Scar care during recovery influences how well scars ultimately fade. Good habits in the first months pay off over the 12–18 months a scar takes to mature.
During healing
- Keep wounds clean and follow dressing instructions.
- Avoid tension and strenuous activity that stresses the incision.
Once healed
- Silicone gel or sheets, used consistently, are the best-evidenced over-the-counter scar treatment.
- Gentle scar massage, when your surgeon advises.
- Sun protection — UV can darken immature scars.
Expectations
Scars fade from red/raised to pale and flat over a year or more but never vanish. If a scar becomes thickened, itchy or raised (hypertrophic or keloid), tell your surgeon — there are treatments. See also scar minimisation.