Scar prevention: practical steps to reduce scarring after cuts or surgery

Scars happen whenever deep skin gets injured. You can’t erase every scar, but you can make scars smaller, flatter, and less visible by acting correctly from day one. These tips focus on what to do right after an injury and what to keep doing for weeks and months to come.

Quick first-aid steps

Clean the wound gently with cool running water—no scrubbing. Remove obvious dirt with tweezers if needed, then pat dry with a clean cloth. Use a thin layer of petroleum jelly or a basic antibiotic ointment to keep the wound moist. Cover with a non-stick dressing; change it daily or when it gets wet or dirty.

Moist wounds heal faster and with less scabbing. Avoid letting wounds dry out completely or form a hard scab—scabs slow healing and raise the chance of a wider scar. Also, don’t pick at scabs or pull off loose skin; that actually increases scar size.

If a cut is deep, gaping, very bloody, or from a dirty or rusty object, see a healthcare provider right away. Stitches or skin glue can make the final scar smaller when used early on.

Long-term care and treatments

Once the wound has closed, keep protecting it. Use silicone gel sheets or silicone-based scar gels. Studies and many dermatologists back silicone for flattening and softening scars; wear sheets for several hours daily for at least 8–12 weeks for best results.

Massage the scar for 5–10 minutes a day after the skin is fully healed. Press and rub in circles toward the center; this helps break up tight tissue and improves comfort. Stick with massage for 3–6 months to see real change.

Sunscreen matters. New scars are very sensitive to sun and can darken for more than a year. Use SPF 30+ every day on the scar and cover it when outside for the first 12–18 months.

For raised or wide scars, medical options exist: steroid injections, laser therapy, microneedling, and pressure garments. These work best when guided by a dermatologist or plastic surgeon. Don’t try aggressive treatments until the wound is fully closed and you’ve waited the recommended healing time.

Simple lifestyle choices help too. Eat enough protein, vitamin C, and zinc to support repair. Avoid smoking—nicotine slows blood flow and delays healing. Stay hydrated and keep medical conditions like diabetes under control to reduce poor scarring risk.

Pay attention to the type of scar. Flat, thin scars may only need sun protection and silicone. Thick, red, or itchy scars might need medical review. If the scar hurts, grows, or changes a lot after healing, get a professional opinion.

Small actions right away and steady care afterward make the biggest difference. Treat the wound gently, keep it moist, protect it from sun, try silicone and massage, and talk to a specialist if a scar looks abnormal. That’s how most scars end up looking much better over time.