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Your Guide to Scar Healing After Surgery
Understanding and Caring for Scars
What is a Scar?
A scar is the body's natural way of healing and replacing skin that has been damaged by injury, surgery, burns, or certain skin conditions. When the deeper layer of skin (dermis) is damaged, your body forms new collagen Fibers to repair the damage, resulting in a scar.
How Do Scars Form?
The healing process occurs in three stages:
- Inflammatory Phase (0-3 days): Blood clotting and initial healing response
- Proliferative Phase (3 days-3 weeks): New tissue and blood vessels form
- Maturation Phase (3 weeks-2 years): Scar tissue strengthens and remodels.
Factors Affecting Scar Formation
You cannot control:
- Age (younger people heal faster but may scar more)
- Genetics and family history
- Skin type and ethnicity
- Location of the wound
- Size and depth of the injury
You can influence:
- Wound care and hygiene
- Sun protection
- Nutrition and hydration
- Following medical advice
- Not picking at scabs or wounds
Caring for Your Scar
During Initial Healing (First 2-3 weeks):
- Keep the wound clean and dry. Avoid direct water for 1 week. Bathing only after covering the area.
- Follow your healthcare provider's dressing instructions.
- Avoid picking at scabs or stitches.
- Protect from sun exposure.
- Eat a healthy diet rich in protein and vitamins.
Once Healed (After 2-3 weeks):
- Massage the scar gently with moisturizer 2-3 times daily.
- Use sunscreen (SPF 30+,50+) on the scar when exposed to sun.
- Consider silicone gel sheets or gels if recommended.
- Stay hydrated and maintain good nutrition.
Scar Massage Technique
- Wash hands before application of scar crea,/ointment/gel.
- Apply light pressure with your fingertips.
- Massage in circular motions for 10 minutes
- Repeat 3 times daily.
- Start once the wound is completely healed.
Sun Protection is Critical
- Scars are more sensitive to UV damage.
- Sun exposure can cause permanent darkening.
- Use broad-spectrum sunscreen SPF 30 or 50+
- Reapply every 2 hours when outdoors.
- Consider protective clothing over large scars.
Realistic Expectations
- Scars are permanent, but their appearance often improves over time.
- Complete scar removal is rarely possible.
- Most scars continue to improve for 12-18 months.
- Some improvement may continue for up to 2 years.
- Early intervention often leads to better outcomes.
Emotional Aspects
It's normal to feel concerned about scarring.
Remember:
- Most scars improves significantly over time.
- Many effective treatments are available to minimize the scar.
- Scars tell the story of your body's remarkable healing ability.
Important Reminders
- Be patient - scar improvement takes time.
- Consistency with care routines is key.
- Every person heals differently.
- Early scar care can make a significant difference.
Scar Maturation:
It typically takes 6 to 18 months for a scar to reach its final appearance. During this time, the scar will gradually soften and fade, but some scars may never fully disappear.
Directions for use
1.MEBO SCAR OINTMENT
Clean the affected area, then apply the proper amount of MEBO Scar Ointment at 0.5mm thickness and massage 10-15 minutes with pulp or palm twice a day for at least 3 months.
You can buy it from Pharmacy or order online also :
2.CONTRACTUBEX GEL
Contractubex Gel should be gently massaged 2 to 3 times daily for at least 3 months.
Start at the center and work towards the edges, massaging the gel gently into the scar.
Continue with a small, circular motion until Contractubex Gel is completely absorbed.
You can buy it from Pharmacy or order online also :
1.https://www.amazon.ae/Contractubex-Merz-Gel-Treatment-Scars/dp/B00AJHD13W
3.SILICONE GEL/SHEET
How do I apply silicone gel/sheet?
A. SILICONE GEL
- Ensure that the affected area is clean and dry.
- Wipe off any excess cream if you have been using cream to massage.
- Apply a very thin layer of gel, gently wiping over the scar twice to spread it evenly.
- Allow to dry for 5 minutes before putting on clothes or pressure garments.
- Once dry, you can apply cosmetics or sunblock on top of the gel.
- If it takes longer than 4-5 minutes to dry, you have used too much. Wipe off the excess and allow to dry.
You can buy it from Pharmacy or order online also :
https://www.amazon.ae/silicone-gel/s?k=silicone+gel
B. SILICONE SHEET
· The area must be clean and free of any creams.
· Skin must be washed every day.
· When first using silicone gel you must build up a tolerance by gradually increasing the time worn (see below).
· Silicone Gel sheet use on scars
Day 1 : 2 hours
Day 2 : 4 hours
Day 3 : 8 hours
Day 4 : Overnight
· If redness or itching occurs while building up tolerance, remove the gel immediately and leave until the symptoms have disappeared.
· Then begin again, increasing by one hour per day.
· If an allergic reaction occurs (e.g. redness, itching, swelling around the mouth/throat area), abandon treatment and contact the team.
· The gel sheet should be kept in place by bandaging.
· Use the same piece of silicone gel until it starts to deteriorate, then discard and use a new piece or finger sleeve.
· Do not fold the gel.
· When the gel sheet is not being used, place it back on the plastic film.
· Store at room temperature.
· After using it, wash gently in warm soapy water, rinse well and pat dry.
· The gel must be cleaned every day.
· The gel is usually worn every night for 3 to 6 months depending on your Dr’s advice.
· Pressure band over the silicone gel sheets for scar treatment is often useful.
You can buy it from shop or order online also :
You can buy it from Pharmacy or order online also :
4.SUNSCREEN
Sunscreen is critical for proper scar healing and preventing permanent discoloration. New scar tissue is extremely vulnerable to UV damage for up to 2 years after injury, and sun exposure can cause scars to become permanently darker, redder, or more noticeable than the surrounding skin. Apply broad-spectrum SPF 30 or preferably SPF 50+ sunscreen to all scars daily, even if they're normally covered by clothing, and reapply every 2 hours outdoors or after swimming or sweating. When possible, cover scars with clothing or seek shade during peak sun hours (10 AM to 4 PM). This sun protection routine should continue for at least 12-24 months after the initial injury, as this is when scars are most susceptible to permanent UV damage. Consistent sun protection is one of the most important steps you can take to ensure your scar heals with the best possible appearance and blends well with your natural skin tone.
You can buy it from Pharmacy or order online also :
For kids, e.g.
Nivea Sun Lotion Kids Protect & Play SPF 50+ /
Banana Boat/Cetaphil/Aveeno kids /CeraVe
You can buy it from Pharmacy or order online also :
Dressing 3M Steri-Strip Skin R1542
You can buy it from Pharmacy or order online also :
Cosmetic ointments/gel/sheets are also available online.
COSMETIC CREAMS/OINTMENTS/SILICONE GEL ARE USUALLY NOT COVERED BY INSURANCE
