Learn · Expectations
How scars change over time
Scars keep changing for many months. Knowing what is typical — and how to read a before-and-after caption — makes it easier to judge progress honestly.
- Changes continue for months
- Progress is gradual
- Your surgeon tracks it with you
What scars commonly do
A general picture. Every person, procedure and scar differs, and some scars take longer.
First weeks
Closing
The incision closes. It often looks pink or red and may feel firm. Scar care waits until it is fully closed.
First months
Most active
Scars can look more raised, red or itchy for a while before improving. This is often when silicone is used.
Months to a year+
Maturing
Scars usually soften, flatten and fade gradually. Change becomes slower and subtler.
Silagen’s FAQ states some people see improvement in the first week, with results usually seen in 3–7 weeks and optimal results after about 3 months of use. That is the manufacturer’s statement, not a guarantee.
How to read a before-and-after caption
Small wording differences mean very different things.
“Day of surgery” or “3 days after surgery”
Counts from the operation. The wound may still be open — this is before scar care could begin.
“Before treatment” or “before treatment was started”
The point when silicone started. That may be weeks after surgery — e.g. “4 weeks post-op, before treatment was started.”
“After 3 months of treatment”
Counts from when treatment began, not from surgery.
“1 year post-op”
Counts from surgery again. The scar has also had a year of natural healing.
Combined or switched products
Some cases used more than one product, or switched part-way. The caption records it exactly.
Tracking your own progress
Same light, same angle
Photos in the same spot, distance and lighting are far easier to compare.
Every few weeks
Daily photos hide gradual change. A regular interval shows it.
Note what you used
Write down when you started, which product, and any breaks. Bring it to follow-ups.
Keep them private
Store photos in your own device. Share them with your surgeon if asked.
Questions for your follow-ups
- Is my scar healing as you would expect at this stage?
- Am I prone to raised (hypertrophic) or keloid scars?
- Should I continue, change or stop my current product?
- How long should I keep going?
- What other options exist if a scar stays raised?
Frequently asked questions
My scar looks worse at six weeks than at two. Is that normal?
Scars commonly look more active for a while before they settle. Your surgeon can tell you whether yours looks as expected.
How long do scars keep improving?
Often a year or more. Silagen’s directions describe at least two months of use, with possible further improvement up to six.
Source: Silagen Gel instructions for use (opens in a new tab)
Will silicone make my scar disappear?
Scars do not disappear. Silagen’s stated aim is a flatter, softer, less red scar; results vary.
Source: Silagen frequently asked questions (opens in a new tab)
Are the gallery cases TRC patients?
No. They are manufacturer-supplied, patient-submitted photographs.
Source: Silagen Before and After Full Gallery (5-26)
Get help with your recovery
Questions about your scar care?
Your surgeon’s instructions come first. A TRC Care Planner can help you organize questions for your surgical team and recovery arrangements.
Educational information from manufacturer materials, not medical advice. Silagen® is a trademark of Newmedical Technology, Inc. Follow your surgeon’s instructions.