Skin cancers and conditions

Surgical scars

Surgical scars are usually a line or long, narrow ellipse at the site of a skin procedure. Sometimes they become raised or discoloured.

Also known as

Hypertrophic scar, keloid scar, hypertrophic surgical scar, overgrown scar, raised scar, cicatrix

Symptoms and signs

  • Discoloured patch (often pink or red) at the site of a surgical procedure
  • Firm, raised lump at the site of a surgical procedure

Risk factors

  • Stretching of the skin during a procedure, in order to bring the skin edges together
  • Stretching of the skin after the procedure, for a period of several weeks
  • Wound infection and breakdown

Prognosis / outcome

A raised or overgrown scar is usually permanent unless it is treated. It rarely causes any medical issues although it may be unsightly, itchy and uncomfortable.

Progression

Procedures for

 

Surgical scars

Medications for

 

Surgical scars

Prevention of

 

Surgical scars

More information

News / blog articles

Treatments for scars after procedures
Treatments for scars after procedures
15
Aug 2021

All surgical procedures leave scars, which are sometimes unsightly and uncomfortable. We're now offering new treatments to help prevent overgrown scars, and reduce existing ones.

Vitamin E doesn't enhance wound healing
Vitamin E doesn't enhance wound healing
26
Jul 2021

Vitamin E is commonly applied to scars with the intention of speeding wound healing and improving the appearance. In fact, studies have shown that it provides neither of these benefits and might lead to worse outcomes.

Recommended web links

Epicyn: Advanced scar management technology
Te Arai BioFarma Ltd

Epicyn combines silcone gel with hypochlorous acid to assist wound healing and minimise scar development.

Date accessed:
 
14 Mar
 
2021

Pictures

Clinical images of
 
Surgical scars
Click on an image to view it in greater detail.
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References

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