Best Heart Surgery Scars Treatments for Women

Managing Heart Surgery Scars: Top Treatments for Women

When comparing and finding the best scar treatment options, choosing the right solution depends on your unique skin needs. Whether you're looking for something that targets significant discoloration or a remedy to soothe and moisturize, the options can feel overwhelming. The most common problem people face is not knowing which treatment is best for their specific scar type.

We tackled this issue by diving deep into 11 different solutions, from natural remedies for moisturizing to professional skin rejuvenation treatments for texture improvement. Our approach involves evaluating both price and performance, offering solutions that cater to various scar types, from raised keloids to superficial marks.

This guide covers the top options based on specific needs, and you’ll also find in-depth reviews, side-by-side comparisons, and a detailed list of treatments. Let's break down the best scar solutions for various concerns.

List of Best Heart Surgery Scar Treatments for Women

Topical Treatments - Best Overall for Price & Performance
Natural Remedy: Best for moisturizing and promoting tissue regeneration
Massage Therapy: Best for breaking down scar tissue and improving circulation
Chemical Peel: Best for shallow scars and mild discoloration
Microneedling Therapy: Best for improving texture and boosting collagen production
Laser Therapy: Best professional service
Skin Resurfacing Procedure: Best for deeper scars and pitted scars
Injection Therapy: Best for raised scars and keloid scars
Surgical Procedure: Best for large or deep scars
Cryptotherapy: Best for raised keloid scars

Comparison table of above options:

Type	Product	Best For	Price	Key Benefits	Suggested Usage
Topical - Silicone Stick	Pro-Sil Silicone Stick (4.25g)	Small scars, fresh or old scars	$36.95	Patented silicone technology, portable, easy to apply	Apply 3-5 times daily for 8-12 weeks (new scars) or 12-24 weeks (old scars)
Topical - Silicone Gel Sheet	Epi-Derm Long Strip (1 Pair)	Medium to large scars, keloids, hypertrophic scars	$72.95	Covers larger areas, customizable for different scar shapes and sizes	Apply daily for several hours, use continuously for weeks
Natural Remedy	Aloe Vera, Honey, Coconut Oil	Moisturizing and promoting tissue regeneration	$5-20	Soothing, natural anti-inflammatory properties, Moisturizers	Apply generously to the scar as needed and massage
Massage Therapy	Scar Massage	Breaking down scar tissue, improving circulation	$50-150	Enhances flexibility of scar tissue, improves blood flow	Massage daily with gentle pressure
Chemical Peel	Superficial Chemical Peels	Shallow scars, mild discoloration	$100 - 300	Removes the outer layer of skin, promotes new skin growth	Requires professional application
Microneedling Therapy	Microneedling	Improving texture, boosting collagen	$200-700	Prompts skin regeneration and collagen production	Requires professional application, multiple sessions
Laser Therapy	Laser Therapy (Ablative)	Raised, thick scars, keloid scars	$500-3000	Removes outer skin layers to smooth out scars	Requires professional application, multiple sessions
Skin Resurfacing Procedure	Dermabrasion	Deeper scars, pitted scars	Varies	Sands down the top layer of skin for smoother appearance	Professional procedure, suitable for deep scars
Injection Therapy	Steroid Injections	Raised scars, keloid scars	$50-200	Flattens raised scars and reduces appearance of hypertrophic scars	Requires professional administration
Surgical Procedure	Scar Revision Surgery	Large or deep scars	$1,500 - 5,000	Surgically removes scar and closes skin to improve appearance	Requires surgical procedure, best for large scars
Freezing Treatment	Cryotherapy	Raised keloid scars	$100 - 500	Freezes scar tissue to shrink and flatten over time	Requires professional application

The Healing Process for Heart Surgery Scars

Fresh Heart Surgery Scar

Right after surgery, the scar is fresh, red, and raised. Open heart surgery scar healing typically starts within a few weeks, but the healing time varies from patient to patient.

Scar After 6 Months

At the six-month mark, the scar generally fades but may still be visible. Many patients experience scar itching during this time, which is a normal part of the healing process.

Healed Heart Surgery Scar

With time, the scar can fade significantly, though the exact appearance depends on individual skin types and scar care routines. Keloid scars, or raised scars, may form in some cases, especially if the person has a predisposition to such scarring.

Effective Treatments for Heart Surgery Scars

To minimize the appearance of scars and speed up the healing process, it’s crucial to follow a proper treatment regimen. Below are some top recommendations for scar care.

