Stitches are typically applied to deep cuts, severe wounds, or after surgery and need to be properly cared for every day to avoid scarring. The skin heals differently from person to person and sometimes the spots leave marks or scars; however, there are remedies to reduce the visibility of these imperfections and prevent the risk of blemishes in the long run.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Home Treatments
Step 1. Keep the stitches covered and clean throughout the day
Although you may believe that it is advisable for the wound to "breathe" leaving it without gauze to speed up healing, in reality this technique delays the process by 50%; moisture and hydration prevent scab and infection from developing. Use sterile, dry gauze to protect the suture as it heals.
- Your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic ointment or recommend a similar over-the-counter product; the drug prevents infections and promotes healing of the cut.
- Use new gauze every time you apply the ointment. After a week, you can switch to simple petroleum jelly to encourage the growth of the new skin layer.
Step 2. Use silicone sheets to promote proper healing
Make sure that there is constant pressure on the suture scars by placing these sheets, such as Vea Sil, Dermatix® lamine or Epi-Derm, to flatten the thickened tissue and speed up the recovery process.
Many silicone sheets are produced so that they can be cut and adapted to the shape of the scar
Step 3. Don't use vitamin E or hydrogen peroxide
Contrary to popular belief, studies have shown that vitamin E prevents wounds from healing instead of promoting healing; some individuals also develop an allergic reaction to the substance. Opt for an antibiotic cream or ointment instead of a vitamin E gel.
Although hydrogen peroxide on open wounds or stitch marks can sanitize the area, it also destroys new skin cells and slows healing
Step 4. Protect the suture scars from sunlight by applying sunscreen
Ultraviolet light damages scar tissue and slows recovery. Cover your skin, including suture marks, with sunscreen every morning before you leave the house.
Choose a broad spectrum product with a protection factor of 30
Step 5. Massage the area once the wound has healed
By doing this, you break up the collagen bands that have become attached under the tissue.
You should gently massage the skin with a lotion by making circular movements for 15-30 seconds; repeat the procedure several times a day
Method 2 of 2: Professional Treatments
Step 1. Have the stitches removed within one week
Talk to your doctor about removing the suture before it can leave skin imperfections, small lumps on the sides of the incision. If possible, ask him to remove the external stitches after a week to avoid scarring.
Step 2. Consider the possibility of laser treatments
If you want to try more effective solutions, ask your dermatologist for targeted laser light treatment to remove scars or marks left by the suture. Working on fresh scar tissue (6-8 months after the accident) allows for better results. There are two types of laser "cures":
- Pulsed dye laser: it is a non-ablative treatment that uses an intense and targeted beam of light. The heat is absorbed by the blood vessels of the skin improving the consistency and thickness of the scars; it is also able to minimize the redness surrounding the blemish;
- Fractional ablative laser: during the procedure, small holes are made in the scar tissue to stimulate the production of collagen and reshape the scar to make it less noticeable; this treatment is recommended for surface imperfections.
- Most laser treatments require several sessions which can cost between 300 and 600 euros each.
Step 3. If the suture marks become red, irritated, or swollen, see your doctor
If you complain of these symptoms accompanied by fever and pain at the incision site, you should go to the doctor, as it could be an infection or an allergic reaction to the antibacterial cream.
