar.
References
- American Academy of Dermatology: What is a Scar?
- American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery: Types of Scars and How to Minimize Their Visibility
- National Institutes of Health: Scars
- American Society for Dermatologic Surgery: Dermabrasion Information
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons: Scar Revision
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