How long do cosmetic surgery scars take to fade?

Scar maturation usually takes 6–18 months. Early scars appear pink or red and may feel firm for several months. Over time they flatten, soften and lighten. Sun protection, silicone therapy and avoiding tension on the incision can support better outcomes.

Where are scars placed for common cosmetic procedures?

Placement depends on the operation. Examples: breast augmentation—most commonly in the inframammary fold; breast lift/reduction—around the areola with a vertical line (and sometimes along the fold); tummy tuck—low hip-to-hip; liposuction—small access ports in natural creases; facelift—around the ear and sometimes behind the hairline; eyelid surgery—within natural eyelid creases; rhinoplasty—often inside the nostrils, sometimes a small cut across the columella (open approach).

What increases the risk of thick or raised scars?

Genetic tendency to hypertrophic or keloid scarring, higher skin tension at the incision, darker skin phototypes, infection or wound breakdown, smoking, early sun exposure, and delayed follow-up can increase risk. If you have a history of keloids, discuss prevention with your surgeon.

What actually helps scars heal better?

Evidence-backed measures include strict sun protection (SPF50+, hats), silicone gel or silicone sheeting after the wound has fully closed, gentle taping to reduce tension when advised, scar massage only after your surgeon clears you, and keeping follow-up appointments to address early concerns such as thickening or itching.

When should I worry about my scar?

Seek help if you notice spreading redness, increasing pain or discharge (possible infection), the wound opening, a rapidly thickening, itchy or painful raised scar beyond the incision borders (keloid), or if your scar looks worse after an injury or sun exposure. Contact your surgical team or a GP promptly.

Can thick scars be treated?

Yes. Options may include silicone therapy, pressure/taping, corticosteroid injections, laser or light-based treatments, microneedling, and in selected cases surgical scar revision. Treatments are tailored to the scar type and your history; multiple sessions may be needed.

Do I need a GP referral for cosmetic surgery or a second opinion in Australia?

A GP or non-cosmetic specialist referral is required before consulting the practitioner who will perform cosmetic surgery. A GP can also help coordinate second opinions, ongoing scar care or referrals to specialists if needed.

Outcome & recovery guide — Australia

Cosmetic surgery scars: what to expect, how they heal and when to seek help.

Scars are a normal part of cosmetic surgery. This guide explains where incisions are placed by procedure, the healing stages, what improves scar outcomes, warning signs to watch for, and how to get personalised help if you’re worried.

Get personalised scar guidance See healing stages

6–18 months Typical timeline for scars to mature and fade

Evidence-based Silicone, sun protection and follow-up matter most

Need reassurance? Ask when to seek a review or second opinion

Where scars are placed

See typical incision locations for breast, body and facial procedures.

Healing stages

What’s normal week by week, and when to check in with your surgeon.

Scar care plan

From silicone and sun protection to clinic-based treatments.

When to get help

Red flags for infection or abnormal scarring—and next steps.

Scar locations by procedure

Breast, body and face incision patterns with related guides.

Healing stages

From early redness to long-term fading and maturation.

Scar care & treatments

What actually helps and options to discuss with your surgeon.

Worried about a scar?

Request confidential advice or a second opinion pathway.

Scar locations by procedure

Incision placement varies by operation and surgeon technique. The notes below outline common patterns and link to related pages so you can explore recovery and risks in more detail.

Ask where your scars may be

Breast surgery scars

Typical placements:

Augmentation — most commonly in the inframammary fold (IMF)
Lift/Reduction — around the areola with a vertical line; sometimes along the IMF (anchor)
Implant removal/revision — reusing prior IMF or periareolar incisions where possible

Learn more: Breast Reduction Scars, Breast Augmentation, Breast Lift, Breast Implant Removal

Explore breast surgery

Body contouring scars

Typical placements:

Tummy tuck — low hip-to-hip, often below underwear line; small scar near the navel
Liposuction — small access ports placed in creases or hidden areas
Arm/Thigh lift — along inner arm or inner thigh, positioned for clothing coverage

Learn more: Tummy Tuck, Liposuction Scars, Body Contouring

Explore body contouring

Facial surgery scars

Typical placements:

Eyelid surgery — within upper/lower lid creases or lash line
Facelift/Neck lift — around the ear, sometimes behind hairline or under chin
Rhinoplasty — inside nostrils; sometimes a small cut on the columella (open approach)

Learn more: Facelift Scars, Eyelid Surgery, Rhinoplasty

Explore facial surgery

Second opinions & revision

If you’re unhappy with a scar or concerned about healing:

Ask your original practice for a review and early scar management
Consider a second opinion for persistent, thick, or symptomatic scars
Discuss clinic options such as steroid injections, lasers or revision

Helpful pages: Second Opinion, Revision Surgery, What to Do Next

Request confidential help

What affects how your scars look?

Scar appearance is shaped by surgical technique, your biology and how consistently you follow aftercare. These common factors explain why outcomes differ person to person.

