It is more common than one might think to sustain injuries or lacerations from sudden accidents. In some cases, surgery may be required to incise the skin. Even if the suturing process is meticulously completed, the incision site may widen over time. At this point, the first question that comes to mind is, "What should I do to prevent significant scarring?" To put it simply, starting management at the appropriate time according to the recovery stage is key to lightening scars.
If the sutured area widens, it can develop into what are commonly referred to as raised scars, such as hypertrophic scars or keloids. These can be very noticeable and a source of significant stress. Below, we will examine how to manage post-surgical scars to prevent them from becoming prominent, and what treatment methods are available.
Post-Surgical Scars: Why They Form and How They Remain
When skin is incised and sutured, our body begins a regeneration process to fill the area. If this process concludes appropriately, the trace will fade. However, if it proceeds excessively, the tissue may rise, resulting in surgical scars or cosmetic surgery scars. In particular, if regeneration is excessive, it can develop into a form that spreads beyond the boundaries, like keloid scars.
In the clinic, we observe that even with injuries to the same area, recovery patterns differ from person to person, and significant differences in results are reported depending on the timing of management and the affected area. Therefore, it is more important to "manage to prevent scars from forming" than to "erase them after they have formed."
4 Things to Remember Before Treatment
There are factors to keep in mind for more effective management of post-surgical scars. We recommend remembering the following four points before starting treatment:
- Reducing excessive blood vessel formation is the first step.
- The tension applied to the sutured area should be lowered.
- Start treatment at the appropriate time, in line with the suture removal period.
- After the redness subsides, continue with regenerative care for any remaining marks.
Vascular Laser to Manage Excessive Blood Vessels
During the body's regeneration process, blood vessels can form excessively. An increase in unnecessary blood vessels can lead to excessive regeneration. In such cases, a vascular laser like Vbeam Prima can contract or appropriately manage the blood vessels. Laser treatment is reported to be helpful in largely preventing excessive post-surgical scarring.
Scar treatment can begin with a laser after the sutures are removed and the body has recovered to some extent. Therefore, it is not too late to start after sufficient rest and suture removal. However, if too much time passes, the mark may turn white, making the treatment time longer and the process more complex.
Sutures are usually removed about 1-2 weeks after surgery. We recommend checking the condition at that time and then starting treatment.
Reducing Tension Lightens Marks
One of the reasons post-surgical scars form easily is tension. Strong tension activates the skin's regenerative power. If regeneration occurs excessively, the skin may appear raised, increasing the likelihood of scarring.
It's also good to know that the degree of tension varies by body part.
| Area | Degree of Tension | Likelihood of Scarring |
|---|---|---|
| Face | Relatively low | Relatively low |
| Arms, Legs | High | Prone to widening |
| Torso | High | Prone to leaving marks |
Tension is stronger in the arms, legs, and torso than on the face, making these areas prone to widening and leaving marks after suturing. It is advisable to avoid strenuous exercise or intense movements that could put stress on the area for a while.
Depending on the scar's location and depth, Surgical Scar Revision or Triamcinolone Scar Injection may also be considered. We recommend consulting with medical staff to determine the appropriate approach for your condition.
For questions, inquire via chat consultation regarding post-surgical scar management
Marks Remaining After Redness, Continue with Regenerative Care
While a single method has its limitations, there are care methods that, when combined with laser treatment, can help improve post-surgical scars to be significantly lighter. There are cases where marks remain noticeable even after redness has subsided, which can be due to insufficient skin regeneration.
In such cases, continuing with additional care using regenerative lasers like Ultrapulse Encore or StarLux is reported to bring the skin closer to a normal state. Don't worry too much; please visit the clinic to assess your condition and plan your treatment.
Prevention First, Aggressive Treatment if Already Formed
It is very difficult to completely reverse the traces in scar treatment. Preventing the problem from occurring in the first place is the best method, but if post-surgical scars have already started to become visible, aggressive laser treatment can help them become less noticeable. As results can vary individually, a plan tailored to the area and extent of the scar is important.
In Summary
Post-surgical scars are formed by the interplay of three factors: blood vessels, tension, and regeneration. It is helpful to remember the sequence of managing blood vessels and reducing tension at the appropriate time, and then continuing with regenerative care after the redness subsides. Above all, checking the condition before the scar sets in is the most reliable starting point.
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Chief Director Lee Sang-joo (MD, PhD, Yonsei University College of Medicine and Graduate School, Completed Dermatology Residency at Severance Hospital, President of the Korean Dermatological Association) Chief Director Lee Sang-joo's Profile First Published 2025-03-28 / Last Reviewed 2026-06-16
This article provides general information, and recovery patterns and treatment results may vary by individual. Accurate diagnosis and treatment direction should be determined through consultation with medical staff.