Introduction
One of the most common concerns patients have when considering surgery — even cosmetic or reconstructive procedures — is scarring. While scars are a natural part of healing, there are proven strategies to help ensure they heal as smoothly and discreetly as possible.
This guide will walk you through what affects scar appearance, how to care for your incisions after surgery, and which scar management techniques can help you achieve the best long-term outcome.
Why Do Scars Form?
Scars form as the body’s natural way of healing after an incision or injury. Their appearance is influenced by several factors:
- Genetics: Some people are prone to thicker or darker scars (e.g. keloids or hypertrophic scars)
- Wound tension: High-tension areas (e.g. shoulders, chest, near joints) tend to scar more noticeably
- Skin type: Darker skin tones may develop pigmentation or raised scars more easily
- Infection or delayed healing: Can lead to widened or more visible scars
- Surgical technique: Clean, layered closure by an experienced surgeon improves outcomes
✅ While some factors are outside your control, many can be managed through careful aftercare.
What You Can Do to Optimise Scar Healing
Here are the core principles of effective scar management:
1. Follow Post-Operative Instructions Carefully
Your surgeon will provide a detailed plan — including how to clean the area, when to remove dressings, and when to resume normal activities. Following this reduces the risk of wound breakdown or infection.
2. Avoid Sun Exposure
UV light can darken scars, making them more noticeable. Use high-SPF sunscreen (SPF 50+) or cover healing incisions for 6–12 months post-surgery.
3. Use Silicone Sheets or Gels
Silicone-based products are clinically proven to reduce scar thickness, redness, and improve texture. They are typically started 2–3 weeks after surgery, once the wound has closed.
4. Apply Gentle Topical Massage
Scar massage, when appropriate, helps remodel collagen and reduce tightness. This is usually started 2–6 weeks after surgery, under your surgeon’s guidance.
5. Wear Compression Garments if Recommended
For body contouring or reconstructive procedures, external compression helps reduce swelling and tension across the wound — promoting flatter scars.
6. Multi-Modality Management for High Risk Patients
For those with genetic predisposition to unfavourable scarring (e.g. Hypertrophic or Keloid Scar tendency), multiple methods of scar management should be implemented simultaneously to achieve optimal result. If these individuals undergo surgical scar revision, then comprehensive multi-modality scar management plans need to be put in place post-operatively. In the extreme cases (e.g. recurrent keloid scarring), immediate post-op adjuvant radiotherapy might be necessary to minimise the risk of recurrence.
When to Consider Professional Scar Treatments
If a scar is raised, red, itchy, or stretched, your surgeon may recommend additional interventions, such as:
- Steroid injections (for raised, hypertrophic or keloid scars)
- Laser treatments (to reduce redness or smooth texture)
- Microneedling (stimulates collagen to improve old or indented scars)
- Surgical scar revision (for wide or poorly healed scars)
✅ Early intervention is key — always speak with your surgeon if you have concerns.
What Makes Surgical Scars from Specialist Plastic Surgeon Different?
Specialist Plastic Surgeons are trained to:
- Place incisions along natural skin creases or concealed locations
- Use fine suturing techniques that promote smooth, minimal scarring
- Layered tissue closure performed carefully to reduce tension
- Guide patients through a long-term scar management plan
With the right care and expectations, most scars from plastic surgery fade significantly over time and become barely noticeable.
Realistic Expectations About Scarring
- Scars are permanent, but they usually fade to a thin, pale line over 6–12 months
- One cannot “erase” a scar, but you can control how well it blends with your skin
- Early scar care usually means better outcome
- Your surgeon can guide you on personalised strategies based on your risk factors
About Dr Paul Cheng
I’m Dr Paul Cheng, FRACS, a Specialist Plastic, Aesthetic & Reconstructive Surgeon based on the Gold Coast and in Ballina, NSW. I believe that patient education is just as important as surgical technique when it comes to achieving excellent results.
If you’d like to learn more about scar prevention and treatment options, please book a consultation or follow me on Instagram @dr.paulcheng for patient education and post-op care tips.