Scar tissue: simple, practical steps to reduce and treat scars

Scars form after your skin heals, and most settle down over 6–12 months. Some stay raised, red, or tight. If you want smaller, softer scars, start with the basics: clean wound care, sun protection, and gentle treatment once the skin closes. Small actions early make a big difference later.

Quick steps you can use right away

Right after an injury or surgery: wash gently with soap and water, keep the area moist with a thin layer of petroleum jelly or antibiotic ointment, and cover with a sterile dressing. That prevents infection and helps the wound heal flat.

When the skin has closed (usually after a few days to two weeks):

• Use silicone sheets or silicone gel. These are cheap, easy, and backed by research to reduce thickness and redness. Wear them for several hours daily for months.
• Start scar massage. Use clean hands or a moisturiser and press in small circular motions for 5–10 minutes once or twice a day. Massage helps break up tight bands and improves mobility.
• Protect from the sun. New scars darken quickly. Use SPF 30+ or cover the area for at least a year to avoid permanent discoloration.
• Avoid picking scabs or stretching the area. That delays healing and increases scar size.

When simple care isn’t enough: medical options

If a scar stays raised, painful, or limits movement, talk to a clinician. For keloids and hypertrophic scars, common medical choices include steroid injections (they shrink and soften scars), silicone combined with pressure therapy (useful for burns), and laser treatments to reduce redness and smooth texture. Surgery can remove a scar but often needs follow-up care—doctors usually pair excision with steroids or radiation to lower recurrence.

Topical treatments like onion extract or vitamin E are popular, but evidence is mixed. Prescription-strength retinoids and certain bleaching creams can help pigmentation and texture, so ask your provider before starting them.

Think about timing: many procedures work best after the scar has matured, while silicone and massage are safe to start earlier. If the scar causes numbness, sharp pain, or you suspect infection, seek medical advice right away.

Practical example: after a mole removal, people often use silicone gel once the wound seals, rub the area gently each evening, and wear sunscreen on that spot. Over months the scar becomes flatter and less visible.

If cost is a concern, start with wound care, consistent massage, and sun protection—these are low-cost and effective. For stubborn scars, ask your clinician about steroid injections or a referral to a dermatologist or plastic surgeon.

Scars rarely disappear completely, but with the right steps you can often make them much less noticeable and avoid problems like tightness or pain. If you’re unsure what to try first, your GP or a skin specialist can help you choose the safest, most effective option for your scar type.