Hello, I’m Mikan.
In my previous post, I introduced the tapes and medications I use for scar care. Today, I’d like to share the actual progression of my scar after open abdominal surgery. If you’re uncomfortable with scar photos, please be cautious while browsing.
Open Abdominal Surgery Scar Progression
Postoperative Day 7:
For about one week after surgery, I had a large adhesive dressing covering my scar. This photo shows the state of my scar after I removed that dressing and washed it in the bath. In the shower, I gently cleaned the scar using foamy soap. I was advised to leave the tape off once it naturally peeled off.
Postoperative Day 8:
Feeling anxious about whether my scar was healing properly, I consulted a nurse. She reapplied new tape. This particular tape was very durable—despite daily showers and soap washing, it remained firmly in place for nearly two weeks. After this tape eventually came off, I switched to using MicroPore tape for continued care. (For detailed instructions on how to apply and care for the tape, please see my previous post.)
One Month Later:
At this point, my scar had closed nicely. I continued to replace the MicroPore tape once a week. However, a small, pimple-like bump developed on a portion of the scar, and when it was pressed, it caused quite a bit of pain.
Two Months Later:
I noticed that the lower part of the scar was starting to widen slightly. The abdomen is an area that experiences a lot of tension, making it particularly prone to developing hypertrophic scars. During this period, I continued with the MicroPore tape regimen, and from the third month onward, I focused mainly on moisturizing care.
One Year Later:
Now, my scar has reached a “mature scar” stage. This is reassuring, but I’ve learned that if I gain weight or if there’s increased tension on my abdomen, there’s still a risk of developing a hypertrophic scar. Maintaining a healthy diet is important not only for your blood vessels but also for your scar care.
Final Thoughts
I’ve come to realize that scar care needs to be adjusted based on the current condition of the scar. Regular consultations with a plastic surgeon and finding the right care products for you might be the best way to promote recovery.
I’ve also shared a version of this content on YouTube Shorts 🍒
In my next post, I will detail the specific care methods and products I use. I hope my experience can serve as a useful reference for anyone facing similar challenges.
Take care, and remember—you’re not alone on this journey!
