How to Care for (and Reduce the Appearance of) a Scar

What is a scar, really?

You might be wonderingwhyyour body cant just heal by growing regular skin where your incision was made.

Thats a fair question.

To understand what scars are all about,Dr.

Your physical health, your surgeons techniques, and your postoperative care also determine how it will look.

In short, theres a lot going on herebut there are also ways to influence those factors.

Kevin Duplechain, a triple board certified surgeon in Lafayette, La.

(Hereare some other tips for prepping for a surgery, including what other questions you should ask.)

Scars change their appearance over time as your incision heals and depending on your aftercare.

In the first week, scars will be tender.

You might have Steri-Strips or butterfly bandages over your incision, too.

Keep those on until they fall off on their own, and go over best practices with your surgeon.

Listen carefully to any instructions you receiveand if you dont get any instructions, ask.

At this point, you’ve got the option to also use makeup for coverage.

If your surgeon recommended any postoperative support garments, wear those.

Haiavy and Duplechain were both adamant about avoiding the sun, too.

During the first six months after surgery, use a bandage or opaque clothing to cover the site.

Always use a sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher (in general, but especially now).

Your surgeon should instruct you on caring for the scar with creams and moisturizers after about two weeks.

Again, if they dont, ask.

Dont use harsh skincare products or makeup until youre fully healed.

Duplechain even said you should review all the ingredients in your skincare with your doctor or nurse.

Your surgeon can probably get you some andyou can find them over-the-counter, too.

Stretching or straining at the incision site can add pressure there, widening your scar.

In other words, take it easy.

The appearance of older scars can also be improved, too, with certain treatments.