Question: My scars look great, but itch 2 weeks after surgery. Should I be worried? What should I do?
Answer: My grandmother always said, “itching means it's healing”. After 20 years of school including a medicine degree (MD), 6 years of plastic surgery residency, 1 year of additional plastic surgery specialty fellowship training, ABPS board certification, ASPS membership, induction into the American College of Surgeons (FACS), an academic appointment as Clinical Assistant Professor at FIU, and persistent continuing medical education (CME) – I still have not been able to prove my grandmother wrong. Itching without redness (erythema) and without drainage is usually common after surgery – as the wounds heal. It is good to discuss this with your ABPS board-certified plastic surgeon after the exam. Itching usually goes away with time. Sometimes a topical antihistamine or silicone scar cream can help – but always ask your surgeon first before applying!
