Are my scars normal for 8 weeks post op? (Photo)

Question

I switched from massaging my scars with bio oil to just using silicon sheets now . The bio oil was causing my scars to be red so my plastic surgeon told me to switch to silicon sheets ... however .. my scars still seem really deep and raised ! Is this normal for 8 weeks post op? Anything else I can do to help the scars fade and look better ? Should I use the bio oil in conjunction with the silicon sheets ?

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Hi there, Thank you for your question. Yes, this color of scar can be normal for 8 weeks. It takes scars almost an entire year to lighten and fade, silicone is a great treatment for scars. Best, realdrsix

Kerry Owens, MD · Answer

Your incisions look appropriate for the time since surgery. It is normal to sometimes see an increase in redness between 6 and 12 weeks as the inflammation of healing heightens. It will probably not be effective to use bio oil along with silicone tape, as it may prevent the tape from staying in place.  Use the tape, and massage is also helpful. Your deep sutures may take several months to fully dissolve depending on what type of suture was used, so feeling some thickening under the incision is also normal. Hope this helps!

Nancy de Kleer, MD, FRCSC (Plast) · Answer

Yes your scars are healing normally for this stage. Two things will help your scars - silicone scar sheets and time. I recommend using silicone scar sheets daily, for as many hours per day as you can. Personally I prefer the Cica  Care brand as it is thicker and therefore more effective than some other brands.  I see you are in Missisauga area, this brand is available at many drug stores if  it is not available at your Plastic Surgeon's office.
You look like you will have good scars to look forward to!
Best wishes.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Your incisions look appropriate for the age.  It takes several months for the scars to mature and soften.  Keep in mind when using scar remedies that they require several weeks of consistent use to be effective.  Continue to follow the advice of your plastic surgeon who can monitor the appearance of your scars.

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

Hello,Thank you for your question and photos. I typically recommend silicone gel or sheeting to be applied once the incisions are healed. It is expected that scars will be reddish for the first few months at least. It can take up to a year for scars to mature and lighten. Be sure to protect your scars from the sun. Follow up with your Plastic Surgeon if you have any ongoing concerns,All the best!

Are my scars normal for 8 weeks post op? (Photo)

Answers (5)