The first three to four weeks you are advised to simply leave the scar alone and give your body time for proper wound closure. Once this has been achieved, you may do more. These treatments are required in case of excessive scar tissue formation. In case of normal scar tissue formation, they speed up the maturation of the scar, but the end result will be the same: so you can choose whether faster maturation is worth your while.
Firm scars may be massaged using the fingers two to three days a day (if need be, a professional massage by a physiotherapist). You can use a cream that enhances scar maturation as advised by your physician. You should definitely avoid rough handling: repeated wounding of the tissue will only aggravate scar tissue formation.
Silicone gel or a mineral oil gel may initially be applied for twelve hours a day. Once the skin is accustomed to the gel, it is applied 24 hours a day. Your doctor will first explain instructions for use. The treatment is only useful if kept up for a number of months.
The surface of a scar can be remodeled and scar redness can be addressed with lasers.
Excessive scar formation can be treated by your physician by local injection of medication.
In case of problem scars (e.g. after burns) custom-made pressure garments may improve maturation. These are produced on prescription by a physician.
