How should you care for a scar after surgery?
HLN, 16 August 2026
How should you care for a fresh scar and which treatments are available? Dr Griet Voet gives advice in HLN prompted by Princess Amalia.
When Dutch Crown Princess Amalia showed the scar from an arm operation, HLN asked Dr Griet Voet how best to care for a scar.
She recommends good basic care with scar cream or silicone products, which make the scar softer and flatter and can reduce itching and redness. The first year helps determine how a scar will look: avoid movements that strongly stretch the skin, support it with tape if needed and protect the scar well from the sun.
For older scars, she discusses medical microneedling with radiofrequency and fractional CO₂ laser, possibly combined with PRP, as well as vascular laser or suitable creams for discolouration. She stresses that several sessions are needed. Acne scars, scars from accidents and surgical scars are also covered.
Key advice
Use a silicone gel or patch in the early stages.
Avoid strong pulling forces on the scar during the first year.
Consistently protect a scar from the sun.
Expect several sessions if you have treatment.
“A scar's structure doesn't change after one session. Several treatments are necessary.” — Dr Griet Voet
Want to know more? Read about Scars at Clinique Dermatologie Gent.