Scar care: how the 12-18 month maturation process is managed

One of the things patients worry about most after aesthetic surgery is the mark left by the suture. The good news is that most surgical scars fade and soften considerably with time — but that process runs for months, sometimes years, and has to be supported with proper care.

How does a scar "mature"?

A surgical scar passes through several stages:

• The first weeks — the suture site is red, slightly raised and sensitive. This is the normal, expected appearance of healing.
• Months 1-6 — the scar gradually flattens out, the redness begins to fade, but it may still be visible.
• Months 6-18 — the "maturation" (remodelling) stage. Collagen fibres reorganise, the scar flattens and its colour moves closer to the surrounding skin.

The final appearance usually emerges after 12-18 months — the look of the first months is not the final result, which is why it matters not to make hasty decisions.

Silicone gel and silicone sheets

Silicone-based products (as a gel or as an adhesive sheet) are among the most widely recommended non-invasive means of scar care. How they work:

• They create a thin, moisture-retaining layer over the scar
• This may help collagen production proceed in a more orderly way
• They are usually used once the sutures have fully closed, for a few hours a day or all day

Follow your surgeon's instructions on how long and how often to apply them — not every wound and not every skin type responds the same way.

Sun protection — the most important step

Newly formed scar tissue regulates melanin production differently from normal skin — which is why a scar exposed to direct sunlight can darken (hyperpigmentation) and stay visible for longer. Therefore:

• For the first 12-18 months, protect the scar with SPF 50+
• Where possible, shield it from direct sun with clothing or a dressing
• This rule holds regardless of the season — ultraviolet rays act on cloudy days too

Massage: when and how?

Once the surgeon permits it (usually a few weeks after the sutures have fully closed), gentle circular massage can help improve the elasticity of the tissue:

• 2-3 times a day, for 3-5 minutes, with gentle pressure
• With a moisturiser or a product your surgeon recommends
• If pain or irritation appears, stop and consult your doctor

Before starting massage, always get your surgeon's confirmation — if the wound has not closed fully, early massage can do harm.

When should laser treatment be considered?

In some cases — if the scar stays redder than expected, if it is raised (hypertrophic) or if its appearance is distressing — a dermatologist or plastic surgeon may propose laser therapy (a vascular laser for redness, for instance, or a fractional laser for the tissue). That decision:

• Is assessed only after the scar has fully matured (usually at least 6-12 months)
• Requires different protocols according to the type of scar and the type of skin
• May require several sessions

Realistic expectations

Because every patient's skin, genetics and consistency of care differ, this table is a general direction rather than a guarantee of exact timing. In skin prone to keloids the scar may stay raised for longer — discuss this with your surgeon before the operation.

Conclusion

Scar care is a process that calls for patience but genuinely affects the outcome. Silicone gel, sun protection and well-timed massage are the three most widely recommended steps. If you are worried about how your scar is developing, the soundest step is to show it to the surgeon who operated on you, or to a dermatologist.

This material is for general information only and does not replace medical advice; a scar care plan should be personalised only by the doctor examining you.