Normal Healing
It is normal to have a few millimetres of redness around the incision as the stitches, dissolve and break down.
The incision will look bumpy and raised for 1-3 months.
It is normal to have numbness or sensitivity along the scar, this will improve with time.
It takes 6-12 months for the scar to settle and soften.
New scars are sensitive to the sun! Use sunscreen to prevent it from becoming a dark line as it will not fade.
Two weeks after surgery: moisturize and massage the scar! This will help break down the stitches, soften the scar and take out some of the sensitivity!
This is a normal incision 2 weeks after surgery. Expect some peeling.
Post-Operative Hand Care
-
Make a fist and open your hand
This can be done as soon as the bandage comes off.
Bring your fingers in as far as you can. Do not do this against any resistance at first.
-
Finger stretching
This can be done as soon as the bandage comes off.
Place your hand on a flat surface and gently stretch them back until you feel a stretch. Hold for a few seconds and then relax. Then repeat.
-
Massage the scar - once the incision is healed
Wait until 2-3 weeks after surgery.
Do it at least a few times a day for the first month, starting at 2 weeks after surgery
Press firmly enough that the skin goes white (like a deep tissue massage). Work in small circles. Using plain moisturizer (ex: Aveeno, Glaxalbase, etc), Vaseline or Vitamin E will make this feel better. Massage not only the scar, but above and below it.
Massaging the scar is very important.
1. It takes the sensitivity out of the scar (all scars are sensitive at first!)
2. It breaks down the thick scar tissue and softens the scar
3. It breaks down what is left of the dissolving sutures.