Best Treatment Reviews

1. Topical Treatments

Topical Treatments for Heart Surgery Scars

Topical treatments are often the first line of defense when it comes to managing heart surgery scars. Among the various options, silicone-based products like the Pro-Sil Silicone Stick and Epi-Derm Long Strip (1 Pair) have proven to be the most effective for reducing the appearance of scars, especially in terms of price and performance.

Pro-Sil Silicone Stick is particularly convenient for those dealing with smaller scars or those who prefer an easy-to-apply, portable solution. It works by flattening the scar and improving its color and texture over time. One of the best features of this product is its affordability, priced at $36.95, making it accessible while delivering impressive results.

Combined with Epi-Derm Long Strip has proven to work very efficiently as seen on the below testimonial. These sheets provide broader coverage and are ideal for treating keloid or hypertrophic scars. They are a bit more expensive than the below reviewed natural remedies, priced at $58.95, but the results justify the cost, especially for those with more extensive scarring.

Both of these products use medical-grade silicone, which has been clinically proven to be one of the most effective non-invasive treatments for scar management. Silicone helps to create a protective barrier over the scar, trapping moisture and regulating collagen production, which is key in reducing scar visibility.

2. Natural Remedies to Improve Heart Surgery Scars

Natural ingredients offer some healing properties and can complement traditional treatments for open heart surgery scars. Here are some of the best options:

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera may help reduce the swelling and redness of the scar. Known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, aloe vera helps reduce redness and swelling in scars.

Applying aloe vera gel directly to your open heart surgery scar or heart valve surgery scar moisturizes the skin and improves texture over time. Use it daily for best results.

Honey

Honey acts as a natural moisturizer that accelerates tissue regeneration. It can be slighly beneficial for scars like the triple bypass surgery scar and scar from open heart surgery as well. Honey contains antioxidants that promote skin repair and improve the healing process. Simply apply raw honey to the affected area and leave it on for 10-15 minutes before rinsing.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is rich in fatty acids and antioxidants, which makes it an good, chep choice for scar healing. This oil helps soften and lighten scars, including bypass scars and heart surgery scars. Daily application of coconut oil on a fresh heart surgery scar ensures deep hydration, aiding in quicker scar healing.

Lemon Juice

Lemon juice acts as a natural bleaching agent and can lighten chest surgery scars, open heart surgery scars, and heart bypass scars over time. However, exercise caution with lemon juice—it may irritate sensitive skin. Always test on a small area first and use sunscreen afterward to protect your skin.

3. Massage Therapy for Heart Surgery Scars

Regularly massaging your heart surgery scar can significantly improve its appearance. Scar massage helps break down the tough scar tissue, improves circulation, and softens the scar. Whether it’s a female open heart surgery scar or a sternotomy scar, here’s why you should make scar massage part of your daily routine:

Improved Elasticity: Massaging increases the flexibility of the scar, making it less noticeable.
Reduced Tightness: For those dealing with a sternum scar or cabg scar, regular massages help relieve tightness around the scar.
Enhanced Blood Flow: Better circulation means faster scar healing, especially for long scars such as those from heart bypass surgery or valve replacement surgery.

4. Chemical Peels for Reducing Heart Surgery Scars

Chemical peels use mild acids to remove the outer layer of the skin, which can help minimize shallow scars. For those with open heart surgery scars after 6 months or healed heart surgery scars, this option can be highly effective. There are two main types of chemical peels to consider:

Superficial Peels

These peels target the top layer of skin, making them ideal for fresh heart surgery scars or lighter scars. They can help with fading bypass surgery scars or heart valve surgery scars.

Medium and Deep Peels

For more significant scars like a triple bypass surgery scar or cabg scars, medium and deep peels penetrate the skin’s deeper layers. These peels often require a professional application and can result in more dramatic improvements.

5. Microneedling for Heart Surgery Scars

Microneedling involves rolling tiny needles over the skin to create micro-injuries. This triggers collagen production, which improves the texture and appearance of scars. If you have an open heart surgery scar or a heart transplant scar, microneedling can significantly reduce the depth and visibility of these scars.

Collagen Boost: Microneedling encourages collagen production, leading to smoother skin.
Scar Texture Improvement: For patients with pitted or raised scars, like those from heart valve replacement surgery or open chest surgery, microneedling helps flatten and improve skin texture.

6. Laser Therapy for Heart Surgery Scars

Laser therapy offers a high-tech solution for those with open heart surgery keloid scars or deeply pigmented scars from bypass surgery. There are two types of laser treatments available:

Ablative Lasers

Ablative lasers remove the top layers of skin, making them ideal for patients with severe scarring or keloid scars after open heart surgery. This method provides the most dramatic results but requires a longer recovery period.

