How to Prepare for Recovery After Plastic Surgery in Middlesbrough
July 10, 2026
What Results Can You Realistically Expect From Plastic Surgery?
August 4, 2026
Every operation involving an incision leaves a scar. Careful planning can influence its position and healing, but no surgeon can honestly promise an invisible scar.
Understanding how scars change can make the process feel less uncertain and help you recognise when healing is progressing normally.
Written for: Mr Ollie Bassett Plastic Surgery
Clinical author or reviewer: Mr Ollie Bassett, FRCS (Plast),
Professional registration: GMC 7082713
Clinic: Tees Valley Hospital, Middlesbrough
Date medically reviewed: 21/07/2026
This article provides general information. Always follow the wound and scar-care advice given by your own surgical team.
On this page
- Does plastic surgery always leave a scar?
- How surgical scars change over time
- Why some scars heal differently
- Where scars may be placed
- How to care for a healing scar
- Scar massage, silicone and sun protection
- Hypertrophic and keloid scars
- When to contact your surgical team
- Treatments for troublesome scars
- Questions to ask at your consultation
Key takeaways
- Any operation that cuts through the skin will leave a permanent scar.
- Most scars gradually become flatter, softer and less noticeable, but maturation can take up to two years or longer.
- A scar may initially look pink, red, firm, raised or uneven.
- Do not massage a scar or apply unapproved products until the wound is fully healed and your surgical team agrees.
- Sun protection can help prevent a healing scar from becoming more noticeably pigmented.
- Some people are more prone to raised, widened or keloid scars.
- Contact your clinical team if a wound becomes increasingly painful, hot, swollen, red or starts producing discharge.
Does plastic surgery always leave a scar?
Yes. When skin is cut, the body repairs the wound by producing scar tissue.
The aim of plastic surgery is not to pretend a scar will not exist. It is to plan the incision carefully, close the wound appropriately and position the scar as discreetly as the operation and your anatomy safely allow.
The NHS advises that scars cannot be removed completely. Most fade over time, although this can take two years or more.
The eventual appearance of a scar depends on several factors, including:
- the procedure and incision length;
- the part of the body being treated;
- tension across the healing wound;
- your skin and inherited tendency to scar;
- previous surgery;
- infection or delayed wound healing;
- nicotine use;
- sun exposure;
- how closely aftercare advice is followed.
Even when surgery and aftercare proceed as planned, two people having the same operation may develop different scars.
What does a normal surgical scar look like?
A new scar rarely looks finished when the wound first closes.
During early healing, it may be:
- pink, red or darker than the surrounding skin;
- slightly raised;
- firm or lumpy;
- itchy;
- numb or unusually sensitive;
- tight when you move;
- uneven along different parts of the incision.
These changes do not necessarily mean something has gone wrong.
A scar remodels over many months as collagen is reorganised. The Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital advises that maturation can take around two years, during which a scar will usually become flatter and less red.
How do scars change over time?
There is no exact calendar that every scar follows, but healing broadly progresses through several stages.
The first few days
At this point, the priority is the surgical wound rather than the appearance of the scar.
You may have:
- stitches, clips or surgical glue;
- dressings or adhesive strips;
- swelling and bruising;
- tenderness or reduced sensation;
- instructions to keep the area dry.
Follow the wound-care advice provided when you leave hospital. Do not remove dressings early or apply oils, moisturisers or silicone unless you have specifically been told to do so.
The first few weeks
As the surface heals, the incision may look red, firm or slightly raised. Some tightness, itching or altered sensation can occur.
You should still avoid pulling, stretching or placing unnecessary pressure on the area. Activity restrictions are partly intended to protect the tissues beneath the skin as well as the visible incision.
The following months
A scar may temporarily become more obvious before it becomes less noticeable. Colour and firmness can vary along its length.
As healing continues, many scars gradually:
- become paler;
- flatten;
- feel softer;
- become more flexible;
- cause less itching or sensitivity.
Progress is rarely identical from one week to the next.
Up to two years and beyond
Scar maturation commonly continues for 18 to 24 months. A mature scar will usually be paler and softer than it was during early healing, but it will not disappear completely.
It is therefore unhelpful to judge a final scar from an early photograph.
Why do some people develop more noticeable scars?
Scarring is influenced by more than surgical technique.
Your natural healing pattern
Some people naturally form flatter, finer scars. Others may produce more scar tissue, develop persistent pigmentation or be prone to raised scars.
Tell your surgeon if you or a close family member has previously developed:
- thick or raised scars;
- keloids;
- stretched scars;
- prolonged redness;
- pigmentation changes;
- scars that have remained painful or itchy.
A previous scar can offer useful information, although it cannot predict every future scar.
The position of the incision
Different areas of the body heal differently.
