Surgical procedures often leave post-operative scars and, in some cases, adhesions. Their formation is part of the body’s natural healing process, although each person responds differently depending on several factors.
These include the type of surgery performed, pre-existing medical conditions, genetics, age, sun exposure and how carefully the wound is managed during recovery.
In this article, we will explore what scars and adhesions are, explain the best daily habits to help reduce adhesions and improve the appearance of post-operative scars, and outline the most effective treatments for managing more complex cases.
Table of Contents
What are scars and adhesions, and why do they form?
Scars develop as the skin repairs itself after surgery, burns or other forms of trauma. There are different types of scars: flat scars that blend with the surrounding skin, hypertrophic scars (raised and thickened), keloid scars (extending beyond the original wound), atrophic scars (sunken, such as acne scars) and contracture scars, where the skin remains tight.
Adhesions, on the other hand, are bands of fibrous, collagen-rich tissue that can form excessively after surgery, causing organs, muscles and tissues that should remain separate to stick together.
The risk of developing adhesions increases after abdominal or pelvic surgery and following post-operative infections.
What problems can post-operative scars and adhesions cause?
In many cases, scars and adhesions do not cause significant symptoms. However, some patients may experience acute or chronic pain and functional limitations.
For example, abdominal adhesions may lead to digestive issues or bowel obstruction, while pelvic adhesions can cause pain during sexual intercourse (dyspareunia) in women.
How to soften scars and reduce adhesions with targeted topical products
To soften scars, make them less visible and relieve discomfort caused by adhesions, the use of targeted topical products is essential.
Daily application helps keep the skin well hydrated, limits excessive fibrous scar tissue formation and supports the skin’s natural regeneration process.
Among the most effective solutions are Revée Scar Gel and Revée Oil, two products specifically designed to improve the appearance of scars and help reduce post-operative adhesions. Let’s take a closer look at their features and how to use them correctly.
Revée Scar Gel
Revée Scar Gel is a 100% silicone-based gel ideal for scar treatment. Silicone improves the appearance of scars by forming a protective barrier that helps maintain optimal skin hydration.
Apply a small amount of gel to the scar with gentle pressure twice daily for at least eight weeks to soften post-operative scars and help prevent hypertrophic and keloid scar formation.
Revée Scar Gel – 100% silicone topical gel for scars, Medical Device
Revée Oil
Revée Oil is a dry cosmetic oil with fast absorption, recommended by surgeons to soften and hydrate scars. It is formulated with rosehip oil and sweet almond oil, combined with selected plant-based oils and enriched with pure vitamin E, a well-known cosmetic antioxidant.
This synergistic blend supports cellular regeneration while keeping the skin supple, nourished and elastic. Revée Oil helps soften scars, making them less visible, and contributes to reducing adhesions by maintaining skin flexibility and hydration. Apply twice daily directly to the scar or adhesion area, massaging gently in circular motions until fully absorbed.
What other treatments help manage scars and adhesions?
Manual scar tissue mobilisation
For more pronounced surgical scars and troublesome adhesions, manual therapy performed by a physiotherapist or specialist can be highly effective.
Manual scar treatment helps soften scar tissue, release adhesions between tissues and improve local blood circulation, supporting the healing process.
Laser therapy
In cases of hypertrophic or keloid scars, laser therapy is one of the most advanced treatment options available. It helps reduce the visibility of surgical scars, improves tissue flexibility and decreases superficial adhesions.
Ultrasound therapy
Ultrasound therapy uses high-frequency sound waves to gently heat tissues and stimulate blood flow. It is commonly used to break down adhesions, reduce stiffness and pain associated with scars, and promote healing in deeper tissues.
Corticosteroids and surgery
Some hypertrophic or keloid scars require corticosteroid injections, which act within the deeper layers of the skin, such as the dermis.
When scars or adhesions cause significant pain or functional impairment, surgical intervention may be necessary to remove scar tissue, release adhesions and remodel the scar to improve both appearance and function.
Practical tips to prevent post-operative scars and adhesions
The surgeon who performed the operation is the primary source of guidance on how to keep the wound clean and when and how to apply topical products. These instructions should be followed carefully.
With recent scars, sudden movements and sun exposure should be avoided, as UV rays can cause hyperpigmentation and make scars more noticeable. It is essential to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen such as Revée Sun Care 50+ and keep the scar covered when exposed.
Scars should not be touched or scratched, even if they feel itchy. To ease the discomfort, you can apply targeted moisturising products such as Revée Oil and Revée Scar Gel, which we discussed in the previous paragraphs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for a scar to improve?
There is no standard timeline, as healing varies from person to person. Generally, redness and tightness may reduce within 2 to 6 months, while more visible improvements can take up to one or two years.
Can adhesions be completely removed?
Adhesions can often be reduced or managed with massage, mobilisation exercises and specific products such as Revée Oil and Revée Scar Gel, which help improve skin elasticity. In more severe cases that cause pain or complications, surgical treatment may be required.
When is plastic surgery necessary?
Plastic surgery may be considered when surgical scars are highly visible or when painful adhesions do not respond to non-invasive treatments.
The plastic surgeon can remodel or reduce the scar to improve both aesthetics and functionality.
Conclusion
Every patient responds differently to the post-operative healing process, depending on key factors including the type of surgery performed, genetic predisposition, immune system response, any pre-existing conditions, and how carefully the wounds are looked after.
Following your surgeon’s instructions and using targeted topical products such as Revée Scar Gel or Revée Oil is essential to keep the skin hydrated and support the healing process.
If scars or adhesions do not improve, consulting a specialist is strongly recommended, as more specific or invasive treatments may be necessary.
For further information about Revée products, please contact info@revee.it. We will respond to all enquiries as quickly as possible.
Article reviewed by Dr. Elena Lucattelli, Consultant in Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Medical Director at Franchini Hospital, Santarcangelo di Romagna (RN, Italy), and practising privately in Bologna (Italy) and San Marino.
