Opening treatment guide...
Educational info only, not medical advice. Ask a qualified provider. Disclaimer · Terms
Post-surgical scars often result from disorganized collagen remodeling.
Care and treatments that help surgical scars heal flatter and lighter.
Check first: Active skin infection in the treatment area.
What people use it for
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Skin types to ask about first
Sensitive or Redness-proneAsk first
Needs a gentle, barrier-safe plan and careful screening.
Breakout-proneAsk first
Active breakouts in the area may need to calm down first. Ask your provider.
In no special order. Ask your provider which one fits you, and why.
5 types
3 products or tools
Ask your provider
The visit
RecoveryNone to 10 days, by method
Avoid sun30 days
No makeup2 days
No sweat or heat48-72 hours
Other aftercare
No direct sun for several monthsYour provider may give you different timing.
Before your visit: ask when to start
2–4 weeks before
No tanning or strong sun for 2–4 weeks before
1 week before
Stop fish oil and vitamin E for 1 week before
3–5 days before
Stop retinoids, acids and scrubs for 3–5 days before
Right after your visit
Avoid hard exercise, heat and heavy sweating for 48–72 hours
After your visit
Common
Less common
Your own risks may differ. Ask a qualified provider.
Treatments modulate collagen synthesis and tissue remodeling, either by breaking down excess scar tissue or by regulating cellular activity to promote smoother healing.
Various methods like lasers, injections, or pressure are used to break down disorganized scar tissue and stimulate a more controlled, organized collagen remodeling process for a smoother, less visible scar.
Scar management modalities aim to modulate the wound healing process. Methods include: 1) Occlusion and hydration (silicone sheeting) to normalize collagen synthesis. 2) Controlled thermal injury (lasers) to ablate fibrotic tissue and induce collagen remodeling. 3) Anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative action (corticosteroid injections) to reduce fibroblast activity and collagen deposition. 4) Mechanical disruption (microneedling) to break down scar tissue and induce neocollagenesis.
Your questions, cost and timing on one page.
Often explored alongside this treatment
At-Home Dermarolling
A home needle roller that helps skincare absorb
Revision Rhinoplasty
A second nose surgery to fix the look or breathing after an earlier one
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