Factor

Why it matters

What you can do

Typical impact

Incision placement & tension

Higher tension areas can widen or thicken

Use tape as advised; avoid strain; follow restrictions

Narrower, flatter scars over time

Skin type & history

Some people form hypertrophic or keloid scars

Tell your surgeon; consider early silicone or steroid therapy

Lower risk of raised, itchy scars

Aftercare adherence

Inconsistent care can delay or worsen healing

Silicone, SPF50+, follow-ups; start massage only when cleared

More predictable fading over 6–18 months

Complications

Infection or wound separation can enlarge scars

Report redness, discharge or opening early

Timely treatment protects scar quality

Sun exposure

UV can darken scars, especially early on

SPF50+, clothing/hat, avoid direct sun on fresh scars

Reduced discoloration and better blending

Not sure what’s normal? Ask for guidance

Healing stages: cosmetic surgery scars timeline

Everyone heals differently, but most scars follow a similar arc. Use this as a general guide and follow your surgeon’s specific instructions.

Check if your progress is on track

Days 0–14: protection and sealing

Incisions close and early swelling subsides. Keep dressings dry as advised. No topical products until the wound is fully closed. Report redness, discharge or opening promptly.

Weeks 2–6: early remodelling

Pink or red scars may feel firm or itchy. Silicone gel/sheets and gentle taping can begin once cleared by your surgeon. Avoid sun and reduce tension on healing areas.

Months 2–6: maturation and softening

Colour starts to lighten and scars gradually flatten. Some areas (e.g., chest, shoulders) take longer. Massage only if recommended. Maintain SPF50+ and follow-ups.

Months 6–18: final blending

Most scars continue to fade and soften. If scars are thick, raised or symptomatic, discuss treatments such as steroid injections, lasers or—rarely—revision.

When to seek help (and who to ask)

Early review can prevent small concerns becoming bigger issues. Contact your surgical team first; a GP can assist with referrals for second opinions or specialist care.

Urgent review Spreading redness, fever, increasing pain or discharge

Early consultation Wound separation, excessive swelling or haematoma

Scar concerns Thick, raised, itchy or expanding scar tissue (possible keloid)

Second opinion Persistent dissatisfaction or unclear follow-up plan

Request a scar review Explore second opinions

Scar care and treatment options (Australia)

Sun protection (SPF50+) Daily SPF and protective clothing to minimise darkening and improve blending.

At-home

Silicone gel or sheets Begin after the incision is fully closed; can reduce thickness and redness with consistent use.

At-home

Taping/pressure Micropore tape or similar to reduce tension where advised by your surgeon.

At-home

Steroid injections Can soften hypertrophic or keloid scars; may require a series of treatments.

Clinic

Laser or light-based therapy Helps redness, texture and thickness; multiple sessions may be needed.

Clinic

Microneedling/energy devices Selected cases for texture and contour irregularities; discuss suitability.

Clinic

Surgical scar revision Reserved for mature scars not responsive to conservative care; timing and expectations are key.

Surgery

Note: Treatment suitability and fees vary by practitioner and location. For broader recovery planning, see the Recovery & Aftercare guide and the Cosmetic Surgery Recovery Timeline.

Ask which options suit your scar

Related guides and checklists

Expand your research with these practical pages on recovery, risks and preparing for consultations in Australia.

Recovery & Aftercare

Plan downtime, activity restrictions and follow-up.

Open recovery guide

Risks, red flags and next steps

Know what to watch for and where to seek help.

Read risk guide

Consultation preparation

Arrive informed and ask the right questions.

Explore consultation & safety

Frequently asked questions about cosmetic surgery scars

Clear answers to the most common recovery and outcome questions people ask when researching scars after cosmetic surgery.

Do all cosmetic surgeries leave scars?

Yes. Any incision creates a scar, but placement aims to follow natural creases or hidden areas. With time and care, most scars become less noticeable.

When can I start using silicone gel or sheets?

Only after your incision is fully closed and your clinician confirms it’s safe. Consistent daily use for several months is often recommended.

Is scar massage helpful?

It can be, but timing is important. Start only when your surgeon advises, using light pressure and a simple technique to avoid irritation.

How can I prevent scars from darkening?

Strict sun protection is essential—use SPF50+, reapply when outdoors, and cover scars with clothing or a hat where possible, especially in the first 6–12 months.

What if I’m prone to keloids?

Tell your surgeon before any procedure. Early interventions such as silicone therapy, pressure strategies or steroid injections may be discussed to reduce risk.

When is scar revision considered?

Only after the scar has matured and conservative options have been tried. Revision can improve a scar’s appearance but cannot remove it completely.

Who should I contact if I’m worried right now?

Start with your surgical team. If you can’t reach them, speak to your GP for local review or referrals. You can also request confidential guidance below.

Get help with a scar concern

Confidential scar and recovery enquiries

Worried about a cosmetic surgery scar? Ask for guidance.

Share your situation and receive next-step support—what’s likely normal, when to book a review, and options to discuss with your surgeon. Australian enquiries welcomed.

Recovery support

Healing timelines, red flags and practical aftercare tips.

Second opinions

When to consider one and how to prepare for the consult.

Learn about second opinions Request help now

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