Silicone, massage, sun protection and timing: the evidence-based routine for scars that fade beautifully.
Every incision leaves a scar — but how that scar looks a year from now is largely within your control. Great scar outcomes are built in layers: meticulous surgical closure first, then disciplined aftercare from you.
The first two weeks are about protection. Keep the incision clean and dry, never pick at scabs or steri-strips, and avoid stretching the area. Once your surgeon confirms the incision is fully closed — usually around week two or three — active scar therapy begins.
Silicone is the gold standard: sheets or gel worn daily for eight to twelve weeks hydrate scar tissue and signal it to lie flat. Add gentle circular massage for five minutes twice daily to break down firmness, and treat sun protection as non-negotiable — UV exposure darkens young scars for up to a year, so SPF 50 or coverage is essential.
Most scars fade dramatically between months three and twelve. If a scar thickens, itches persistently or spreads beyond the incision line, come back promptly: early treatments such as steroid injections or laser therapy work best when started early. Your follow-up visits are part of the treatment — keep them.
Written by Dr. James Whitfield
A Novelle surgeon, reviewed by our clinical board.