Scars exposed to repeated movement, stretching or pressure may behave differently from scars in areas with less tension. Incisions across joints or highly mobile areas may also feel tighter during recovery.
The surgeon must balance discretion with safe access to the tissues being treated. The shortest or most hidden incision is not automatically the safest or most effective one.
The extent of surgery
A small liposuction incision and an incision used for extensive skin removal are not comparable.
Procedures such as tummy tuck, arm lift, thigh lift and some breast operations involve a deliberate trade-off: a longer scar is accepted in order to remove loose skin, reshape tissue or improve comfort.
The relevant question is often not, “Can this be done without a scar?” It is, “Would I consider the likely improvement worthwhile in exchange for the scar involved?”
Wound-healing problems
Infection, wound separation and delayed healing can affect the eventual appearance of a scar.
The Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital advises patients to seek medical advice for excessive swelling, redness, pain or unusual wound discharge.
Nicotine
Smoking and other nicotine products can affect circulation and wound healing. Your surgeon may require you to stop for a defined period before and after an operation.
Be honest about cigarettes, vaping, nicotine gum, patches or pouches. The question is asked to plan surgery safely, not to pass judgement.
Sun exposure
New scars are more vulnerable to noticeable colour changes in sunlight.
The NHS recommends keeping scars covered in the sun for at least one year and using sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Your clinical team may recommend a higher level of protection.
Where will my plastic surgery scars be?
Scar placement depends on the procedure, your anatomy and how much tissue needs to be treated.
The exact position should be shown and discussed during your consultation.
Tummy tuck scars
A full tummy tuck usually involves a scar across the lower abdomen. It is generally planned low enough to sit beneath underwear where anatomy allows.
A scar around the tummy button may also be needed during a full abdominoplasty.
The length depends on the amount and distribution of loose skin. A shorter incision cannot safely correct every abdomen.
Mr Bassett’s tummy tuck material emphasises discussing scar position, healing factors and aftercare before a patient commits to surgery.
Tummy Tuck Surgery in Middlesbrough
Arm lift scars
An arm lift may involve a scar extending along the inner or lower aspect of the upper arm. More extensive skin laxity can require a longer incision, sometimes continuing towards the armpit or chest wall.
The visibility of the scar when wearing sleeveless clothing is an important part of the decision. It should be discussed honestly rather than dismissed.
Mr Bassett’s arm lift guidance specifically addresses the balance between excess skin removal and the resulting scar.
Arm Lift Surgery in Middlesbrough
Thigh lift scars
A thigh lift scar may be positioned in the groin crease, along the inner thigh or around part of the upper thigh.
More substantial skin removal usually requires a more extensive scar. Clothing preferences and how the thighs move should form part of the surgical plan.
Breast surgery scars
Breast scars differ according to the operation and the degree of reshaping required.
They may include:
- a scar in the fold beneath the breast;
- a scar around the areola;
- a vertical scar from the areola to the breast fold;
- an additional horizontal scar within the breast fold.
A breast enlargement, breast lift and breast reduction require different incisions. Combining a lift with an implant may also alter the scar pattern.
Facelift and neck lift scars
Facelift incisions are commonly planned around the hairline and natural contours near the ears. A neck lift may also involve an incision beneath the chin, depending on what needs to be treated.
The position has to allow safe access while preserving natural facial proportions.
Eyelid surgery scars
Upper eyelid surgery usually places the incision within the natural eyelid crease.
Lower eyelid surgery may use an incision below the eyelashes or, in selected cases, inside the lower eyelid.
Although eyelid scars can become discreet, patients should still be told that an incision has been made and that healing varies.
Eyelid Surgery in Middlesbrough
Liposuction and fat-grafting scars
Liposuction and fat grafting generally use several short access incisions rather than one long incision.
Small does not mean nonexistent. Each incision can still leave a permanent mark and may develop pigmentation, firmness or an unexpected healing response.
Can a surgeon guarantee a fine or invisible scar?
No.
A surgeon can plan the incision, handle tissue carefully and provide aftercare guidance. They cannot control every part of your biological healing response.
Be cautious about phrases such as:
- scarless surgery;
- invisible scars;
- guaranteed fine-line scars;
- scars that completely disappear;
- no-mark surgery.
A responsible consultation should explain:
- where the incision is likely to sit;
- how long it may be;
- what the early scar may look like;
- which factors could affect healing;
- whether your previous scars raise concerns;
- what support is available if the scar becomes troublesome.
BAAPS states that even procedures intended to improve an existing scar do not remove it entirely. The aim is improvement, not erasure.
How should you care for a surgical scar?
The first rule is to distinguish between wound care and scar care.
