How Soon After Surgery Can I Start Scar Treatment?

I recommend to my patients to begin using some kind of scar treatment within 2 weeks after surgery. Some patients use silicone sheeting because this treatment has been shown to decrease keloids or raised scars. Scar creams such as Biocorneum and Mederma have also been shown to decrease the color and help to lighten the scar quicker than doing nothing.

I rarely recommend scar treatments to my patients.

There is little or no evidence that they work.

The various silicone products may slightly speed up scar maturation but I don't believe they are worth the time or expense in most cases.

They serve mainly to give people something to do while Mother Nature goes about her work. She takes at least a year and, depending on the skin type, two years or more to produce the final scar result.

The only exceptions would be in those patients who have a history of abnormal scarring, or in those where the scars are still thicker or redder than they should be for that stage of healing. In these cases modalities such as silicone sheeting or laser may be appropriate.

The general recommendation for starting scar treatment after a tummy tuck is around 2-4 weeks post-surgery once the incisions are fully closed and healed. At this stage, most patients can begin using silicone-based scar treatments such as silicone sheets or gels, which help improve the appearance of scars by preventing excess scar tissue formation. It's crucial to consult your surgeon before beginning any treatment to ensure your incisions are fully healed.
Here is a general timeline for after-surgery care:
0-2 Weeks: Focus on wound care (keeping the area clean and dry).
2-4 Weeks: After a follow-up with your surgeon, you can start using silicone products (if the incision is fully closed).
4-6 Weeks: Topical treatments like scar creams and massage can be added if your surgeon approves.
Beyond 6 Weeks: Continue using silicone products, and consider professional treatments if needed. Remember that scars continue to remodel over a year, so it is important to keep it out of the sun or exposed to UV. If you are unhappy with the scar appearance, you can discuss PRP, microneedling, lasers, or surgical revision.
Krishna Vyas, MD, PhD, MHSHarvard, Hopkins, & Mayo Clinic Trained Aesthetic Plastic SurgeonNew York, New York