Comfort in Recovery: How to Get Rid of Scars After Surgery

Why surgical scars form

Scars are your body’s natural way of repairing the skin after an incision or injury. The final look of a scar can vary based on:

• Genetics & skin type: Some people form thicker scars; darker skin tones may be more prone to keloids.
• Wound tension & location: Areas under stretch (e.g., chest, shoulders, joints) can thicken more.
• Aftercare: Early protection, hydration, and infection prevention matter.
• Lifestyle: Nutrition, sleep, and smoking status affect healing.
• Sun exposure: UV can darken scars, making them more noticeable.

Common scar types:

• Normal/flat (mature) scar: Usually softens and fades over 6–18 months.
• Hypertrophic scar: Raised but stays within wound edges; may flatten with care.
• Keloid scar: Grows beyond the original wound; often needs medical treatment.
• Contracture scar: From burns; can tighten skin or restrict movement.

At‑home treatments that work

The core principle: Keep the scar hydrated, protected, and under gentle pressure while it remodels.

1. Medical‑grade silicone (gel or sheets)

• • Builds a semi‑occlusive barrier to regulate hydration, soften tissue, and reduce redness/itch.
  • Suitable for fresh and older scars (once the wound is fully closed).
  • First‑line option for hypertrophic and keloid‑prone scars.

2. Sun protection (SPF 30+ daily)

• Prevents darkening and uneven pigmentation. Reapply every 2–3 hours when outdoors.

3. Gentle scar massage (only after full epithelialisation and clinician approval)

• 5 minutes, 1–2× daily using circular and cross‑friction techniques to mobilise tissue and reduce tightness.

4. Taping/off‑loading tension

• Microporous or silicone tape can reduce mechanical stress along the incision, especially in early weeks.

5. Hydrating emollients

• Keep surrounding skin comfortable; use alongside silicone (not instead of it).

Timeline: Many people see visible improvement in 4–8 weeks with daily use; continue for 8–12+ weeks (or longer for raised/older scars).

Featured product solutions

Below are clinician‑trusted options you can use at home. Choose gel for smaller or facial scars and sheets for larger or raised scars.

<insert product code here>

LIPOELASTIC® Gel

Type: Medical‑grade silicone gel

Best for: Face and small surgical scars

Benefits: Forms a protective barrier that hydrates, softens, and helps flatten scars while reducing redness and itch.

Silicone Gel Sheets for Scars

Type: Soft, reusable silicone sheets

Best for: Larger or recurrent raised scars

Benefits: Continuous contact therapy for hydration and protection; helps flatten and fade discolouration.

LIPOELASTIC® Scar Creams (Cream/Spray)

Type: Adjunct care

Best for: Comfort and skin health alongside silicone therapy

Benefits: Supports the skin barrier and complements your primary silicone treatment.

Product Type Best For Key Benefits LIPOELASTIC® Gel Silicone Gel Face, small surgical scars Hydrates, helps flatten, reduces appearance Silicone Gel Sheets for Scars Sheet Large/recurrent raised scars Protection, easy use, softening LIPOELASTIC® Scar Creams Cream/Spray Adjunct care Comfort; complements primary treatment

How to use gels and sheets (step‑by‑step)

1. Clean – Gently wash the area; pat fully dry.
2. Apply – Use a thin layer of gel or place the silicone sheet so it fully covers the scar (do not apply to open wounds).
3. Wear consistently – Daily use is essential. Aim for 12–24 hours/day with sheets (wash and air‑dry the sheet as instructed). Reapply gel 2–3× daily or as directed.
4. Protect from sun – SPF 30+ on exposed areas, even on cloudy days.
5. Monitor progress – Take photos every 2–4 weeks under the same lighting. If irritation occurs, pause and seek advice.

Can I combine gel and sheets? Yes—use the sheet as the primary therapy at home and gel for work, sport, or times when sheets are impractical.

When to see a professional

Seek medical advice if you notice any of the following:

• Rapidly enlarging, very raised, or painful scar (possible keloid).
• Itching, burning, or skin breakdown that doesn’t settle with simple measures.
• Restricted movement across joints.
• Signs of infection (warmth, discharge, fever).

Clinic‑based options for stubborn scars:
Steroid injections, laser therapy, microneedling, cryotherapy, surgical revision, pressure therapy, or combination regimens (your clinician will advise what’s appropriate).

FAQs

What is the best scar cream treatment?
Medical‑grade silicone gels and sheets have the strongest evidence for improving appearance, texture, and comfort.

How quickly do scars fade?
Results vary, but many people see improvement in 4–8 weeks with consistent use; continue for 8–12+ weeks.

Are silicone products safe for facial scars?
Yes—silicone is suitable for sensitive areas when used as directed on fully closed skin.

When can I start treatment after surgery?
Begin after stitches are removed and the wound is fully closed (no scabs, no oozing). Your surgeon or nurse can confirm timing.

Can silicone lighten dark scars?
Silicone helps normalise hydration and may reduce redness; sun protection is key to preventing darkening.

Do natural oils work as well as silicone?
They may moisturise, but silicone remains the first‑line, clinically backed option for scar modulation.

How long will a scar take to mature?
Most scars remodel over 6–18 months; consistency in the first few months matters most.

Are results permanent?
Improvements generally persist, but ongoing sun protection is important to maintain appearance.

Safety notes &amp; who should avoid

• Do not apply silicone to open, infected, or weeping wounds.
• Stop and seek advice if severe irritation occurs.
• If you have a history of keloids or are pregnant/breastfeeding, consult your clinician before starting any new product.
• This guide is educational and not medical advice; always follow your surgeon’s post‑op instructions.

<Insert a CTA Teaser here>

Call to action

Ready to feel confident in your recovery? Shop LIPOELASTIC® scar solutions—choose Gel for smaller or facial scars and Silicone Sheets for larger, raised scars. For complex scars, book a consultation with our Surgical Recovery UK team for personalised advice.

Keywords targeted

best scar treatment products; best scar cream treatment; scar treatment for face; best treatment for scars on face; how to rid scars; how to get rid of scarring; top scar treatment; good scar treatment; silicone gel for scars; silicone sheets for scars; hypertrophic scar; keloid scar; post‑surgery scar care.