A fresh incision is a wound. It only becomes appropriate to begin scar treatments once the skin has fully closed and your clinical team is satisfied with healing.
Follow your dressing instructions
Keep dressings in place for the period advised.
You should be told:
- whether the dressing can get wet;
- when it should be changed;
- whether you have dissolvable stitches;
- whether clips or stitches need removing;
- what to do if the dressing loosens;
- who to contact if fluid leaks through it.
Do not copy another patient’s dressing routine. Different operations and closure methods require different care.
Keep the area clean as advised
Your surgical team will explain when you can shower and how to dry the area.
Avoid soaking the wound in a bath, swimming pool or hot tub until you have been told it is safe.
Do not apply antiseptics, oils, creams or home remedies to a healing wound unless instructed.
Do not pick at glue, scabs or stitches
Pulling at surgical glue, knots or scabs can disturb the healing surface.
Loose threads can be irritating, but they should be assessed by the team rather than cut or pulled at home.
Follow movement restrictions
Restrictions on reaching, lifting and exercise help protect the deeper operation and may reduce unnecessary tension across the wound.
Feeling relatively comfortable does not mean the tissues have regained their normal strength.
When can you start scar massage?
Scar massage should only begin when the wound is fully healed and your surgical team has agreed that it is appropriate.
The NHS advises only massaging a scar once the wound has fully healed.
Massage may be recommended to:
- keep the skin moisturised;
- improve suppleness;
- reduce sensitivity;
- help tight or tethered tissue move more comfortably.
The pressure, technique and timing can vary. The Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital recommends beginning gently and increasing pressure only later in recovery, with advice from the healthcare professionals overseeing the wound.
Do not massage if:
- part of the wound is still open;
- there is a scab or discharge;
- the area is increasingly red or hot;
- massage causes significant pain;
- you have been told not to touch the area;
- you are uncertain whether healing is complete.
Do silicone gels and sheets help scars?
Silicone gels or sheets are commonly used in scar management and may be recommended for some patients.
The NHS lists silicone dressings and gels among the options that may help improve the appearance of a scar.
They should generally only be applied once the wound is fully healed.
Ask your clinical team:
- whether silicone is appropriate;
- when to start;
- whether gel or sheets are more suitable;
- how many hours a day to use it;
- how long treatment should continue;
- what to do if the skin becomes irritated.
More product is not necessarily better. Follow the recommended routine.
What about scar creams, oils and vitamin products?
No cream can make a surgical scar vanish.
A simple moisturiser may help keep a healed scar supple and make massage more comfortable. Expensive packaging does not necessarily indicate better results.
Avoid applying any product before the wound has closed unless it has been prescribed or approved by the clinical team.
Tell your team if a product causes:
- itching;
- redness;
- blistering;
- a rash;
- increased discomfort.
Natural ingredients can still irritate healing skin.
How should you protect a scar from the sun?
Cover a healing scar with clothing where practical and use suitable high-factor sunscreen once the wound is fully healed.
The NHS recommends covering a scar in the sun for at least one year and applying sunscreen of SPF 30 or above.
The Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital recommends a minimum SPF 50 because scar tissue has reduced protection from ultraviolet radiation.
Remember that:
- sunlight can reach scars during ordinary daily activities;
- swimwear may not fully cover body-contouring scars;
- facial scars require careful protection;
- sunscreen needs to be reapplied according to its instructions;
- sunbeds are not a safe alternative.
What is a hypertrophic scar?
A hypertrophic scar is raised, firm and sometimes itchy, but remains within the boundaries of the original wound.
It may look more prominent during early healing and can gradually flatten and fade.
Do not assume that every temporarily raised scar is abnormal. Ask your surgical team to assess it, particularly if it is becoming thicker, painful or restrictive.
What is a keloid scar?
A keloid extends beyond the boundary of the original wound and grows into the surrounding skin.
Keloids may be raised, hard, smooth, itchy or uncomfortable. They do not usually flatten without treatment and can recur after treatment.
A personal or family history of keloids should be discussed before elective surgery.
Being prone to keloids does not automatically answer whether surgery is appropriate, but it can affect counselling, incision planning and the balance between benefit and risk.
What is a widened scar?
A scar can stretch or widen as it heals.
Possible contributing factors include:
- tension across the wound;
- the position of the incision;
- movement;
- delayed healing;
- infection;
- individual skin characteristics.
A widened scar is not the same as a keloid. It is usually flatter but broader than expected.
When should you contact the surgical team?
Contact the team promptly if you notice:
- increasing redness around the wound;
- worsening pain rather than gradual improvement;
- heat or increasing swelling;
- pus or unusual discharge;
- an unpleasant smell;
- the wound edges separating;
- fever or feeling generally unwell;
- a sudden change that concerns you.
