Every surgical incision leaves a scar. With careful planning of where incisions are placed, meticulous closure, and committed post-operative care, the goal is to make that scar as fine, flat and unobtrusive as possible.
Every break in the skin — surgical incision or accidental laceration — heals through the same biological process. The body recruits collagen to bridge the wound, then remodels that collagen over many months into mature scar tissue.
Not all scars look the same. Their final appearance depends on the depth and tension of the wound, the area of the body, your individual healing response (including any tendency to keloid or hypertrophic scarring), and the care taken in the months after surgery.
Dr Doherty plans every incision to follow natural skin tension lines, conceal scars within the contours of the body wherever possible, and use techniques that minimise tension across the closure — all factors that contribute to the finest possible scar.
Scar maturation is a slow process. A useful rule of thumb: the appearance of the scar at twelve months is a good indication of the lasting result. Within that, expect roughly the following:
Good scar management meaningfully improves the final result. The protocol below is general — your specific instructions may vary depending on the procedure, and will be provided in writing at the time of surgery.
Keep the dressing intact. Do not massage, do not apply creams or ointments to the incision (other than as specifically directed), and keep the area dry as per your post-operative instructions. Sutures are removed at your post-operative review.
Once the wound is fully sealed, the three pillars of scar management begin.
1. Massage. Twice daily, use a fingertip to firmly massage the scar in small circles, using a silicone-based ointment as the lubricant. Massage helps break down the collagen cross-links that contribute to thick, raised scars. Reputable silicone ointments include Dermatix and Strataderm, both available over the counter at Chemist Warehouse and most pharmacies.
2. Sun protection. Scars are highly UV-sensitive in the first 12 months and can pigment permanently with sun exposure. Apply SPF 50+ sunscreen to the scar every day it is exposed, including on cloudy days. For scars on the face, this is part of your normal daily sunscreen routine; for scars on the body, clothing cover is an effective alternative.
3. Silicone tapes or sheets. These are the gold standard for scar management. They apply gentle, sustained pressure to flatten the scar and create a moisture-locking barrier that supports remodelling. For best results, wear silicone sheets for 12–24 hours a day. A single sheet can usually be re-used for several days. Common brands include Strataderm tape, Cica-Care, and Mepiform.
Most scars respond well to the protocol above. Please contact our team if you notice:
For thick, raised or symptomatic scars, options discussed at follow-up include intralesional steroid injection, additional silicone therapy, laser treatment, and — where appropriate — scar revision surgery.
These are general recommendations. Your specific post-operative care plan will be tailored to your procedure and provided in writing at the time of surgery. If you're ever unsure or the scar isn't behaving as expected, please contact our team — it's far easier to manage a problem early than late.