What to Do When You Have a Scar From Your Plastic Surgery That Won't Fade

Everyone will receive a scar on their body at some point in their lives. Whether it’s from an injury, a burn, or surgery, it’s possible that some of these scars may never go away. However, there are ways to protect, reduce, and prevent the appearance of scars through natural and professional remedies.  

Why Does Surgery Sometimes Leave a Scar? 

After a surgery, scarring forms as a natural part of the healing process. The look and type of scar that forms can depend on the depth and size of the surgical cut, as well as individual physical factors based on the individual. Sometimes, having an inexperienced surgeon can lead to less precise incisions that are more likely to leave a permanent mark. 

What Types of Scars Are There? 

There are different types of scars that can appear from a surgical incision or other injuries. These are identified by the way they form, look, and remain on the body. The most common types to appear after surgery include: 

Keloid Scars

Keloid scars appear when the body reacts to an injury with overly aggressive healing. Their formation goes beyond the original injury. These usually feel like raised skin and have the potential to limit movement, depending on the area and size of the scar. 

Hypertrophic Scars

These scars may appear as raised and red. They are similar to keloid scars but do not go beyond the incision. 

Widespread Scars 

Widespread scars are most commonly formed after a surgical procedure. They are caused by the incision scar getting stretched, which leads to it becoming wider. Usually, these scars appear pale and flat, so they are less noticeable than other types of scars.

At-Home Remedies 

Usually, the first solution to turn to when a scar is formed is any accessible at-home remedies. It is best to try these out before turning to a more expensive option. 

Silicon Sheets and Gel 

Silicon sheets and gels have been shown to improve the look and feel of scars. It is simple to use and can be great for diminishing keloid and hypertrophic scars. 

Chemical Exfoliators

Many commonly used creams and serums contain exfoliants. These are used to smooth the skin by getting rid of dead skin. This can be beneficial to diminishing scars and dark marks, but only for mild formations. 

Over-the-Counter or Prescribed Treatments

There are a range of different over-the-counter or treatments that can be found down any pharmaceutical aisle. These can come in the form of a gel, ointment, or cream that can be easily applied to the affected area. For those with itchy or sensitive scars, it’s possible that your doctor will prescribe a steroid or antihistamine treatment. 

Professional Remedies 

If over-the-counter or natural remedies don’t give you the results you want, it may be time to turn to a professional for a solution. 

Surgical Treatment

Depending on the type of scar you have, it may be necessary to turn to surgery to remove or treat it. This can come in the form of laser surgery, excision, or dermabrasion. It is important to wait at least a year after your initial surgery to consider turning to another surgical procedure to remove the scar it may have caused. 

Injections

Another alternative option to surgical scar removal is injections. This often comes in the form of steroid injections to help treat raised scars. Your doctor may also opt for other types of injections or fillers with collagen, but these will not always produce a permanent solution. 

Prevention 

The best thing you can do to help prevent scarring is to choose a qualified, experienced surgeon and closely follow their advice for tending to your incision after a procedure. You’ll want to clean the area once a day and make sure that it doesn’t dry out. Many doctors recommend applying plain petroleum jelly to the injury and covering it with a bandage. It’s also best to make sure that you protect the area from sun exposure, since this can darken or enhance the formation of a scar. 

Talk to your doctor if you have concerns about potential or current scar formations.