Healing Your Scar: Tips for Optimal Recovery
Undergoing surgery or experiencing an injury that requires sutures is just the first step. Whether your procedure was for skin cancer removal or another medical reason, once the stitches are removed, your scar begins a careful process of maturing and remodelling. These guidelines explain what happens during healing and offer practical advice to help your scar improve as much as possible.
The Healing Process: What to Expect
After the sutures come out, the skin remains fragile while it works to regain strength. On average, the skin builds resilience at about 1 per cent each day, reaching about 90 per cent of its full strength at around three months. During this phase, treat the area gently, as scars can be affected by even small amounts of pressure or stretch.
As healing progresses, your skin cells produce more collagen, which gradually bolsters the scar’s strength. You might feel a slight thickening under the surface for a few weeks, which usually eases over three to six months as the scar returns to normal skin thickness.
New scars often appear pink or dark but they generally fade into a pale line over time. Complete maturation can take up to 18 months, during which the scar’s appearance and texture will continue to improve.
Understanding Scar Types
While most scars settle down without issue, some people develop keloid or hypertrophic scarring, where the scar becomes raised or thickened. This occurs more often in certain areas like the chest or joints, and in people with darker skin tones or a history of keloid scarring. Anyone who has had surgery for skin cancer removal should watch the healing site carefully. If you are concerned about abnormal scarring, seek advice from your healthcare provider.
Tips for Optimal Scar Healing
To help your scar heal well, keep these tips in mind:
1. Minimise Wound Traction
For several weeks after suture removal, avoid activities that tug or stretch the wound, including heavy lifting, bending or stretching. This will help prevent wound edge separation and support a better cosmetic result. Your doctor or nurse can show you how to use supportive tape to reduce stress on the area during daily activities.
2. Watch for Stitch Reactions
Dissolvable stitches sometimes cause small red lumps resembling pimples. These may ooze slightly but usually settle within a few days. If you notice significant redness, swelling, pain or develop a fever, contact your healthcare provider without delay.
3. Prevent Scar Stretching
Physical activity can sometimes stretch and thin a healed scar. This is not dangerous but can affect how it looks. Wearing supportive tape during exercise can help protect the scar’s shape.
4. Use Silicone Scar Therapy
After stitches are removed, apply a thin layer of silicone scar therapy gel, such as Strataderm, each day for roughly three months. This keeps the scar hydrated and supports healthy healing. Continue to use supportive tape during physical activity.
5. Protect Against Sun Exposure
New scars are prone to pigment changes. UVA and UVB rays can cause pigmentation or sunburn, leading to permanent discolouration. Apply SPF50+ sunscreen daily and cover the area whenever possible, particularly if the surgery was to treat skin cancer.
Final Thoughts
Healing a scar is a gradual process that requires patience and care. By minimising traction, using silicone gel and safeguarding against sun exposure, you can support your scar’s journey towards becoming stronger and less noticeable. If you have any concerns during healing, including after skin cancer surgery, contact your healthcare provider for tailored advice.
Written by Dr Emily Alfonsi
MBBS, FRACGP, DRANZCOG
Medical Director, Shade Skin
Dr Emily is a skin cancer doctor with advanced training in diagnosis and treatment. She has personally detected and treated hundreds of skin cancers and is passionate about early intervention and patient education.
