How To Remove Surgery Stitch Marks?

Did you ever look at the marks after surgery and think: How long do surgery scars take to fade? Well, you are not the only one. Over 100 million people worldwide develop scars from surgical procedures each year. It means your nagging worry about permanent marks on your skin is shared by millions of others.

The good news is that you don't have to lead your life with the scarring as your permanent mark. You can find numerous effective treatments specifically designed to remove or dramatically reduce surgical stitch marks. Now what are those, and how do you find the best one that suits you? Keep on scrolling to find out!

What Causes the Surgical Scars?

When you undergo surgery, your skin is intentionally incised and stitched back together after the procedure. It disrupts the collagen structure beneath the surface. Over time, your body will produce new collagen to heal the wound, which often results in the appearance of scar tissue. Stitch marks often appear as linear lines. It will initially appear as red or pink, and as healing progresses, it will fade over time to a lighter or darker shade than the surrounding area. 

How Long Do Surgery Scars Take to Fade?

Did you know that your scar will continue to heal for 12 to 18 months after your surgery? You might think your surgery marks are permanent. But this startling statistic from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center is far more encouraging. However, the timeline varies based on your,

• Age: Younger patients typically heal faster but often develop more prominent initial scarring. Adults over 60 experience slower healing, with scars taking 18-24 months to reach their final appearance.
• Scar Location: Facial scars heal fastest due to excellent blood supply and thinner skin tissue. Scars on the chest, shoulders, and joints take 18-24 months while the scars on the back or abdomen typically heal within a 12-18 month timeline.
• Wound Care: Proper wound care during the first 2-3 weeks speeds up the healing. Poor initial care can extend healing time and result in consequences.

Also Read: How to remove skin tags?

What are the Ways to Remove Stitch Marks?

As mentioned before, there are many ways to treat stitch marks. The option that suits you depends on the type, size, and severity of your scar. Let’s take a brief look at how each way helps you to get flawless skin,

Topical Treatments

Stitch marks in their early stages can be reduced with consistent use of the right topical treatments. Medical-grade formulation influences how your scar tissues heal and regenerates. For instance, silicone is commonly recommended as one of the best creams for surgery scars. It forms a breathable barrier to keep your skin hydrated. It flattens the scars, reduces redness, and improves your texture. You can use silicone gels for small areas like the face or joints. On the flip side, sheets are best for larger scars on the abdominal area.

Chemical Peel

A chemical peel, or chemexfoliation, is a common treatment for removing stubborn stretch marks from your face. The chemical peels are made up of a caustic agent, which will cause blisters on your skin. Eventually, the blistered skin will peel off, and you will have scarless, rejuvenated skin.

Dermabrasion

Dermabrasion is an exfoliating process using a rotatory tool called a dermabrader. It is a small motorised tool that removes the top layer of your skin to remove scars over a broader area. Once the top layer of the targeted layer is removed, scars will be reduced, and fresh skin will begin to appear.

Injections

In some surgeries, you might get bumpy stitch marks on your face. In such cases, you can choose injections like corticosteroids to improve the condition of the scar and swollen stitches. The injection will flatten the bumps caused by stitches.

Microneedling

Microneedling is performed using a derma roller, which has numerous small needles to prick the upper layer of your skin. The process helps to boost your collagen production and regenerate new skin cells. Once the new skin cells are formed, these stitch marks would fade away completely.

Laser Treatment

Laser treatment for stitch marks is a highly professional method recommended by experts. The process is performed under the supervision of trained healthcare professionals who will use a controlled laser glint on the targeted stitching mark. Slowly, the laser beam will begin to regenerate the skin by stimulating cell growth. 

Plastic Surgery

Plastic surgery is an expensive method to treat stubborn scars, but it can be a bit painful as well. The surgeon will perform the surgery on the affected area and try to reduce the stitch marks. The cost of the procedure depends on the size of the stitch marks.

When Should You Start Treating Your Stitch Mark?

The right time to treat your stitch mark is at the mid-phase of healing, which is typically two to three weeks after surgery. In this stage, once the stitches are removed, the skin will begin to form new collagen. Starting your treatment at this time will help you influence how the scar tissue develops.

Starting the treatment too early, when the wound is open, can affect the healing process and might cause infection. On the flip side, even if your stitch marks are older, don't think it's too late. Mature scars can still respond to treatment, but it might take longer. In short, begin the treatment within the safe window, but don't force the process.

Can Stitch Marks be Removed Completely?

Let’s be honest about expectations in removing your stitch marks. However, some stitch marks may never disappear even after the time period. Some stitch marks will never completely vanish, no matter what treatments you try, but significant improvement almost always is. Deep surgical incisions, genetic predisposition, and certain skin types can result in permanent scarring. With appropriate treatment and consistent home care, stitch scars can blend enough with your skin so that they no longer stand out. 

What is the Cost of Stitch Mark Removal in India?

You might assume all treatments cost the same everywhere. But the cost might vary based on your treatment type. Basic silicone gels are affordable, while laser treatments might be expensive. In certain cases, you might need to spend on revision procedures, as well. Similarly, if your stitch mark is large, mature, or in a complex location, it can increase your treatment costs due to intense approaches and extended session requirements. 

How to Find the Right Dermatologist for Scar Treatment?

Whatever the scar removal treatment you choose, you need to seek consultation from the right dermatologist to get the desired results. Look out for the following factors to find the best Dermatologist for scar treatment near me,

• Credentials: Look for Board-certified dermatologists with scar specialisation who provide better outcomes than general practitioners. 
• Clinic Technology: Make sure your dermatology Practices with advanced laser equipment like fractional CO2 and radiofrequency devices, offer more treatment options. 
• Patient Reviews: Read reviews and check before-and-after photos of similar scar cases who had similar scar types and locations as yours. 

Restore your Skin and Regain your Confidence!

Your stitch marks tell a story of healing. They represent your body's remarkable ability to repair itself. But that doesn't mean you have to live with prominent scars forever. From silicone gels to laser treatment, science-backed approaches exist to help you get the skin back. However, you need to choose the right option that fits your skin type, scar age, and personal goals. Meanwhile, don't forget to take care of your skin and follow proper care practices.

Are the stitch marks making you conscious about your appearance? Schedule your appointment with Apollo Spectra. With customised treatment, we improve the aesthetic of your skin and make you feel more comfortable in your appearance.