Every surgical incision leaves a scar — that is an unchangeable rule of biology. How visible that scar ends up, however, is the combined result of surgical technique, genetics and your own care discipline. The good news: a handful of evidence-based habits make a visible difference in scar quality.
The Natural Course of Scar Maturation
A scar is pink-red and slightly raised in the early weeks — a sign of active healing and collagen production. Redness starts fading around months 3-6; full maturation takes 12-18 months.
It is normal for a scar to "look worse before it looks better" — its appearance at months 2-3 is never the final result.
Silicone: The Gold Standard
Silicone gel or silicone tape has the strongest scientific evidence of any scar-care method. Start once the wound has fully closed (usually weeks 2-3) and continue for at least 2-3 months, ideally six.
Tape provides uninterrupted contact, making it practical for long scars (tummy tuck, breast reduction); gel is more comfortable on visible areas such as the face.
Sun Protection and Massage
An immature scar is defenceless against the sun: UV exposure can cause permanent darkening (hyperpigmentation). For the first 12 months, keep the scar covered or protected with SPF 50+.
Scar massage — a few minutes daily with gentle pressure from weeks 3-4 — improves tissue flexibility and softens firmness. Start only with your surgeon's approval.
When Is Additional Treatment Needed?
If a scar stays raised, red or itchy beyond expectations, a hypertrophic scar or keloid may be developing; early intervention (steroid injection, laser) markedly improves the outcome. Risk is higher in darker skin types and certain areas such as the shoulder and mid-chest.
Keeping your follow-up appointments is the most reliable way to catch problematic scarring early — we also review international patients' scars remotely via photo updates.
Practical Information — Scar Care After Plastic Surgery
Silicone gel/tape: start once the wound closes (weeks 2-3), continue 3-6 months; sun protection: 12 months, SPF 50+; scar massage: from weeks 3-4 with surgeon approval; full maturation: 12-18 months; warning signs: increasing elevation, redness, itch → arrange an early review.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the scar disappear completely?
No — no incision scar vanishes entirely; the goal is a pale, fine line that is hard to notice without looking closely. Consistent care is decisive in reaching that goal.
Do bio-oils and vitamin E work?
Despite their popularity, their evidence is weak compared with silicone — and vitamin E can even irritate some skins. The evidence-based choice is silicone gel/tape plus sun protection.
My scar itches — is that normal?
Mild itching is a natural part of healing. The triad of increasing itch + elevation + redness, however, can signal a developing hypertrophic scar; contact your surgeon if you notice it.
When is laser scar treatment considered?
If a scar remains prominent at months 6-12 despite standard care, fractional laser and similar options can be assessed. For red, vascular scars, vascular laser is an option even earlier.
Scar Care After Plastic Surgery in Istanbul — Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ayhan Işık Erdal's Practice
Dr. Ayhan Işık Erdal's private clinic is located in central Istanbul, in the Nisantasi district — Istanbul's premier neighborhood for plastic surgery and luxury services. Address: Teşvikiye Cad. No:9/12, Istanbul. The clinic is easily accessible from major Istanbul hotels and from Istanbul Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW).
Istanbul has become a leading destination for plastic surgery worldwide, attracting patients from Europe, North America, the Middle East, and Asia. International patients choose Istanbul for the combination of board-certified plastic surgeons, modern accredited hospitals, competitive pricing compared to Western Europe and the US, and the cultural appeal of the city itself.
Dr. Erdal's Istanbul practice is structured to provide international patients with seamless coordination: video consultation prior to travel, airport-hotel transfer, English-speaking medical team, accommodation arrangements at partner hotels near the clinic, and full postoperative follow-up. Hospital partners are accredited facilities in central Istanbul with international anesthesia standards. WhatsApp consultations are available at +90 544 850 72 32 for international inquiries.
Author: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ayhan Işık Erdal — Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery Specialist, FACS (American College of Surgeons), FEBOPRAS (European Board of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery). Hacettepe University Medical School graduate; trained at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (NYC) and Ghent University Hospital (Belgium). 30+ peer-reviewed international publications.
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Individual evaluation requires in-person consultation.