Wound Check 

  • If deemed appropriate, you may now stop daily wound care.

  • You should now protect the area with sunscreen whenever exposed to sun. SPF 30 or higher, any brand. Reapply every 1-2 hours when exposed to UV. Or consider sun protective clothing (UPF).

  • You will continue to notice changes to the area over the next several months.

    • Redness will fade

    • Swelling will settle

  • If desired, you can begin using silicone gel sheets daily (available at any pharmacy) to improve the final scar appearance. Cut them to size, leave on for 12 hours a day, every day for at least a month. They can be reused until they no longer stick. 

  • If you use silicone gel, it must be applied 2-3 times daily for at least a month. Examples of some brands of silicone gel are; Mederma, Serica, Biocorneum + SPF, or Scaraway. 

  • You can massage the surgical scar for several minutes a few times a day with your fingers to help improve the appearance of the scar. 

  • You may now gradually resume normal activity.

    • Keep in mind your wound has 50% the strength of normal skin roughly 6 weeks after surgery

    • It will continue to grow stronger, but do not strain the area immediately. This runs the risk of widening the scar.