Post-operative scar treatment aims to minimize the appearance of scars resulting from surgical incisions. Wounds and burns on the body leave scars on the skin. Surgery and its scars are also included in these scars. Scars on visible parts of the body may disturb people aesthetically. That’s why scar treatment is applied. Treatments vary depending on individuals and scars. Therefore, it becomes possible to state that scar treatment involves an extremely comprehensive study. Here are some effective approaches and treatments for managing and improving the appearance of surgical scars:
Early Care and Wound Healing:
- Follow Doctor’s Instructions: Adhere to post-operative care instructions provided by your surgeon, including wound care, dressing changes, and activity restrictions to promote proper healing.
- Keep the Wound Clean: Clean the surgical site as directed by your healthcare provider to prevent infection and promote healing.
- Avoid Sun Exposure: Protect the healing scar from sun exposure by covering it with clothing or using sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) once the wound has healed.
Topical Treatments:
- Silicone Gel or Sheets: Silicone-based products, such as gel sheets or silicone creams, can help flatten and soften scars. They are effective for both new and old scars.
- Scar Creams and Ointments: Over-the-counter or prescription scar creams containing ingredients like onion extract, vitamin E, or hyaluronic acid can improve the appearance of scars.
- Topical Steroids: In some cases, topical steroids may be prescribed to reduce redness, itching, and inflammation associated with scars.
Minimally Invasive Procedures:
- Laser Therapy: Laser treatments, such as fractional laser resurfacing, can help reduce scar redness, flatten raised scars, and improve overall skin texture.
- Microneedling: This procedure involves creating micro-injuries in the skin with fine needles, stimulating collagen production and improving the appearance of scars.
- Chemical Peels: Medium to deep chemical peels can exfoliate the outer layer of the skin, improving the texture and appearance of scars.
Injectable Treatments:
- Steroid Injections: Corticosteroid injections may be used to flatten and soften raised scars (hypertrophic or keloid scars).
- Filler Injections: In some cases, dermal fillers can be injected under depressed scars to raise them to the level of surrounding skin.
- PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) Therapy: PRP therapy involves injecting your own platelet-rich plasma into the skin to stimulate collagen production and improve skin texture. This can be combined with microneedling for enhanced results.
- Mesotherapy / Fillers : Skinbooster vitamins, enzymes, mesotherapies, hyaluronic acid fillers and calcium hydroxylapetite fillers can increase firmed looking of these areas.
- Exosomes / Autolog Micrograft / Stemcell : These regenerative medicine treatments help reducing scar area
Compression Therapy:
- Compression Garments: Compression garments or dressings can help flatten and soften scars, especially for hypertrophic or keloid scars.
Lifestyle Considerations:
- Healthy Lifestyle: Eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals to support skin healing and collagen production.
- Smoking Cessation: Avoid smoking, as it can impair wound healing and increase the risk of complications.
Each scar is unique, and the effectiveness of treatments may vary depending on factors such as scar type, location, and individual healing response. Patience and consistent application of treatments are often required to achieve noticeable improvement in scar appearance. Always follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations for scar treatment and care to optimize results and minimize complications.