How do I take care of my scars after surgery?

These scars are typical after elective surgery. They are slightly red and raised to start, but usually flatten and fade over time without treatment. Sometimes these scars do not improve and can become hypertrophic, contracted (stretched) or keloid.

These are usually red, raised and feel firm or thick to touch. They may be itchy or uncomfortable. These scars may take longer to settle over time.

These often feel tight and may also be painful or itchy. They can make a joint difficult or painful to move. They usually happen after a burn and often need additional treatment.

Keloid scars are usually raised, hard and firm. The scar grows to be bigger than the original wound and the area around the scar may be difficult or uncomfortable to move. It does not usually flatten or fade without treatment.

You should only start massage once your wound is fully healed and the stitches have fallen out.

How to massage:

• Use a fragrance free, water-based cream such as Diprobase, E45 or similar.
• Move the scar tissue in circular, up/down and side to side movements (see image below) with enough pressure to make the scar blanche (go lighter).
• Do this 3-5 times a day for 3-5 minutes (depending on the size of your scar.

You can use silicone gel or silicone sheets on healed skin, but you should not use silicone on open wounds. Silicone acts as a barrier to maintain the moisture of the skin and hydrate the healing scar tissue. It can also help if your scar is itchy. It works best on scars that have a red or pink colour.

Silicone gel can be applied in a thin layer twice a day. Silicone sheets should be applied to clean and dry skin for up to 23 hours per day.

There are many different brands of silicone available, but we don’t recommend any one brand. You may need to use silicone for many months.

New scars are highly susceptible to sunburn, even if you don’t usually burn in the sun. It is important to use sun cream with at least SPF30 to protect your scar from damaging UV rays, especially in the first year.

If you have consistently tried the above treatments and they haven’t helped, there may be other treatments you could consider:

● pressure dressings or garments

● desensitisation

● stretching

● taping

● steroid injections

● laser therapy

● surgical revision

● referral for skin camouflage

• referral for psychological support