If you’re worried about the recovery process of wart removal surgery, this blog can help you understand what to expect in terms of plantar wart surgery scar. Stick around to learn how to take care of the wound and manage the scar as it forms.
How to Treat Plantar Wart Surgery Scar?
Surgery to remove a plantar wart is rarely the first line of treatment, but when all conservative treatment methods fail, it’s left as the only option. Patients often worry about scarring after wart removal, and unfortunately, scars often form after a lesion is removed. There could also be depressions in the skin or keloids (really thick scars above the surface of the skin). So, what can you do to take care of your scar?
Keep the Incision Area Clean
After the procedure, you will have bandages on the wound – they will be there for about two weeks until the wound heals. During this time, it’s crucial to take care of your wound. It’s essential to make sure the area is dry and clean. In the first few days, you should avoid washing the wound – instead, just wash the skin around it.
Moisturize the Scar
As the wound slowly starts to heal – it should be mostly healed after two weeks – the scar will start to form. Keeping the scar moisturized is of utmost importance. Anti-scarring creams are quite popular – there are many brands to choose from. These creams are effective in softening the skin and improving the texture of your scar. Your foot doctor will most likely recommend a cream you could use after the surgery.
Avoid Sun Exposure
If you are exposed to the sun soon after plantar wart removal surgery, you will have to take precautions to prevent damage to your scar. Exposure to the sun will trigger an inflammatory reaction, which will make your scar discolored – and it will be less likely to fade away.
You Can Also Put Silicone Gel Sheets on Your Scars
One of the commonly used techniques for managing scars after foot surgery is using silicone gel sheets. This is a soft, self-adhesive, and flexible sheet that’s used as a dressing on scars. Silicone is known for improving the texture and color of scars. Plus, it works well for reducing discomfort and itchiness that’s so common in scar tissue. Silicone gel should be used for 3-6 months after the procedure.
Avoiding Irritants and Trauma
In order to heal well, the scar shouldn’t be exposed to inflammation – it can have a huge effect on the appearance of the scar tissue. That’s why avoiding irritation or trauma of any kind is crucial. We’ve already mentioned that sun exposure is problematic, but it’s worth noting that excessive pressure, tension, and pulling in the area of the scar tissue can increase inflammation, which leads to scar formation.
Discuss the Healing Process With Your Surgeon in Miami
Although plantar wart removal surgery can sound scary, if you get familiar with every aspect of the procedure, there won’t be anything that can surprise you. This includes learning about scar tissue that you can expect after your wound heals. Reach out to a podiatrist in Miami – one of our doctors at Luxe Foot Surgery clinic will answer all of your questions. Don’t hesitate to contact us, as the first consultation is free of charge.
FAQ
Does Plantar Wart Removal Leave Scars?
Unfortunately, plantar wart removal often leaves scars. Still, with proper care, these scars can be managed quite well.
How Long Does Plantar Wart Surgery Take to Heal?
Plantar wart surgery usually takes about two weeks to heal – in some cases, it can take up to four weeks.
References
- Mayo Clinic – Plantar warts
- Cleveland Clinic – Plantar Warts
- MyHealth.Alberta – Skin Lesion Removal: What to Expect at Home
- Chelsea and Westminster Hospital – Silicone gel sheets
- Scar Team – What makes a scar worse
