Most surgery leaves scars. This scarring can be extensive, causing self-consciousness and embarrassment. There are many ways to minimize scars, sometimes making them unnoticeable to others. Since removing scars later is much harder, it is always better to spend time to prevent scarring after surgery than to try to fix it later.
Step 1
Find a good surgeon. The best way to prevent scarring is to find a good doctor who is experienced in minimizing scars.
Step 2
Move around carefully. Avoid stretching or putting tension on the wound while it is open and fragile. Pulling the skin around the scar will make it bigger. Adhesive tape applied after surgery helps prevent some of the pulling and tension that can cause extra scarring.
Step 3
Keep it moist. For the first few days, many doctors recommend using an antibiotic ointment to prevent bacterial infections and to hydrate the skin. Once the wound closes, use a petroleum ointment or a product specially formulated for scars three times a day to keep the area moist and reduce scarring.
Step 4
Avoid the sun. Ultraviolet (UV) rays add pigment to scars. This makes them darker and more noticeable. Apply sunscreen whenever exposing the skin to the sun to prevent the darkening.
Step 5
Massage the area. Using small circular motions, gently massage the skin around the scar. Only do this after the wound is closed, and do not pull on the scar. Only massage the area around it, far enough away that it's not pulling on the wound. This gentle massaging motion helps break up the scarring collagen, preventing lumpy scars.
Things You'll Need
- Adhesive tape
- Petroleum ointment
- Antibiotic cream
- Sunscreen
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