You’ve finally scheduled your plastic surgery, and excitement is building as you picture your results. However, as you browse post-op care tips, a couple of questions keep popping up: What will my scar look like? How long will it take to heal?
Dr. Bonillas, a plastic surgeon specializing in breast and body procedures, is frequently asked these questions. He knows how to help patients throughout their recovery and set them up for natural-looking outcomes.
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The four stages of scar healing
Your body goes through a predictable process to heal surgical incisions. Here’s what you can expect.
Hemostasis (immediate response)
The first stage begins right after surgery and lasts for a few hours.
During this period, your body is working to stop bleeding by forming blood clots at the incision site. Platelets also release signals to start repairs.
Inflammation (first few days)
Redness, swelling, and mild tenderness are common in this phase. White blood cells move in to prevent infection and remove damaged tissue.
The scar may look raised or puffy, but this is a normal part of healing.
Proliferation (weeks 1–6)
Over the next several weeks, your body will build new tissue and produce collagen to strengthen the scar. The incision will start to close fully, and new blood vessels will form.
The scar may appear pink or reddish at this point and feel firm.
Maturation (3–12 months)
In the months that follow, the scar will become flatter, softer, and less noticeable. Collagen fibers reorganize and improve the scar’s strength and flexibility.
Depending on your skin type and healing process, the scar’s final appearance can take up to a year to develop.
Factors that influence scar healing
Every patient heals differently. However, certain factors can impact scarring:
- Procedure Type and Location: Larger incisions may take longer to heal than smaller ones. Some areas of the body scar better than others. Thicker skin and skin over joints are notorious locations for bad scars.
- Skin Type & Genetics: Some people are more prone to keloids or hypertrophic scars.
- Age: Younger skin tends to produce more collagen, sometimes leading to thicker scars.
- Lifestyle & Aftercare: Proper wound care, hydration, and avoiding sun exposure can greatly affect a scar’s appearance. Scar care skin treatments may have a beneficial effect as well.
Seek expert surgical care in Scottsdale
Choosing a plastic surgeon like Dr. Bonillas ensures that your procedure is performed with precision, reducing the risk of excessive scarring. Contact Dr. Bonillas today at (480) 245-6380 for expert guidance.
About Dr. Robert Bonillas
Plastic Surgeon · Dr. Robert G. Bonillas
- Board certification
- American Board of Plastic Surgery (verify)
- Education and training
- University of Arizona College of Medicine
- St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital Center in New York City
- New York University Medical Center
- Stanford University Medical Center
- University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston
- Memberships
- American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons
- Arizona Society of Plastic Surgeons
- Arizona Latin-American Medical Society
- NPI
- 1598969198