Scar Treatment After Surgery
You’ve had your surgery. The wound has closed. The stitches are out. And now you’re staring at a scar and wondering: how do I make this fade as much as possible?
Two names come up in almost every conversation about post-surgical scar care: compression garments and silicone scar gel. Both are widely recommended. Both genuinely work. But they work differently — and most people don’t understand the difference.
In this article, we’ll break down exactly how each one works, when to use them, and why using both together gives you the best possible result.
First: How Do Surgical Scars Form?
When your skin is cut — whether by a surgeon’s scalpel or a burn — it heals by producing collagen. Collagen is the protein that forms the structural framework of your skin, and it’s what makes scars possible.
In normal, healthy healing, collagen fibres are laid down in an organised, even pattern that gradually blends with the surrounding skin. But sometimes — especially with deeper wounds, burns, or in people with a genetic tendency toward scarring — the collagen production goes into overdrive.
Too much collagen, deposited too quickly, in a disorganised way, forms a raised, firm, often red or dark scar. These are called hypertrophic scars. When the scar tissue grows beyond the boundaries of the original wound, it’s called a keloid.
Both compression therapy and silicone gel work on this process — but at different levels.
How Compression Garments Treat Scars
Compression therapy has been used in scar management for over 40 years — particularly in burn care, where it remains the gold standard.
When constant pressure is applied to healing scar tissue, it:
- Flattens the collagen fibres by pressing them down as they form — preventing the raised, bumpy texture
- Reduces the blood supply to the scar tissue — which slows down collagen overproduction
- Softens existing raised scars over time by breaking down excessive collagen deposits
- Prevents the spread of hypertrophic scarring by keeping the healing area contained
Compression is most effective during the active healing phase — when the scar is still forming and the collagen fibres are still being laid down. This window is typically from the time the wound closes until about 12–24 months post-injury.
Best results with compression for:
- Large surgical scars — tummy tucks, mastectomy, C-sections
- Burn scars — especially second and third degree
- Post-liposuction skin irregularities
- Scars over joints — where movement and tension worsen scarring
How Scar Gel (Silicone Gel) Treats Scars
Silicone scar gel — like OverPlast’s OverScar Gel — works through a completely different mechanism. And the science behind it is well established.
When silicone gel is applied to a scar, it forms a thin, breathable, waterproof layer over the skin surface. This layer:
- Locks moisture into the scar tissue — dehydration is one of the key factors that drives excessive collagen production
- Creates a microenvironment similar to intact skin — which signals the body to reduce collagen overproduction
- Softens and flattens hypertrophic scars over repeated use
- Improves scar pigmentation — helps lighten dark or hyperpigmented scars
- Reduces itching and discomfort — particularly in burn scars and sensitive surgical sites
Silicone gel can be used on the face, on areas where compression isn’t practical, and on scars that are months or even years old.
Best results with scar gel for:
- Facial scars — where garments aren’t always practical
- Small-to-medium surgical scars where compression isn’t prescribed
- Surface pigmentation and discolouration
- Older, mature scars that are flat but still discoloured
- Complementing compression therapy for maximum effect
Compression vs Scar Gel: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Factor | Compression Garment | Scar Gel (OverScar) |
| How it works | Pressure flattens collagen buildup | Silicone hydrates and softens scar |
| Best for | Post-surgical active healing phase | Surface scar improvement & pigmentation |
| When to start | Immediately after surgery | Once wound is fully closed (2–4 weeks post-op) |
| How long to use | 3–6 months | 3–6 months |
| Works on raised scars | Yes — primary treatment | Yes — supports flattening |
| Works on pigmentation | Indirectly | Yes — improves colour |
| Used together? | ✅ Yes — highly recommended | ✅ Yes — highly recommended |
The Best Approach: Use Both Together
Here’s the key insight that most patients don’t get: compression garments and scar gel are not competing treatments. They work on different aspects of scar formation — and they work even better when used together.
Think of it this way: the compression garment controls scar formation from the outside in — managing the structural collagen buildup. The scar gel works from the surface — keeping the skin hydrated and signalling the body to reduce overproduction.
Combined, they address every layer of the healing process.
How to Use Both Together:
- Start your compression garment as directed by your surgeon — usually immediately after surgery.
- Once your wound is fully closed (typically 2–4 weeks after surgery), begin applying OverScar Gel to the scar twice daily.
- Apply the gel, let it dry for 3–5 minutes, then put your compression garment on over it.
- Continue both consistently for 3–6 months — consistency is everything with scar treatment.
What About Silicone Sheets?
Silicone sheets are another form of silicone therapy — reusable adhesive strips that are worn over the scar for several hours a day. They work through the same mechanism as silicone gel but require more commitment to keep in place.
For large flat scars (like C-section or tummy tuck scars), silicone sheets can be highly effective. For smaller, irregular, or facial scars, silicone gel is usually easier to use and equally effective.
What Doesn’t Work (Common Myths)
Vitamin E oil
Despite being widely recommended, there is no consistent clinical evidence that vitamin E oil improves scars. In some people, it can actually cause contact dermatitis — a skin reaction that makes scarring worse.
Coconut oil/olive oil
Natural oils can moisturise the skin but have no direct effect on collagen regulation or scar flattening. They’re not a substitute for medical-grade silicone.
Waiting it out
Some scars do improve on their own over 1–2 years. But without active treatment, hypertrophic scars and darker pigmentation often persist much longer than they need to. Early intervention with compression and silicone gel gives significantly better outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I start scar treatment?
Compression: immediately after surgery as directed by your surgeon. Silicone gel: once the wound is completely closed — usually 2–4 weeks post-surgery. Never apply gel to an open or incompletely healed wound.
How long does it take to see results?
Most patients notice softening and flattening of scars within 6–8 weeks of consistent use. Significant improvement in colour and texture usually takes 3–6 months. For older or more severe scars, up to 12 months of treatment may be needed.
Does OverScar Gel work on old scars?
Yes — silicone gel can improve scars that are months or even a few years old. However, it’s most effective during the active formation phase (within the first 2 years of the scar). Results on older, fully matured scars are more modest.
Is OverScar Gel available in Pakistan?
Yes. OverScar Gel is available directly through OverPlast — with delivery across Pakistan. It’s specifically formulated for post-surgical and burn scar management.
Your Scar Deserves the Right Treatment
American Academy of Dermatology (Scar Treatment Information) — Scar formation, silicone gel therapy, aur post-surgical skin care ke medical guidelines.
You went through surgery to improve how you look and feel. Your scar shouldn’t take that away. With the right combination of compression therapy and silicone scar gel — applied consistently and started at the right time — most surgical scars can be minimised significantly.
Don’t leave it to chance. Start your scar treatment early, stay consistent, and give your skin the support it needs to heal the way you want.
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