How do you help a scar heal as well as possible?
Het Nieuwsblad, 12 August 2026
Dr Griet Voet in Het Nieuwsblad on scars: how to care for a new scar and which treatments help if you want it to look better.
Prompted by Princess Amalia's scar, Dr Griet Voet explains in Het Nieuwsblad which types of scars exist, from surgical and traumatic scars to acne scars, depressed or raised scars and keloids.
The first year after the wound has healed is decisive. During that time you can do a lot yourself with repairing creams and silicone gel or sheets. Sun and tension are the biggest threats in that period: pulling forces can stretch a young scar and UV light can discolour it permanently. Sports tape can reduce the tension. If a scar is very red, thick, painful or getting wider, it is best not to wait too long before seeing a dermatologist. Treatments such as radiofrequency microneedling, fractional CO₂ laser, PRP or vascular laser can visibly improve scars over a series of sessions.
Key advice
Only start scar care once the wound has fully closed.
Use silicone gel or sheets during the first year.
Consistently protect a new scar from the sun.
Limit tension, if necessary with sports tape that you remove gently.
“A scar changes most in the first year after the wound has healed.” — Dr Griet Voet
Want to know more? Read about Scars at Clinique Dermatologie Gent.