Scar Care Tips From Dr Shaun Segal After Skin Cancer Surgery

Skin cancer surgery can be an important and potentially lifesaving procedure, but many patients naturally worry about the scar that may remain after treatment. This concern can be especially significant when surgery involves visible or functionally sensitive areas such as the nose, eyelids, ears, cheeks or lips.

According to Dr. Shaun Segal, good scar care begins with protecting the surgical wound, following personalised post-operative instructions and allowing the skin enough time to heal. Although it is not always possible to prevent a scar completely, careful management may help it become softer, flatter and less noticeable over time.

With over 20 years of experience in skin cancer medicine and surgery, including 15 years dedicated exclusively to skin cancer surgery in Australia, Dr. Shaun Segal has treated thousands of patients. He is particularly skilled in repairing and reconstructing defects involving the nose, eyelids and other challenging areas of the face.

Understand That Scarring Is Part of Healing

A scar is the body’s natural response to an injury or surgical incision. New tissue forms to repair the area where skin cancer and a margin of surrounding tissue were removed.

During the first few weeks, a surgical scar may appear red, raised, firm or slightly swollen. This does not necessarily mean that the scar will remain that way. Most scars gradually soften and fade, although the maturation process may take up to two years or longer.

The appearance of a scar can depend on several factors, including:

• The size and location of the skin cancer
• The type of surgery performed
• Whether stitches, a flap or a skin graft were required
• The patient’s age and skin type
• Individual healing tendencies
• Infection or wound complications
• Sun exposure during recovery

Dr. Shaun Segal understands that patients want both effective cancer treatment and a result that allows them to feel comfortable and confident after surgery.

Follow Your Surgeon’s Instructions Carefully

Every surgical wound is different. A small excision on the arm may require different care from a large facial reconstruction involving a flap or graft.

Patients should therefore follow the specific instructions given by their treating surgeon rather than relying on general online advice. The care plan may include guidance about dressings, showering, physical activity, stitch removal and follow-up appointments.

Cancer Council Australia advises patients to contact their treatment team if they experience unexpected bleeding, infection, bruising, numbness or problems involving a flap or graft.

Following instructions carefully helps protect the wound and gives it the best environment in which to heal.

Keep the Wound Clean

Clean wound care can help reduce the risk of infection and support healthy healing. Patients should wash their hands before touching the surgical site or changing a dressing.

Depending on the surgeon’s instructions, the area may be cleaned gently with mild soap and water before being carefully patted dry. Scrubbing the wound, pulling at stitches or using harsh products should be avoided.

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends gentle cleansing and warns against applying topical antibiotics unless they have been specifically advised, as some antibiotic creams can trigger allergic skin reactions.

Patients should never apply home remedies, essential oils, exfoliants or strong cosmetic products to a fresh surgical wound without medical approval.

Do Not Pick Scabs or Remove Dressings Early

It can be tempting to touch an itchy wound or remove a scab as it forms. However, picking at the area may reopen the wound, introduce bacteria and interfere with the healing process.

Dressings, surgical tapes and adhesive strips should remain in place for as long as recommended. If a dressing becomes wet, loose or heavily stained, patients should follow the instructions provided by their surgical team.

Protecting the area from unnecessary trauma is particularly important after complex repairs involving the nose, eyelids or other delicate facial structures.

Avoid Stretching the Healing Area

Excessive tension can pull on a wound and may cause a scar to widen. During the early recovery period, patients may be advised to avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, repetitive movement or activities that stretch the surgical site.

The exact restrictions depend on the location and complexity of the procedure. Surgery near the mouth, eyes, shoulders, joints or scalp may require additional care because normal daily movements can place tension on the healing tissue.

Dr. Shaun Segal plans complex repairs with both function and appearance in mind, but patients also play an important role by protecting the area during recovery.

Protect the Scar From Sunlight

Sun protection is one of the most important long-term scar-care measures. A new scar can be particularly sensitive to ultraviolet radiation. Unprotected exposure may cause the scar to become darker or more noticeable.

Once the wound has healed sufficiently, patients may be advised to use broad-spectrum sunscreen, protective clothing or a hat to shield the area.

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 for scar protection. In Australia, patients should follow local sun-protection guidance and any specific recommendations provided by their clinician.

Sun protection also helps reduce additional UV damage and supports ongoing skin cancer prevention.

Ask About Silicone Gel or Silicone Sheets

After the wound has fully closed and the surgeon confirms that it is safe, silicone-based products may be considered.

Silicone is available as a gel or flexible sheet placed over the healed scar. Evidence-based patient guidance indicates that silicone may help improve a scar’s colour, height and texture while reducing itching or discomfort.

Silicone should not be placed over an open wound, active infection or unhealed area. Patients should ask their surgeon when to begin treatment, which product to use and how long it should be applied.

Begin Scar Massage Only When Approved

Scar massage may help soften tight tissue and improve flexibility in some patients, but it should only begin after the wound has completely healed and approval has been given by the treating clinician.

Starting massage too early could irritate the area or place stress on a healing incision, flap or graft.

When recommended, massage is usually performed gently with clean fingers and a suitable moisturiser. The technique, pressure and frequency should be tailored to the individual scar.

Patients should stop and seek advice if massage causes bleeding, wound separation, significant pain or increasing redness.

Watch for Signs of Infection

Early recognition of infection is essential because infection can delay healing and negatively affect the final scar.

Warning signs may include:

• Increasing redness or warmth
• Worsening swelling
• Pus or unpleasant discharge
• Increasing pain
• Fever or feeling unwell
• Separation of the wound edges
• Persistent or unexpected bleeding

Patients experiencing these symptoms should contact their medical team promptly rather than attempting to treat the problem themselves.

Be Patient With the Healing Process

A scar’s appearance can change significantly over time. It may initially look red, raised or uneven before gradually becoming flatter and paler.

Patients should avoid comparing their early healing results with another person’s final outcome. The location of the wound, type of reconstruction and individual healing response all influence recovery.

Cancer Council Australia notes that scars resulting from skin cancer treatment generally become less noticeable over time.

For patients who develop a thick, raised, uncomfortable or restrictive scar, additional management may be considered after professional assessment.

Why Patients Trust Dr Shaun Segal

Dr. Shaun Segal brings extensive expertise, surgical precision and compassion to every patient he treats. His professional background includes two years on a surgical rotation at the world-renowned Baragwanath Hospital in Soweto, South Africa, followed by 15 years of skin cancer surgery experience in Australia.

As an ACCO Fellow specialising in complex skin cancer cases and reconstructive surgery, Dr. Shaun Segal has treated thousands of patients across NSW, Queensland and Perth.

Currently working at Baby Steps Specialist Centre and serving as Principal Skin Cancer Surgeon at Skin Cancer Only – Babysteps Health Centre in Subiaco, he is highly skilled in reconstructing large defects involving the nose, eyelids and other difficult facial areas.

His approach is focused not only on effectively treating skin cancer but also on preserving function, reducing unnecessary scarring and helping patients regain confidence.

Final Thoughts

Scar care after skin cancer surgery requires patience, consistency and close communication with the treating medical team. Keeping the wound clean, avoiding unnecessary tension, protecting the healed scar from sunlight and using treatments such as silicone only when medically approved may support a better result.

According to Dr. Shaun Segal, the most appropriate scar-care plan depends on the type of surgery, the location of the wound and the patient’s individual healing response.

With advanced reconstructive expertise and a compassionate, patient-centred approach, Dr. Shaun Segal remains committed to helping patients achieve effective skin cancer treatment alongside the best possible cosmetic and functional outcomes.