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

I generally start my patients on scar treatment at about 2-3 weeks after surgery. Once the incisions are fully closed, due to the risk of infection with a small skin opening. Traditionally silicone sheets were recommended, and many physicians still recommend silicone sheeting. However, I a silicone-based scar cream (more patient friendly than silicone sheets) and daily scar massage to help smooth and minimize the appearance of the scar. Please discuss with your surgeon before starting a treatment, this is generally advice.

After tummy tuck , the wounds take 2-3 weeks to heal. once all wounds are healed, then you can start scar management. You should apply good quality moisturising cream and massage with gentle pressure, Use of silicone gel or sheets can help with scar to settle nicely.

You are typically okay to use once the scars have healed but surgeons often have different opinions so it's probably best if you discuss this with your own surgeon. Hope that helps, best of luck! 

Thank you for your question,
I usually recommend that my patients start using gel or silicone for scars from the second week after surgery.
good luck!

Hello and thank you for posting your question. I always ask patients to wait until the scar is fully closed and therefore strong enough for silicon sheets. In most cases patients can start using them after 3 to 4 weeks post-op. But some scars take longer to heal. Drains, for example, come out several days after the procedure, so you might need to wait a little longer to use silicon sheets on these spots. Generally speaking, I feel 2 weeks is to soon. I ask patients to wait ta least 3, maybe even 5 weeks, depending on how the scar is healing. Please ask your PS and make sure he is ok with this type of scar treatment.Best of luck on your recovery!Dr. Miguel Mota

Thank you for your question.  I would recommend discussing with your plastic surgeon what their protocol is for scar therapy.  In my practice I typically have my patients start scar therapy around 3-4 weeks post-op.  You do not want make sure you are not starting a scar cream if you still have any scabs or openings to your incision.  Best of luck!

Hello! Thanks so much for your question. In my practice, we recommend that patients begin using scar therapy (creams, gels or sheeting) apx 3 weeks post-op or when the incisions are completely closed. Silicone scar therapy products are recommended for the best result. It takes apx a year for the scar to mature - during this time it is important to diligently use scar therapy as well as stay out of the sun or use sunscreen as much as possible. It is always best to consult with you surgeon to see what he/she recommends in their practice. I hope you have a great recovery!

Scar management is a misnomer. Mainly what is being done is 'patient psychological management'. Yes, once the wounds are healed (which could be from 2 weeks to 2 months), it is possible to commence various 'scar treatments'. We recommend rather simple options to 95% of our patients, none of which have been proven to make any significant difference in the long term. Taping, massage with sorbolene cream etc.
Now obviously you're thinking 'if they don't work, why are you recommending them'. Firstly, patients do not like being told 'just go away and let nature do her work and she'll be right'. These patients are people who have chosen to *not* be happy with natural. They want to improve or change their body. They like to *do* something, anything. I am one of those people so I understand wanting to control or at least affect the outcome.
Secondly, it is actually a good thing for patients to feel like they are part of the team that is responsible for the outcome. They are for sure, in so many ways, but giving them a concrete job to do reinforces that understanding.
Thirdly, I think even if the scars are not affected, massage can help to 'desensitise' the operated areas, which often may have altered sensation in the surrounding skin.
Fourthly, I think eve if the long term scarring outcome is not changed, the scar treatments might in some cases speed up the natural processes, so that the scars are 'fully mature' at 12 months not 18. This alone is worth the effort for some patients.
Hope this helps, Mark.