Your skin is like a super shield with 3 layers (epidermis, dermis, hypodermis) that repairs itself naturally when it comes into contact with aggressors. Following surgery, a multi-stage healing process is automatically triggered to regenerate your tissues. The maturation process of a scar (epidermal remodelling) can take up to 2 years! But while your skin has the incredible power to repair itself naturally over time, that doesn't mean you should leave it to fend for itself. We can help the healing process along with targeted care from the beginning.
There are different types of scars: white and discreet, hypertrophic, keloid and atrophic. But there’s one rule that applies to all of them: every little thing you do can make a big difference in improving the appearance of your scar. And the sooner the better!
How can you improve the appearance of your scar?
You can never give enough care to your skin - or your scar. Follow our advice (okay, rules!).
Rule 1: be disciplined Follow your surgeon's advice to the letter to avoid any infection that could delay healing: cleaning the wound, changing the dressing, etc.
Rule 2: be on the ball From the early stages of scar healing you can apply a suitable treatment to promote repair and avoid scabs, which can cause unsightly scars.
Rule 3: above all, persevere! As soon as the epidermis around the scar has renewed (epidermal remodelling phase), combine the use of targeted products with regular massages twice a day for 5 minutes. This helps soften the tissue, reduce adhesions and stimulate circulation.
The first essential step is to determine how mature your scar is. It's very simple: you just have to check the time it takes for the skin to regain its colour after going white under the pressure of your finger.
Less than 1 second: non-mature scar (usually up to 1 month after wound closure).
Between 1 and 2 seconds: maturing scar.
3 seconds or more: mature scar (usually after 3 months).
Be careful: too much massage can worsen the evolution and appearance of the scar. Do not massage a scar that is still inflamed.
Completed that little test? Find a suitable treatment and get massaging!
Non-mature scars: APPLY DELICATELYStart by gently applying the treatment to the scar and the surrounding area, applying gentle pressure. Then smooth in the direction of the scar.
Maturing scar: KNEAD AND MASSAGEGently pinch the skin between your thumb and forefinger, rolling the crease upwards and in the direction of the scar until the treatment has penetrated (about 5 minutes).
Mature scar: STRETCHStretch your scar with the index and middle fingers, still in the direction of the scar, until the treatment has penetrated (about 5 minutes).
FRIENDLY, EXPERT ADVICE
Bonus tips for an even more beautiful scar!
- Protect your scar from the sun with a dressing, garment or very high protection sun cream (SPF50+), especially after cosmetic surgery or dermatological procedures on the face.
- Avoid clothes rubbing against the scar and irritating it (e.g. following a caesarean section, breast uplift surgery, breast reduction, etc.).
- Be gentle with yourself. Accept that you will have to live in slow motion for a while so as not to put too much strain on your scar.
- Eat a balanced diet rich in vitamin C, protein and iron, which promotes healing. Limit alcohol intake and tobacco.
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