5 Tips To Help Minimize Surgery Scars and Speed Up Healing

Everyone knows that going in for surgery can be a nerve-wracking experience, especially if the procedure requires many incisions which could cause visible scarring or cosmetic changes to one's body. But did you know that there are preventative measures you can take to help minimize any potential scars and even speed up the healing process? Here you will learn about making good decisions when caring for your scar following surgery. 

What Are Surgery Scars And How Do They Form?

Surgery scars are marks that are left on the skin after surgery. While every patient heals differently, surgery scars tend to form similarly. This typically includes hypertrophic scarring, where blood vessels that have been damaged during surgery remain widened resulting in darker and raised scars.

Over time, these hypertrophic scars can fade, sometimes becoming flat, although some will remain raised depending on individual healing characteristics. Once hypertrophic scars have begun to fade, they can be treated with therapeutic creams or other topical solutions to reduce their visibility and give them a better appearance. It's important to remember that all patients heal differently; however, everyone can take steps to ensure they are caring for their skin properly to minimize scarring. 

How Long Will It Take For My Surgery Scars To Fade Completely?

Surgery scars can be a constant reminder of your healing journey. But knowing approximately how long it will take for them to heal can provide some peace of mind. The time it takes for surgery scars to fade depends on various factors such as age and lifestyle habits. Generally speaking, however, it takes around 12 months for wounds to heal properly, and with an appropriate skin care regimen you may even see results in as little as 3-6 months. Ultimately, the amount of time it takes for your surgery scars to heal or even fade depends on a variety of circumstances. 

Tactics To Help Reduce Surgery Scars

Here are five tips that can help reduce the appearance of surgery scars and speed up your healing process.

Avoid Sunlight Exposure

To avoid keloid scars, it is important to protect fresh, healing surgical scars from the sun's ultraviolet rays. Exposure to the sun can delay healing and cause keloid scarring. If you must be in the sun, make sure to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.

Keep the Area Clean

It is also important to keep the wound area clean and dry during healing as dirt and moisture can interfere with the healing process. Follow the instructions given to you by your healthcare professional for the best results. 

Massage Your Scar

Massaging your scar can be an effective way to reduce the appearance of keloid scar and hypertrophic scars. It can also help to speed up wound healing. Massaging your scar with a circular motion for 5-10 minutes a day can help to break up any scar tissue that has formed as part of the natural healing process.

This massage technique can aid in helping the tissue form back into its normal state, leading to less noticeable scars. In addition, increased blood circulation stimulates the production of collagen which is essential for improving the structure of a scar for faster and better healing outcomes. Massage therapy should therefore be incorporated into any scar treatment plan for more successful results.

Apply Pressure

Applying pressure to your scar is another great way to reduce hypertrophic or keloid scarring and speed up healing. Pressure helps break up existing scar tissue and prevents it from forming in the first place. If you have darker skin, it can also prevent hypertrophic scarring caused by the deeper scars produced by acne. Make sure to follow a consistent application schedule – usually every day for several weeks or months – to ensure optimal results!

Use Luxury Scar Care Products 

Using products designed specifically to care for your scars can produce significant results. Applying oils or salves will keep your scar moisturized and improve its overall appearance and feel. ESTAS has an oil for scar cleansing and massaging, and a daily serum to brighten and nourish the area. Its Sleep Salve contains moisturizers and skin replenishers including Vitamin C, Vitamin E, silicone, and hyaluronic acid. 

See A Dermatologist Or Plastic Surgeon

For severe complications or side effects, consider seeing a dermatologist. Dermatologists can prescribe pressure dressings or other topical treatments such as retinoids that may help to speed up healing and solve skin scarring problems. However, with the right care and preventative measures, most scars will be minimal or will slowly fade away over time.

Final Thoughts

Implementing some or all of these tips following your surgery can help minimize the appearance of your surgery scars and speed up the healing process. Using a scar care routine like ESTAS for moisturizing, calming, brightening, and nourishing can quickly change the way your scar looks and feels.