Scar Care
Top surgery is a significant milestone for many transmasculine individuals. Once the procedure is complete, taking care of your scars is an important part of the recovery process. Proper scar care can help minimize their appearance and ensure healthy healing. Below I discuss some tips, guidelines, and some lessons learned the hard way!
Understanding the Healing Process
Before diving into scar care tips, it’s essential to understand that healing takes time and varies for everyone. Typically, the healing process can be broken down into:
Weeks 1-3: Initial healing. The incision site will be tender, swollen, and may appear red.
Weeks 4-8: Scars begin to form and toughen. Redness may persist, and scar tissue starts to mature.
Months 3-12: Scars gradually fade and flatten. Color changes from red to a lighter tone.
Scar Care Tips
Follow Your Surgeon’s Instructions
First, whatever your surgeon recommends trumps whatever I might say in this or other posts. That being said, below is a general guideline you can follow in order to take care of your scars and minimize their appearance over time.
Keep the Incision Area Clean
Gently clean the area as recommended by your surgeon.
Avoid harsh soaps or scrubbing.
Pat dry with a clean, soft towel.
Avoid Sun Exposure
Protect scars from direct sunlight, as UV rays can darken them and slow healing.
Wear loose, breathable clothing that covers the area when outdoors.
Use high-SPF sunscreen once your surgeon approves it. Using a sunscreen that has at least SPF 50 is recommended whenever outside, especially during the first year of healing.
Massage Your Scars
After your incisions have fully healed (usually 6-8 weeks post-surgery), you can begin scar massage.
Use circular motions with gentle pressure to soften scar tissue and improve circulation.
Massage 2-3 times a day for a few minutes.
Recommended Products for Scar Care
There are several products available to help minimize scar visibility and promote healing:
Silicone Sheets and Gels
Proven to reduce the appearance of scars by hydrating and flattening scar tissue.
I enjoyed using this tape by Mepitac as I found it to be comfortable, easy to cut to the desired size and long-lasting.
Apply as directed, typically for several hours daily over several months.
Scar Creams and Ointments
Look for creams containing ingredients like onion extract, vitamin E, or hyaluronic acid.
I had a positive experience using Bio-Oil, but Cicatricure and Mederma are also popular options.
Sunscreen
Look for sunscreens that have a minimum of SPF 50.
I personally like to use either Black Girl Sunscreen’s Kids sunscreen (cause it’s the highest SPF in their line) or Neutrogena’s Invisible Daily sunscreen because they don’t leave white casts so they’re great on all skin tones.
What to Avoid
Picking at Scabs: let scabs fall off naturally to prevent reopening the wound and worsening scars.
Using Harsh Products: avoid alcohol-based products, as they can dry out the skin and irritate healing tissue.
Overexerting Yourself: follow your surgeon’s advice on physical activity. My surgeon strongly recommended that I wait at least 6 months before partaking in physical activities that involved lifting my arms above my head for prolonged periods of time or with heavy weights to avoid the scar stretching. I, unfortunately, did not listen and as soon as I was cleared for physical activity at 6 weeks I immediately went back to indoor rock climbing, and I severely regret it. While my scars have lightened significantly over time and with the use of the aforementioned products, they stretched and have remained rather thick in many places, undoubtedly due to my stubbornness. Please try and learn from my mistakes!
