Scar Management Guide

Our Scar Management Guide is based on the most recent studies and Doctor's recommendations. 

We at Medigroup are dedicated to providing evidence based products at a fair price. 

 

Clinically Proven Techniques

What sets Medigroup apart is our commitment to following protocols endorsed by leading experts in the field.

Our scar management solutions adhere to the guidelines established by surgeons in the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), guaranteeing that you receive the most advanced and evidence-based care.

Why Do Scars Form?

The Four Stages of Scar Formation
Haemostasis

This is the immediate response to tissue injury, involving blood clotting to stop bleeding. Platelets in the blood form a plug at the site of injury, and blood vessels constrict to reduce blood flow.

Inflammation

Inflammatory cells, such as neutrophils and macrophages, move into the wound site to clear debris, bacteria, and damaged tissue. This stage is characterized by redness, swelling, warmth, and pain.

Ploliferation

During this stage, new tissue is built to repair the wound. Fibroblasts produce collagen, a protein that provides strength and structure to the wound. New blood vessels also form to supply nutrients and oxygen to the healing tissue.

Remodelling

In the final stage, the scar tissue undergoes remodeling, where collagen fibers reorganize and realign along the lines of tension in the skin.

This stage can last for months or even years and is when the scar may become less noticeable and more similar in texture and appearance to the surrounding skin.

Haemostasis
Inflammation
Ploliferation
Remodelling

Are Surgical Scars Preventable?

Although every surgical incision will result in a scar in some form, it is possible to diminish its appearance.

Starting treatment as early as 10-14 days post-surgery, once the surgical wound has fully healed, is advised to deter undesirable scar development and promote a flatter, softer, and lighter scar.

We recognize the emotional and physical impact scars can have and are confident that our Advanced Silicone Gel products provide the most efficient and non-invasive solution for scar management.

Types of Abnormal Scars

Hypertrophic Scars

Hypertrophic Scars

Hypertrophic scars are raised, red or pink scars that form within the boundaries of a wound. They result from excessive collagen production during healing. Unlike keloids, they don't grow beyond the original injury site but can be itchy, painful, and remain elevated, often more visible than surrounding skin.
Keloid Scars

Keloid Scars

Keloid scars are raised, thickened scars that extend beyond the original wound site. They result from an overgrowth of collagen during the healing process. Unlike hypertrophic scars, keloids can continue to grow over time, becoming larger than the initial injury. They may be itchy, painful, and cosmetically undesirable.
Atrophic Scars

Atrophic Scars

Atrophic scars are depressions or indentations in the skin, resulting from the loss of underlying tissue. Common types include acne scars and scars from certain skin conditions or injuries. Unlike raised scars, atrophic scars appear sunken and can be caused by reduced collagen production or tissue damage during the healing process.
Contracture Scars

Contracture Scars

Contracture scars result from large areas of skin loss, such as burns or significant injuries. These scars tighten skin, often limiting movement due to the contraction of underlying tissue. They can be deep, pulling the edges of the skin together and causing functional impairment or tightness in the affected area.

Why Silicone Gel/Sheets?

When applied to the scar area, the silicone gel creates a protective barrier that hydrates the skin, regulates collagen production, and promotes a more even skin texture.

This continuous hydration and regulation of collagen help to soften and flatten the scar tissue over time.

Additionally, the gentle pressure exerted by the gel on the scar can minimize its elevation, making it less noticeable.

Regular use of Silicone Scar Gel can significantly improve the appearance of surgical scars, making them smoother, flatter, and closer in texture to the surrounding skin.

Common Surgical Scar Locations

Click on a Location for a recommend approach
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C-Section Scar

C-section scars result from cesarean deliveries, typically horizontal lines on the lower abdomen.

While they signify the miraculous birth of a child, these scars can sometimes be prominent.

Recommended Protocol:

Tape at Night
Gel during the Day

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Open Surgery

Laparotomy scars are the result of abdominal surgeries where a larger incision is made. These scars can vary in size and appearance, often appearing as a vertical or horizontal line on the abdomen.

With effective care, including treatments like Silicone Scar Gel, these scars can be smoothed and reduced in visibility over time.

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Mole Removal

Mole removal scars can be small and circular, left behind after surgical excision of a mole for medical or cosmetic reasons. Although typically minor, these scars may be noticeable. Proper post-care, including the use of Silicone Scar Gel, can help fade and flatten these scars, restoring a smoother skin appearance.

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Spine Surgery

To manage spine surgery scars, maintain meticulous wound care to prevent infection. Incorporate gentle stretching exercises to enhance flexibility and reduce stiffness. Apply silicone gel or sheets to minimize scar appearance. Avoid activities that strain the scar area and consult with a healthcare professional for tailored rehabilitation and scar management strategies.