Non-Ablative Lasers

Non-ablative lasers target the deeper layers of skin without removing the outer layer. This method is beneficial for mild to moderate scarring, such as healed heart surgery scars or heart bypass surgery scars.

7. Dermabrasion for Deeper Heart Surgery Scars

Dermabrasion involves sanding the top layer of skin to smooth out scars. For patients with deep heart surgery scars, including triple bypass scars or heart transplant scars, dermabrasion can be a game-changer.

Ideal for Pitted Scars: Dermabrasion works especially well for pitted scars that result from surgery or trauma.
Smooths Out Textured Skin: For those with rough scars, like sternotomy scars, dermabrasion helps smooth out the skin and reduce scar visibility.

8. Steroid Injections for Raised Heart Surgery Scars

Raised scars, such as keloid scars, respond well to steroid injections. If you have a raised scar, these injections can help flatten the scar and reduce redness.

Targets Keloid Scars: For patients with open heart surgery keloid scars, corticosteroid injections can shrink and soften these raised scars.
Improves Skin Texture: Injections also improve the overall texture of the skin, making the scar less prominent.

9. Surgical Options for Scar Removal

In some cases, surgery may be necessary to improve the appearance of large scars from heart surgery. Two common procedures include:

Scar Revision Surgery

For patients with deep or wide scars, like a heart transplant scar or open heart surgery scar, scar revision surgery offers a more permanent solution. This procedure involves removing the scar tissue and re-closing the wound more precisely.

Punch Excision

For small scars, punch excision involves removing the scar and allowing the wound to heal naturally. This can be particularly useful for heart surgery scars that are small but prominent.

10. Cryotherapy for Raised Scars

Cryotherapy involves freezing scar tissue to shrink it, making it ideal for patients with raised scars like keloids or hypertrophic scars. This method is effective for open heart surgery scar removal and flattening raised scars over time.

Preventing Scar Complications

Scar Tissue After Open Heart Surgery: Some individuals experience thick scar tissue, known as keloids or hypertrophic scars. To prevent these, it’s important to use silicone-based products like Pro-Sil and Epi-Derm consistently during the healing process.
Sternal Wire Bumps: After a sternotomy, some patients may notice bumps where the sternal wires were placed. These usually resolve on their own, but scar care can help reduce the visibility.
Scar Itching and Discomfort: Itching is common during the scar healing process, but over-the-counter creams or silicone sheets can help soothe irritation.

Long-Term Care for Heart Surgery Scars

Even after your scar has healed, maintaining a scar care routine is essential for continued improvement. Scar removal creams, silicone gels, and massage therapy can all contribute to long-term scar fading. While it’s unlikely that scars from open heart surgery will completely disappear, proper care can minimize their appearance and improve skin texture.

Is Heart Scarring Bad?

Heart scarring itself is a natural part of the healing process following heart surgery. While it’s not necessarily bad, it can be unsightly and, in some cases, uncomfortable. Raised scars or keloids may form in some patients, making the scar more prominent. Using advanced treatments like Pro-Sil Silicone Stick and Epi-Derm Silicone Gel Sheets can help manage and reduce the appearance of these scars, ensuring that the healing process continues smoothly without the scar becoming overly thick or raised.

How Long Does a Heart Surgery Scar Take to Heal?

The initial healing of a heart surgery scar can take anywhere from 6 to 8 weeks. However, the scar itself will continue to evolve and mature for up to a year. Full scar fading can take 12 months or more. During this time, using Pro-Sil or Epi-Derm can significantly accelerate the healing process, helping to flatten and lighten the scar in as little as 8 to 12 weeks for new scars and 12 to 24 weeks for older ones.

Can You Remove a Heart Surgery Scar – Are Heart Surgery Scars Permanent?

Heart surgery scars are typically permanent, but their appearance can be dramatically reduced with the right care. Non-surgical treatments like the Pro-Sil Silicone Stick and Epi-Derm Silicone Sheets won’t completely remove the scar, but they can make it far less noticeable. These products are designed to minimize the color, texture, and size of scars, making them much less visible over time.

What Does the Scar Look Like After Heart Surgery?

Immediately after heart surgery, the scar will appear red, raised, and tender. Over time, it may fade to a lighter color, but without proper treatment, it can remain raised or develop into a thick keloid or hypertrophic scar. Using products like Pro-Sil or Epi-Derm early in the healing process can help reduce the likelihood of developing these unsightly scars, leaving behind a smoother, flatter, and lighter scar.

