Skincare Regimen to Minimize Scarring After Surgery
Skincare Regimen to Minimize Scarring After Surgery
Surgical procedures—while transformative—often come with a side effect: potential scarring. While some scarring is unavoidable and has to do with the genetics of how well your body heals, proper skincare can significantly minimize their appearance and support smoother healing.
At Stratus Plastic Surgery, we guide patients through every step of their recovery—including how to care for their skin after surgery. A thoughtful, consistent skincare regimen is one of the most important tools you have to optimize healing and achieve the best possible results.
Why Post-Surgery Skincare Matters
The first few weeks after surgery are critical. Your body works hard to heal incisions, rebuild tissue, and form new skin. The way you care for your skin during this time can:
Prevent infection and inflammation
Reduce pigmentation around the scar
Encourage even collagen remodeling
Improve the texture, color, and flatness of the scar
In short, your daily skincare habits play a huge role in how visible your scar becomes over time.
The Ideal Skincare Regimen for Scar Prevention
Here’s a step-by-step guide to keeping your healing skin protected and nourished:
1. Gentle Cleansing
Why it matters: Keeping the incision area clean prevents infection and promotes healthy skin regeneration.
Use a fragrance-free, non-foaming cleanser like a micellar water or a gentle cream cleanser.
Pat the area dry—never rub.
Avoid exfoliating or scrubbing healing incisions.
Once your incisions are fully closed (as cleared by your surgeon), you can begin incorporating skincare around the site more freely.
2. Hydration Is Key
Why it matters: Dry, dehydrated skin heals poorly and may increase the appearance of scars.
Use a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer on the surrounding skin.
Avoid applying anything directly to the incision unless approved by your surgeon.
Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and aloe vera.
3. Scar-Specific Treatments
Why it matters: These products are designed to help reduce redness, thickness, and uneven texture.
Once the incision is fully healed and cleared by your provider (usually 2–3 weeks post-op), you can apply:
Silicone sheets or silicone-based gels – clinically proven to flatten and fade scars
Vitamin C serums – reduce pigmentation and support collagen production
Retinoids (prescribed) – used later in healing to improve scar texture (only under medical supervision)
4. Sun Protection—Every Single Day
Why it matters: UV exposure darkens scars, making them more visible and harder to fade.
Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30+) every day, even on cloudy days
Opt for zinc oxide or titanium dioxide sunscreens for sensitive healing skin
Reapply every 2 hours if exposed to the sun
Cover the scar with clothing or surgical tape when possible during outdoor activities
Sun exposure is especially risky after procedures like a facelift where thin skin is involved. Protecting your skin if you have to be outside post-surgery is very important for the healing process.
5. Massage (When Advised)
Why it matters: Gentle massage can help break down scar tissue and improve circulation. Improved circulation means better healing.
Begin light massage only when your provider approves—usually a few weeks after surgery
Make sure to wash and use clean hands, applying gentle, circular pressure
Combine with a scar gel or moisturizer for added benefit
What to Avoid After Surgery
Fragranced or active products (retinol, AHAs, BHAs) near incision sites in early healing
Over-the-counter scar creams without consulting your provider
Sun exposure without protection
Smoking, which impairs wound healing and increases scarring
Picking at scabs or peeling skin
Consistency Is Everything
Scar healing doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a process that can take a few months depending on your skin type, genetics, and the procedure performed. With consistent care, most patients will see dramatic improvements in how their scars look and feel.
Surgical Procedures That May Leave Scars
While modern surgical techniques focus on minimizing scarring, any incision-based procedure carries some degree of it. While our techniques focus on discreet incision placement to camouflage visibility, we recommend to take extra care of to minimize scarring for these procedures:
Breast augmentation or breast lift
Liposuction (especially around the incisions)
Let’s Plan for a Confident Recovery
At Stratus Plastic Surgery, post-surgical recovery isn’t an afterthought—it’s part of the plan. During your consultation and follow-up visits, we’ll walk you through a personalized aftercare regimen that includes skincare products and techniques tailored to your skin type and procedure.
Ready to feel confident in your results—scars and all? Schedule a consultation or call our office to start your journey with expert guidance and care.