Can Scar Gets Wider During Healing Process?
asked 1 year ago by 2010E in UK
Latest answer by Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Question viewed 287 times
Tags: face, scar
Underwent a serial incision surgery of a conginetal nevi on face.3.5 weeks after first stitches removal, the one straight line scar is healing however noticing the lower part of scar gets a little widening while the upper part stays close to each edge. is that normal? can scar gets widening or did i massage the scar too hard (my method is press relatively hard onto the scar with vit e cream?)what should i do?will this scar healing affect how the 'final' scar looks like after the second incision?
2 answers to Can Scar Gets Wider During Healing Process?
+1
Preventing widening of the scar
Scars can be subject to tension and widening for a period of up to two years. Millions of dollars have been spent trying to answer the questions you ask. In my experience, I often recommend the use of paper tape for 2-4 momths after surgery to "splint" or stabilize the wound. In my opinion, this helps to protect the wound from excessive tension with movment and activity.
Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon
Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+1
Surgical scarring and scar widening
Although a repaired laceration or incision heals so that it won't come apart within 14 days it takes months to mature. The cells present along the scar have not fully matured. During the maturation phase which can last up to 8 or 10 months the cells making up the scar are still active. This can be clearly seen as a red scar that blanches white with finger pressure. During this phase the scar is malleable & sensitive to external treatments such as laser as well as local skin...
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Aaron Stone, MD
Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon
Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon
