Aftercare Tips for Orthopedic Surgery Scars

Undergoing orthopedic surgery can be concerning. Whether you are an athlete concerned about recovery time or the recipient of a new artificial joint, orthopedic surgery can be a delicate topic. Of course, one concern for many surgical patients is whether or not they will have a lasting scar–and if so, how big will it be? Will it fade over time, or will it remain noticeable?

Characteristics of Surgical Scars

Scars form as the body heals from an injury. They can be itchy, sore, red or swollen. Depending on your procedure, you may have a lot of swelling, which can make it difficult to get around at first. It’s important to let your body heal as it recovers from your orthopedic procedure.

While it may not be possible to completely prevent scarring, there are some steps you can take to reduce the size and visibility of scars. The first step is to understand the nature of scars. Many believe that once a scar f formed, the wound is healed. This isn’t always true. While the wound might be closed, the process of scarring can continue for several years afterward.

Preventing and Treating Scarring After Surgery

Follow these tips for faster healing, limited irritation, and limited scarring:

• Keep the area clean and dry by washing with soap and water twice a day
• Ask your doctor before using any antibiotic ointments, as moisture might not be the best choice after your procedure
• You may want to take ibuprofen for pain or inflammation as you recover. Be sure to ask your doctor about dosage and recommendations
• If needed, use a cold compress to reduce pain and discomfort as you heal
• Wear loose clothing over the area when possible
• As the wound heals, use petroleum jelly or other non-irritating, non-scented moisturizer to reduce itchiness
• Don’t pick at the scabs! This can cause them to bleed and become infected. Wherever possible, try not to touch the skin around the scar
• Avoid direct sun exposure for the first few months after surgery
• Do not allow exercise to aggravate your injury. Ask your doctor to advise you on returning to your regular routine.

After your injury has healed, continue to moisturize. You might also try a technique called scar massage–depending on the location of your scar. This technique can help reduce the amount of scar tissue and soften the scar.

The dedicated and experienced team at Mid-Maryland Musculoskeletal have decades of experience with orthopedic surgery and aftercare. If you have any questions regarding your orthopedic surgery or recovery, contact our experts to learn more.