Scar Management After Hand Surgery: Tips for Faster Healing

Scars are a natural part of the healing process after hand surgery. While they protect the skin as it recovers, some scars can cause tightness, discomfort, or restricted movement.

Proper scar management helps reduce these issues by keeping the skin flexible, minimizing raised scars, and improving overall appearance. Following a structured care plan can support your skin’s healing process and improve mobility.

Understanding Scar Formation

Scars form as the body repairs itself after surgery or injury. While they are essential for healing, excessive or improperly managed scar tissue can lead to:

• Tightness and stiffness that affects movement
• Increased sensitivity or numbness in the area
• Thick, raised, or discolored scars
• Discomfort during daily activities

Taking proactive steps early can reduce these effects and help your skin heal smoothly.

How to Care for a Scar After Surgery

Keeping the Scar Clean and Moisturized

A clean, hydrated scar heals faster and with fewer complications. Once your doctor confirms that the incision is closed, you can:

• Wash the area gently with mild soap and water.
• Apply a fragrance-free moisturizer to keep the skin hydrated.
• Use a silicone-based gel or sheet, which can help flatten and lighten scars over time.

Silicone treatments are highly effective and should be used consistently for at least 8-12 weeks.

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Using Scar Massage to Improve Healing

Scar massage can help break down dense tissue, increase circulation, and reduce stiffness. To do this:

• Use clean hands and a small amount of lotion or oil.
• Apply gentle pressure in small circular motions over the scar.
• Massage for 5-10 minutes twice a day.

Regular massage makes the scar softer and more flexible, improving both comfort and appearance.

Protecting the Scar from the Sun

New scars are highly sensitive to the sun’s UV rays. Without protection, they may become darker and more noticeable. To prevent this:

• Apply sunscreen (SPF 30+), even on cloudy days.
• Cover the scar with clothing or a bandage when outdoors.

Keeping the scar protected ensures a smoother, more even skin tone over time.

Stretching and Movement for Flexibility

Scar tissue can tighten over time, leading to stiffness and reduced hand function. To maintain flexibility:

• Gently stretch and move the area daily (as advised by your therapist).
• Perform range-of-motion exercises to keep the scar flexible.
• Avoid overuse or excessive pressure on the healing area.

A hand therapist can design a safe, effective exercise plan to help you regain movement without aggravating the scar.

When to Consider Medical Treatments

While many scars improve with time and proper care, some may require additional treatment. You may need to see a specialist if your scar:

• Remains thick, raised, or painful for several months
• Restricts movement in your fingers, hand, or wrist
• Becomes red, inflamed, or overly sensitive

Doctors and therapists may recommend:

• Ultrasound therapy to soften deep scar tissue
• Laser treatments to reduce discoloration and thickness
• Corticosteroid injections to flatten raised scars

Seeking help early can prevent long-term stiffness and improve recovery.

Supporting Your Recovery with Expert Care

At Hands for Living, we specialize in post-surgical recovery and scar management. Our hand therapists provide personalized treatment plans to help you regain comfort and function after surgery.

For expert guidance on scar management and hand therapy, reach out to our team today.