Scar therapy is essential
Still few patients realize that what happens after the surgery, when we return home, is extremely important in the healing and recovery process. According to a survey conducted a few years ago among people leaving the hospital after various types of surgeries, scar therapy is something that only every seventh patient has heard about. [1]. And scars remain after each breach of the skin barrier – after a cesarean section, after life-saving operations, after injuries such as a displaced leg fracture, after burns.
Of course, some scars are hidden under clothes. In theory, they pose no apparent problem. However, the situation is different with those we wear on our face or hands. Each of them – regardless of their location – may also develop into a keloid and simply become hard or painful. In some cases, it may cause contractures that reduce body mobility. Regular scar therapy will help with all these aspects. It should be a permanent element of rehabilitation after surgery.
Let’s start as soon as possible
A number of factors influence the formation of a normal or abnormal scar. First of all, let’s mention the patient’s age, complexion and even genetic tendency to have keloid scars. Usually, in young people, scars look… worse [2]. How is that possible? Yes, wounds heal faster and the recovery time after the procedure is also shorter. However, at a young age, the production of collagen fibers is better. The tissue grows faster. In practice, this means that such people more often complain about problems with excessive scar growth, i.e. hypertrophic scars or keloids. A similar risk occurs in people with dark skin [3]. It is therefore important to start therapy on time. This can be started when the wound after surgery has healed, i.e. a few weeks after the procedure. Where to start?
Step by step
The first stage is to mobilize the scar. Manual therapy of postoperative scars includes, among others: by gently massaging or rolling the scar. These treatments are intended to increase its mobility and detach it from other tissues. In this way, the scar becomes flexible and soft. It heals faster and becomes invisible over time. We roll the skin, rub it and slightly tear it apart. Many physiotherapy specialists recommend such massages after a cesarean section, already in the first days after the operation. Of course, each case should be consulted individually. Your doctor may advise you to wait a few weeks.
Such manual therapy reduces the risk of contractures, i.e. excessive skin tightening during the remodeling phase. There should be no problems with moving the part of the body where the scar is located. The question often arises as to what to lubricate scars after surgery. It is worth using silicone gel during the massage, which reduces the formation of keloids. Such preparations promote the proper reconstruction of the scar.
Not only gels are recommended, but also patches. They are effective for small, fresh scars, as well as older or extensive ones. It is worth mentioning Sutricon silicone patches, which, when applied regularly, reduce scarring and improve skin elasticity. [4]. These patches additionally smooth and brighten the scar. In patients with a tendency to develop hypertrophic scars, the patches can be used immediately after the wound has completely healed, i.e. two to three weeks after surgery. Importantly, the medical device can be used even in children (from 6 months of age). For adults, they are recommended for cesarean section, post-operative, burn and post-traumatic scars.
Elasticity, oxygen permeability and prevention of excessive transepidermal water loss make Sutricon silicone patches reduce discomfort – such as pain, itching or pulling sensation. The effects of using the patches can be seen after a month [4]. The entire treatment is longer and, which must be remembered, depends on many individual factors. The size and type of scar, as well as its location and the already mentioned genetic predispositions are important. Scars in children heal the fastest, and in older people the time needed for complete skin regeneration is the longest. To achieve satisfactory results, it is necessary to use the patches regularly in accordance with the instructions for use. The average duration of such therapy is: three months in the case of fresh scars and six months in the case of older scars. This is a medical device. Let us remind you that it should be used in accordance with the instructions for use or label.
The most important rules for caring for scars after surgery
How to get rid of scars after surgery? Do scars disappear? How to remove postoperative scars? What to do with scars after surgery? These are just a few questions that patients are looking for answers to. Although we cannot completely get rid of scars after surgery, we can certainly influence their appearance. To make them less visible over time, we must follow the most important principles of wound care, and then scar care.
We must strictly adhere to the deadlines for changing dressings. This will be recommended to us by the doctor or nurse who will treat our wound. We will also report on the appointed day to have the stitches removed. This really matters. Let’s constantly protect the scar against mechanical irritations (such can be experienced, for example, from clothes that fit too tightly) and avoid too high and low temperatures. We must protect it from sunlight. Always use creams with a high filter – on the whole body, especially on the affected area. And the last, but important tip – use only proven products for postoperative scars, such as the medical device Sutricon silicone patches.
[1] [2] [3] https://sutricon.pl/czem-jest-terapia-blizn-po-opuściniu-szpitala/
[4] Report on post-marketing observation of the medical device Sutricon Silicone scar patches no. 106562/21/CGDA/Z1, JS HAMILTON, 07/2021.
Sutricon® silicone scar patches – Advertising entity/Distributor: Verco SA Skwer Kard. S. Wyszyñskiego 5 lok. 6U, 01-015 Warsaw, Producer: M-Technologies.
Promotional material for the Sutricon brand.
Source: Gazeta
Bruce is a talented author and journalist with a passion for entertainment . He currently works as a writer at the 247 News Agency, where he has established himself as a respected voice in the industry.
