No one likes the idea of a scar — especially after taking the exciting step of plastic surgery to enhance your appearance. The good news? With the right care and knowledge, you can significantly minimize the look of surgical scars while supporting the body’s healing process. Whether you’re planning a procedure or currently recovering, understanding how scars heal and how to manage them can make all the difference in your final results.
Managing Your North Shore Surgical Recovery
At Aesthetic Plastic Surgery North Shore, Dr. Anoush Hadaegh helps patients from throughout the Boston area, southern New Hampshire, and southern Maine feel confident in every stage of their treatment journey. As a board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Hadaegh takes the time to guide patients through the planning and healing processes.
During your initial consultation, he’ll walk through what to expect after surgery, including how to care for incisions, what kind of scar care is best for you, and when to start. Every plan is personalized, ensuring you have the right tools and techniques to support a smooth, successful recovery.
Understanding How Scars Heal
Scarring is your body’s natural way of healing. After surgery, your skin goes through several healing phases:
- Inflammation Phase (0–2 weeks) – Redness, swelling, and tenderness are common as the body rushes to close the wound.
- Proliferation Phase (2–6 weeks) – New tissue begins to form, but the area may still be pink or raised.
- Maturation Phase (6 weeks to 1 year+) – The scar slowly flattens, fades, and strengthens.
Smart At-Home Scar Care: What You Can Do
Supporting your skin as it heals doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does require consistency. Start by following your Dr. Hadaegh’s post-op instructions closely. Clean the area gently and keep it moisturized with non-irritating products to prevent dryness and discomfort.
When you’re cleared for sun exposure, protect the healing skin with sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher), since UV rays can darken scars and make them more noticeable. And as tempting as it might be, avoid scratching or picking at the area; letting it heal naturally gives you the best chance of achieving a smooth, minimal scar.
Top Scar Treatments That Work
Once your skin has begun to strengthen, you may consider incorporating proven scar treatment options into your routine. Silicone sheets and gels are widely recommended because they help hydrate the scar tissue and encourage flattening over time, especially when started early.
For more noticeable or stubborn scars, laser treatment can offer excellent results. Dr. Hadaegh personally performs laser procedures to improve scar texture, reduce redness, and blend discoloration with surrounding skin. If you’re looking for at-home options, medical-grade topicals with ingredients like Vitamin E or retinoids may help, but always check with Dr. Hadaegh before trying new products on healing skin.
Your Best Outcome Starts with Expert Guidance
If you’re planning plastic surgery or already healing, thoughtful scar care can make a big impact on your final results. For expert support and a personalized recovery plan, schedule a consultation with Dr. Anoush Hadaegh at Aesthetic Plastic Surgery North Shore. With his guidance, you’ll get the insight, tools, and attention you need to feel confident in both your care and your outcome.
