How can I help my skin heal better after surgery?

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After surgery, the skin begins a healing process to repair itself. This process takes place in several stages and can last up to two years. During this period, regular specific care is essential to promote optimal healing and improve the appearance of the skin.

Simple everyday gestures

  • Cleaning the scar and caring for the wound

    Why?

    Good wound hygiene is important for the healing process, and helps reduce the risk of infection that could delay this process.

    How?

    • Carefully follow the surgeon's advice 
    • Clean the wound with appropriate care and change dressings according to the prescribed protocol and recommendations provided

  • Apply healing, repairing and protective care products

    Why?

    To soothe discomfort and promote repair

    How?

    From the earliest stages of healing, apply a protective repairing treatment several times a day. 

    The earlier and more regular the application, the better the results.

  • Keep a close eye on the wound

    Why?

    To detect the slightest sign of infection or poor healing.

    How?

    In the event of pain, color change, heavy discharge or bad odor, it's important to consult a doctor.

  • Massage the scar regularly

    Why?

    To soften tissues, stimulate blood circulation and reduce adhesions to improve scar appearance.

    How?

    Once the wound is closed, combine the application of healing products and creams with the customized formula, massaging regularly twice a day for 5 minutes.

    As the healing process can take up to two years, it's important to persevere with the massage treatments.

  • Protecting scars from the sun

    Why?

    Exposure of the scar to the sun can slow healing and induce hyperpigmentation, with the appearance of persistent brown marks. 

    How?

    Protect the scar from the sun with a bandage, a piece of clothing or by applying a very high protection sun cream (SPF50+) that filters out both UVA and UVB rays.

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What are the 3 main stages of skin healing?

Healing is a skin tissue repair process that takes place in three phases:

  • Inflammatory phase (2 to 7 days): During this period, the skin becomes red and warm in reaction to the surgery, indicating that the body is defending itself. 

  • Deep healing phase: Skin tissue regenerates, forming fleshy buds rich in blood vessels and cells, promoting deep skin repair.

  • Remodeling phase: Approximately two weeks after surgery, the skin gradually closes around the edges of the wound. This superficial remodeling phase can last up to two years.

How do I effectively massage a scar after surgery?

The first essential step before proceeding with the massage is to determine the maturity of your scar.It's very simple: just evaluate the time it takes for the skin to recolour after blanching under finger pressure:

  • Less than 1 second: scar not mature (generally up to 1 month after wound closure). 
    Gently apply care to and around the scar, with light crushing movements, then smooth gently in the direction of the scar.
  • Between 1 and 2 seconds: semi-mature scar. 
    Palpate and roll by gently pinching the skin between thumb and forefinger and rolling the fold upwards and in the direction of the scar until the treatment has penetrated (approx. 5 minutes).

  • After 3 seconds: mature scar (generally after 3 months). 
    Stretch with index and middle fingers, still in the direction of the scar, until the treatment has penetrated (approx. 5 minutes).

    Caution: over-massaging can worsen the scar's appearance and development. Do not massage a scar that is still inflamed (red). 
     

1.

I clean

av_cicalfate+_purifying-cleansing-gel_front_200ml_3282770150261
CICALFATE+
Purifying cleansing gel

2.

I soothe and purify

av_cicalfate_repairing-protective-cream_front_40ml_3282770204667
CICALFATE+
Repairing Protective Cream

3.

Reduces scars and soothes the skin

av_cicalfate_scar-gel_front_30ml_3282770207088
CICALFATE+
Scar Gel

4.

I protect myself from the sun and repair

AV_CICALFATE+_2024_Multi-Protective-Skin-Repair-Cream-SPF50+_Packshot_Front_30ml_3282770394467
CICALFATE+ SPF50+
Multi-protective skin repair cream​
Ducray
A-DERMA

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