In time, some collagen breaks down at the site of the wound and the blood supply reduces. The scar gradually becomes smoother and softer. Although scars are permanent, they can fade over a period of up to 2 years. It's unlikely they'll fade any more after this time.
It can take up to 12-18 months after your injury or operation for a scar to heal. A normal scar will become darker initially and after a period of time this will start to fade. Dark scars can remain for years or indefinitely in people with darker skin.
Bio-Oil helps to improve the appearance of new or old scars; whether from surgery, accidents, burns, insect bites, scratches or conditions such as acne or chickenpox. Although younger scars will have a greater chance of improvement, studies have shown that older scars also benefit from regular use of Bio-Oil.
Conclusions: This study shows that there is no benefit to the cosmetic outcome of scars by applying vitamin E after skin surgery and that the application of topical vitamin E may actually be detrimental to the cosmetic appearance of a scar.
Use Vaseline® Jelly for Scars
By sealing in moisture it also helps to reduce dryness of scarred skin, once your skin has healed. This may help to improve the appearance of scars, making the skin look smoother and softer, as well as help to reduce itchiness caused by dryness.
While existing scars cannot be waved away via magic wand, you can speed up the fading process by regularly applying certain topical creams, lotions, and gels to them. Some common ingredients in these scar treatments include aloe vera, cocoa butter, Vitamin E, honey, and other hydrating materials.
Clean the area as directed.
Carefully wash the area with soap and water. Pat the area dry with a clean towel. Check the area for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or pus. Also check that the wound is not coming apart.
Once the wound has formed a scab, there is no longer the need to cover it with a bandage as the scab now acts as a protective barrier. Keep the area clean, but be gentle so that you do not accidentally remove the scab.
Cocoa butter works as a great moisturizer. It has lightening properties, which help fade acne scars and lighten skin tone. Take some cocoa butter and apply it evenly on your face. Leave it on overnight and rinse it off the next morning.
Lemon/Lime Juice: Place lemon or lime juice on the scar with a cloth. Let this sit for a few minutes on the skin before washing it off. The acidic qualities of the juice help remove dead skin cells along the scar and can lessen the redness or appearance of scars.
Treat the area with care. A greasy ointment, e.g. Vaseline, can be applied directly over the stitches twice daily. The wound should be washed prior to applying Vaseline. This helps to prevent and lift crusting; massaging gently over the wound may help to improve the appearance of scarring.
How long do I apply Vaseline and a bandaid? 1-2 weeks until the sutures are removed, then for 1 week after just apply Vaseline. If you hate the bandage, you can go without it, but you must reapply the Vaseline 5-10 times a day, the wound must not dry out.
A good application of Vaseline maintains a conducive level of moisture around the wound, making a recovery as quick as 1 to 3 weeks, depending on the type of surgery.
#2: Use Topical Vitamin E
Some research even suggests that it improves the appearance of scars. Simply apply the oil to the scar at least once a day for the first eight weeks. Once the incision has healed, the oil can be used to massage the area. Ask your doctor before using Vitamin E.
Vitamin E promotes healing. May be used on the skin once the wound has healed and new skin has formed.
In group one, Vitamin E was applied topically on the scar at least 15 days before the surgery (3 times a day) and at least 30 days after (2 times a day).
Should you keep stitches covered? You'll likely leave the hospital or your provider's office with your stitches already covered, and Dr. Yaakovian recommends leaving them dressed for two to three days. During this time, avoid getting the covering wet.
Keep your stitches or staples dry and covered with a bandage. Non-absorbable stitches and staples need to be kept dry for 1 to 2 days. Absorbable stitches sometimes need to be kept dry longer. Your doctor or nurse will tell you exactly how long to keep your stitches dry.
A handful of studies have found that when wounds are kept moist and covered, blood vessels regenerate faster and the number of cells that cause inflammation drop more rapidly than they do in wounds allowed to air out. It is best to keep a wound moist and covered for at least five days.
Once there is no more scab and the wound is visibly closed (which means that the skin has healed) you can start caring for your scar with topical creams or oils.