No matter who does the stitches, there will be a scar. It may be a tidy white line, a prominent red scar, or heaped-up scarring known as keloids. This is thick scar tissue growing far beyond the confines of the original wound. Scarring is the body’s natural response when healing. The best plastic surgeon in the world will leave a scar, and sloppy stitching can leave a jagged, protruding mark. It is possible to fade and shrink a stitches scar.

An antibiotic prescribed to prevent infection will minimize a stitches scar, because it promotes healing. Slow healing stimulates scar formation. Topical silicone has also been proven to promote healing, add moisture (essential to healing), and help flatten the scar. Silicone therapy can also alleviate redness and pain and is available in over-the-counter creams and gels. Of the more costly medical options, laser treatments are considered specific, that is, contained to the scar tissue. Dermabrasion can damage surrounding skin and may be limited to smaller scars. Minimizing a scar takes months and frequent medical sessions, or repeated applications of a scar cream.

Home remedies include swallowing flax seed oil and rubbing Vitamin E or cocoa oils directly on the stitches scar. Benefits have not been proven. Staying out of the sun does work. Scarred skin is extremely susceptible and will permanently darken when exposed to UV rays. Sunscreen is not advised on new stitches. A stitches scar should be protected from the sun.