The NHS advises seeking urgent medical advice when a scar or wound becomes swollen, painful, warm or produces pus.
Use the aftercare contact details provided by your hospital. Do not wait for a routine follow-up when symptoms are worsening.
Call 999 for a medical emergency.
Can an unsatisfactory scar be treated?
Sometimes.
Treatment depends on:
- the scar type;
- how long it has been present;
- whether it is still changing;
- its position;
- pain, itching or movement restriction;
- your previous healing history;
- what treatment has already been tried.
Options may include:
- silicone gel or sheets;
- pressure treatment;
- steroid treatment;
- laser treatment;
- skin camouflage;
- massage or therapy for tightness;
- surgical scar revision.
Not every treatment is suitable for every scar, and improvement cannot be guaranteed.
BAAPS notes that scar revision replaces an existing scar with another surgically planned scar. The intention is to make it less conspicuous or improve its position, tension or comfort.
Should you wait until a scar is mature before asking for help?
You do not need to wait two years before raising a concern.
Some scars simply need time. Others may benefit from earlier assessment, particularly when they are:
- becoming rapidly raised;
- increasingly painful or itchy;
- restricting movement;
- growing beyond the original incision;
- tethered to deeper tissue;
- showing signs of wound-healing problems.
Contact the team and allow them to decide whether observation, treatment or referral is appropriate.
Questions to ask about scars at your consultation
You may find it helpful to ask:
About incision placement
- Where will my scars be?
- How long are they likely to be?
- Could they be visible in underwear, swimwear or sleeveless clothing?
- Would a shorter incision change what the operation can achieve?
About your individual risk
- Does my skin or previous scarring raise any concerns?
- Am I at risk of hypertrophic or keloid scarring?
- Could nicotine, medication or a medical condition affect healing?
- Would losing or gaining weight later affect the scar?
About aftercare
- How will the wound be dressed?
- When can I shower?
- When might massage or silicone be introduced?
- How should I protect the scar from sunlight?
- Who should I contact if the wound changes?
About treatment
- What happens if the scar becomes raised or widened?
- Is scar treatment included in follow-up?
- When would revision be considered?
- What degree of improvement would be realistic?
Making an informed trade-off
Scars can be one of the hardest parts of plastic surgery to think about because they are permanent.
For some people, the likely scar is an acceptable exchange for:
- removing loose or uncomfortable skin;
- reducing heaviness;
- improving proportion;
- restoring a body contour after weight loss;
- reshaping the breasts;
- addressing skin that cannot contract naturally.
For somebody else, the same scar may feel like too great a compromise.
Neither decision is wrong.
The purpose of a consultation is to show you the likely scar pattern, explain what can and cannot be controlled, and allow you to decide whether the proposed improvement feels worthwhile.
Discussing scars with Mr Ollie Bassett
Mr Ollie Bassett’s procedure information places scar location, recovery and wound care within the consultation process rather than treating them as an afterthought.
Appointments at Tees Valley Hospital in Middlesbrough allow patients to discuss:
- their previous scars;
- concerns about visibility;
- likely incision placement;
- the balance between scar length and surgical change;
- wound and scar care;
- realistic long-term expectations.
Patients attend from Middlesbrough and surrounding areas including Stockton-on-Tees, Redcar, Guisborough, Hartlepool, Darlington, Northallerton, Thirsk, Durham, Sunderland, Newcastle upon Tyne and York.
Worried about scarring after plastic surgery?
You do not need to minimise the concern. Scars are a valid and important part of deciding whether an operation is right for you.
Frequently asked questions
Do plastic surgery scars disappear completely?
No. A surgical scar is permanent, although most become flatter, softer and less noticeable over time. Full maturation can take up to two years or longer.
When can I start massaging my scar?
Only begin when the wound is fully healed and your surgical team agrees. Starting too early can irritate or disrupt the wound. Your team should explain the correct pressure, product and frequency for your operation.
Can I use silicone gel on a surgical scar?
Silicone gel or sheets may be recommended once the skin has fully healed. They are not suitable for an open or weeping wound. Ask your clinical team when to start and how long to continue.
Why is my scar red and raised?
New scars can initially be red, firm or slightly raised. This may improve as the scar matures. Seek advice if it is becoming increasingly thick, painful, itchy or extends beyond the original incision.
Can I sunbathe with a healing scar?
A healing scar should be protected from ultraviolet exposure. Keep it covered where possible and use suitable high-factor sunscreen once the wound has healed. The NHS recommends scar protection for at least one year.
What should I do if my scar becomes painful or starts producing discharge?
Contact your surgical team promptly. Increasing pain, heat, swelling, redness or pus may indicate infection or another wound-healing problem. Seek urgent medical advice rather than waiting for your next routine appointment.