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Shoulder Surgery

To manage shoulder surgery scars, ensure proper wound care by keeping the area clean and dry. Perform gentle shoulder exercises to maintain range of motion and prevent stiffness. Apply scar gel or silicone sheets to promote healing and reduce scar visibility. Consider physical therapy for comprehensive rehabilitation and consult a healthcare provider for personalized scar management advice.

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Hand/Wrist Surgery

To manage wrist surgery scars, prioritize wound care by keeping the area clean and dry. Engage in gentle wrist exercises to maintain flexibility and prevent stiffness. Apply scar cream or silicone sheets to promote healing and reduce scar visibility. Consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice on scar management techniques.

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Breast Surgery

To manage breast surgery scars, maintain proper wound care by keeping the area clean and dry. Use scar creams or silicone sheets to promote healing and reduce scar visibility. Massage the scar tissue regularly to improve circulation and flexibility.

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Burns

To manage burn scars effectively, start with proper wound care to prevent infection. Use silicone gel or sheets to flatten and fade scars. Regularly massage the area to improve circulation and flexibility. Protect scars from sun exposure with sunscreen. Consult a dermatologist for advanced treatments like laser therapy or surgical options if needed.

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Thyroid Surgery

To manage thyroid surgery scars, keep the wound clean and moisturized to promote healing. Avoid exposing the scar to direct sunlight to prevent hyperpigmentation while using Scar Gel.

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Knee/Hip Surgery

To manage knee surgery scars, prioritize wound care by keeping the area clean and dry. Engage in gentle exercises to improve flexibility and prevent stiffness. Apply silicone gel or sheets to flatten and fade scars. Protect the scar from sun exposure to prevent discoloration. Consult a physician for any concerns or advanced scar management options.

Before & After

Using Silicone Gel
Before
After

How Massaging Assists Healing

The clinical benefit of scar massaging is to increase the pliability of scars.

The mechanical disruption of fibrotic tissue can lead to changes in the expression of the extracellular matrix proteins and proteases.

This change can normalise growth factors and the structural and signalling milieu.

Massaging Techniques

How to massage your scar to assist healing and improve its appearance.
Rub In Circular Motion

Rub In Circular Motion

When massaging a scar, use gentle, circular motions with clean fingers or a soft, non-abrasive cloth. Apply a moisturising lotion or silicone-based gel to reduce friction. Massage for 5-10 minutes daily, gradually increasing pressure as tolerated, to promote healing and improve scar texture and appearance.
Press and Roll

Press and Roll

When massaging a scar, press on the perimeter of the scar and roll inwards with clean fingers or a soft, non-abrasive cloth. Apply Medisil to reduce friction. Massage for 5-10 minutes daily, gradually increasing pressure as tolerated, to promote healing and improve scar texture and appearance.
Press and Stretch

Press and Stretch

When massaging a scar, press and gently spread the edges of the scar. apply Medisil Gel to reduce friction. Massage for 5-10 minutes daily, gradually increasing pressure as tolerated, to promote healing and improve scar texture and appearance.

How to Apply Silicone Tape

A short video on how to apply Medisil Tape

Alternative Methods for Scar Healing

Due to other factors such as genetics, wound location and general healing capabilities of an individual non-invasive methods may not be sufficient.

Other clinically proven methods supported by Doctors are:

Surgical Revision

Cryotherapy

Skin Grafting

Laser Therapy

Common Recommendations for Effective Scar Healing

Clinically Supported & Recommend by Doctors

Avoid Smoking

Smoking can impair wound healing and collagen production, leading to delayed healing, increased risk of infection, and more prominent, slower-to-fade scars compared to non-smokers.

Reduce Tension

Tension on a healing wound can disrupt collagen formation and proper skin alignment, leading to widened, raised scars or stretching of the skin, which may result in more noticeable scarring.

Avoid Sun Exposure

Sun exposure can darken and discolour scars, making them more noticeable. UV rays can also slow down the healing process and increase the risk of developing hyperpigmentation or hypertrophic scarring.

Frequent Massaging

Massaging scars can increase blood flow, break down scar tissue, and promote collagen remodeling. This can result in softer, flatter scars and improve their appearance over time.

FAQ

MediSil can be used as soon as the wound is fully closed (sutures removed, no scabbing or oozing). This is typically 10-14 days post-op. MediSil should NOT be used on skin with cracked or opened wounds.

Healing times vary both by individual and by type of scar. Some people begin seeing improvement in the first week but, in general, positive results are usually seen in 3 to 7 weeks with optimal results occurring after 3 months of use.

MediSil should be used until you stop seeing improvement. Total treatment time is usually 3 months. Some studies have shown improvements up to 6 months of use.