How to Hide a Heart Surgery Scar?

Hiding a heart surgery scar can be done effectively using silicone-based treatments like Pro-Sil and Epi-Derm, which help reduce the scar’s prominence. Additionally, wearing high-neck clothing or applying makeup can temporarily conceal the scar. However, for long-term management, consistent application of Pro-Sil or Epi-Derm can make the scar much less noticeable, reducing the need for constant covering.

How to Hide an Open-Heart Surgery Scar?

For an open-heart surgery scar, products like Pro-Sil Silicone Stick offer a discreet, portable solution that helps reduce the scar's visibility over time. For larger scars, Epi-Derm Silicone Sheets provide extensive coverage and help flatten and lighten the scar. Wearing clothing that covers the chest, such as turtlenecks or scarves, can also help temporarily hide the scar while it heals.

How Big Is a Heart Surgery Scar?

A typical heart surgery scar from procedures like open-heart surgery or bypass surgery can be about 6 to 8 inches long, running vertically down the middle of the chest. For such large scars, Epi-Derm Silicone Gel Sheets provide excellent coverage, while the Pro-Sil Silicone Stick can be used for precision treatment on smaller sections or areas that need extra care.

Conclusion

While heart surgery scars are a normal part of the healing process, their appearance can be minimized with the right treatment approach. Pro-Sil Silicone Stick and Epi-Derm Silicone Sheets are two optimal solutions for reducing scar visibility, texture, and size. These products are easy to use, effective, and designed to significantly improve the appearance of scars, helping you feel more confident about your post-surgery recovery. With consistent use, these solutions can transform your scar care regimen and ensure that your healing journey is smooth and as scar-free as possible.

Comparison table again:

Type	Product	Best For	Price	Key Benefits	Suggested Usage
Topical - Silicone Stick	Pro-Sil Silicone Stick (4.25g)	Small scars, fresh or old scars	$36.95	Patented silicone technology, portable, easy to apply	Apply 3-5 times daily for 8-12 weeks (new scars) or 12-24 weeks (old scars)
Topical - Silicone Gel Sheet	Epi-Derm Long Strip (1 Pair)	Medium to large scars, keloids, hypertrophic scars	$72.95	Covers larger areas, customizable for different scar shapes and sizes	Apply daily for several hours, use continuously for weeks
Natural Remedy	Aloe Vera, Honey, Coconut Oil	Moisturizing and promoting tissue regeneration	$5-20	Soothing, natural anti-inflammatory properties, Moisturizers	Apply generously to the scar as needed and massage
Massage Therapy	Scar Massage	Breaking down scar tissue, improving circulation	$50-150	Enhances flexibility of scar tissue, improves blood flow	Massage daily with gentle pressure
Chemical Peel	Superficial Chemical Peels	Shallow scars, mild discoloration	$100 - 300	Removes the outer layer of skin, promotes new skin growth	Requires professional application
Microneedling Therapy	Microneedling	Improving texture, boosting collagen	$200-700	Prompts skin regeneration and collagen production	Requires professional application, multiple sessions
Laser Therapy	Laser Therapy (Ablative)	Raised, thick scars, keloid scars	$500-3000	Removes outer skin layers to smooth out scars	Requires professional application, multiple sessions
Skin Resurfacing Procedure	Dermabrasion	Deeper scars, pitted scars	Varies	Sands down the top layer of skin for smoother appearance	Professional procedure, suitable for deep scars
Injection Therapy	Steroid Injections	Raised scars, keloid scars	$50-200	Flattens raised scars and reduces appearance of hypertrophic scars	Requires professional administration
Surgical Procedure	Scar Revision Surgery	Large or deep scars	$1,500 - 5,000	Surgically removes scar and closes skin to improve appearance	Requires surgical procedure, best for large scars
Freezing Treatment	Cryotherapy	Raised keloid scars	$100 - 500	Freezes scar tissue to shrink and flatten over time	Requires professional application

List of all compared treatments again

Topical Treatments - Best Overall for Price & Performance
Natural Remedy: Best for moisturizing and promoting tissue regeneration
Massage Therapy: Best for breaking down scar tissue and improving circulation
Chemical Peel: Best for shallow scars and mild discoloration
Microneedling Therapy: Best for improving texture and boosting collagen production
Laser Therapy: Best professional service
Skin Resurfacing Procedure: Best for deeper scars and pitted scars
Injection Therapy: Best for raised scars and keloid scars
Surgical Procedure: Best for large or deep scars
Cryptotherapy: Best for raised keloid scars