How to Care for Surgical Scars: A Plastic Surgeon’s Guide
By Dr. Ali Soueid | Consultant Plastic Surgeon
Scars are a natural part of healing after surgery, but the way you care for them plays a vital role in how they settle over time. With the right post-operative approach, it’s possible to significantly reduce visible scarring and support optimal skin recovery.
Here’s a clear, evidence-based scar care guide — recommended by Dr. Ali Soueid — to help you manage scars after any surgical procedure, whether cosmetic or reconstructive.
1. Begin with a Medical Repair Cream
Start once the wound is fully closed (usually 10–14 days post-op, but always confirm with your surgeon).
Medical-grade repair creams help soothe the skin and create the ideal environment for early healing.
What to look for in a cream:
- Panthenol (Pro-vitamin B5)
- Hyaluronic acid
- Allantoin
- Thermal spring water
Recommended brands:
- ACM
- La Roche-Posay
- Avene
Apply a thin layer twice daily with gentle massage. Avoid perfumed products or oils, which may cause irritation.
2. Introduce Silicone Therapy for Long-Term Scar Refinement
Silicone gel and sheets are the gold standard in topical scar prevention. Clinical studies show they help:
- Flatten and soften raised scars
- Reduce redness and itchiness
- Prevent hypertrophic or keloid formation
How to use:
- Silicone gel: Apply twice daily on clean skin
- Silicone sheets: Wear 12–24 hours per day
Continue for 8–12 weeks minimum — longer if your scar is thick or slow to fade. Consistency is key.
Top products:
- Kelo-Cote®
- Strataderm®
- ScarAway®
3. Protect Your Scar from the Sun — Always
UV exposure can darken healing scars, leading to permanent pigmentation.
What to do:
- Use a broad-spectrum SPF 50+ daily, even under clothing
- Reapply every 2–3 hours when outdoors
- Consider post-procedure SPF formulations for sensitive areas
Recommended sunscreens:
- Bioderma Cicabio SPF 50+
- ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica SPF 100+
- ACM 100+
4. Incorporate Gentle Scar Massage
Once your scar has closed and isn’t tender (usually 2–3 weeks post-op), massage can improve its pliability.
Benefits of massage:
- Reduces tightness
- Helps prevent thickening
- Improves blood flow and collagen remodelling
Use light circular and linear movements with your repair cream. Aim for 5–10 minutes twice daily.
5. Consider Advanced Treatments for Stubborn Scars
If your scar is raised, dark, or causing discomfort, additional treatments may help.
🔹 CO₂ Laser Resurfacing
- Best for thick or pigmented scars (after 2–3 months)
- Promotes collagen renewal and smoothes texture
- Performed in-office by Dr. Soueid under local anaesthesia
🔹 Microneedling + PRP
- Ideal for older or stretched scars
- Stimulates collagen through controlled micro-injuries
- PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) can enhance healing response
🔹 Steroid Injections (Kenalog)
- Effective for hypertrophic or keloid scars
- Reduces inflammation and scar height
- May be combined with 5-FU or laser for resistant cases
6. Support Healing from Within
While no supplement can erase a scar, certain nutrients support the healing process:
- Vitamin C – promotes collagen production
- Zinc – supports skin repair and immunity
- Protein – essential building block for wound healing
Ask your doctor before starting any supplement, especially after major surgery.
Your Surgical Scar Care Plan
Recommended by Dr. Ali Soueid
| Step | What to Use | When to Start | Frequency / Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Repair Cream | ACM Cicafalte, Cicaplast B5, Avene Cicalfate+ | 10–14 days post-op (after wound closure) | Twice daily for 2–3 weeks |
| 2. Silicone Therapy | Kelo-Cote, Strataderm (gel), or ScarAway (sheets) | 2–3 weeks post-op | Daily for 8–12 weeks (or longer if needed) |
| 3. Sun Protection (SPF 50+) | Bioderma Cicabio, ISDIN Eryfotona, EltaMD UV Clear | As soon as wound is healed | Reapply every 2–3 hrs when exposed to sunlight |
| 4. Scar Massage | Use with your repair cream or silicone gel | 2–3 weeks post-op | 5–10 mins, twice daily for at least 8 weeks |
| 5. Advanced Treatments | CO₂ Laser, Microneedling + PRP, Steroid Injections | 2–6 months after surgery | As assessed and advised by Dr. Soueid |
| 6. Nutrition & Lifestyle | Protein-rich diet, Vitamin C, Zinc, no smoking | Immediately post-op | Ongoing support for wound healing |
General Advice for Better Scar Outcomes
- Avoid smoking — it delays healing and worsens scars
- Stay hydrated and eat a nutrient-rich diet
- Do not exfoliate or use retinoids on scars until fully mature (3+ months)
- Avoid tanning beds or laser hair removal over recent scars
Final Thoughts from Dr. Ali Soueid
Scar care doesn’t need to be complicated, but it should be consistent. By combining gentle hydration, silicone therapy, sun protection, and — when needed — advanced treatments, most surgical scars can heal beautifully.
If you’re unsure how your scar is progressing or would like to explore treatment options, Dr. Ali Soueid offers personalised post-op care and assessment to help you feel confident in your recovery.
