Scar Removal Do's and Dont's

DO gently massage the skin once the wound is completely healed.
"Massage helps break down the dense bands of collagen that attach to underlying tissue—a common reaction to cesarean sections, appendectomies or hand wounds," according to Robert Bernard, M.D., a plastic surgeon based in White Plains, New York, and president-elect of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.

DO cover a wound. Allowing a fresh wound to breathe and dry out will actually delay healing by as much as 50 percent.
"Moisture prevents the formation of a hard scab, which acts as a barrier to the development of new tissue," says dermatologist Bruce Katz, M.D., an associate clinical professor at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons and director of Juva Skin and Laser Center in New York City. He advises treating the affected area daily with an antibiotic ointment like Neosporin (which will prevent infection, another hindrance to healing)

I use Manuka honey myself on minor wounds and cuts. Considering the extraordinary benefits of active Manuka honey and the fact that this natural product has no skin irritating side effects that many regular skin and scar creams do have.

Do use silicone scar sheets as soon as the wound is closed. Silicone patches are a proven effective scar removal product which has shown to inhibit the formation of collagen.



Don't use Vitamin E on your scar. Despite what you read on many reviews and other places this is not a good scar treatment.
In a University of Miami study vitamin E has been shown in to impair wound healing. (In addition, 30% of the patients tested also developed an allergic reaction.)

Don't expose new scars to the sun. The sun's ultraviolet radiation slows the healing process and can cause dark discoloration. Always use a sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher) when you are out in the sun.

Don't decide to use invasive scar treatments like laser treatment or steroid injections too soon. There are risks involved and these treatments can better be considered as a last resort.