Scar Care 101: Helping Your Child Heal Smoothly After Sutures

Featuring Frank Ciminello, M.D., FACS

Whether your child had stitches after a playground tumble, a kitchen accident, or a sports injury, you’re likely thinking: how can I help my child heal well and what can I do to minimize scarring?

The good news is that a few simple scar care steps at home can go a long way in making sure your child heals smoothly and with the least visible reminder of their injury.

“The care you give in the days and weeks after sutures can make a big difference in how your child’s skin heals and how noticeable the scar will be,” shares Frank Ciminello, M.D., FACS, a board-certified plastic surgeon at The Plastic Surgery Center’s Got-A-Cut Program. “It doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does have to be consistent. That’s where parents really play a key role.”

Here’s what every parent should know to help their child’s skin heal as smoothly and beautifully as possible:

Follow the Doctor’s Instructions

After the stress of getting stitches, it can be tempting to just move on, but the real healing begins after you leave the office. Every wound is different, so your surgeon’s instructions are tailored for your child’s specific injury. This might include when to change dressings, how often to apply ointment, and when to return for suture removal.

Dr. Ciminello shares, “Even small adjustments in at-home care can make a huge difference in how well a scar fades. That’s why we take time to make sure parents feel confident before they leave.”

Keep the Area Clean and Dry

For the first few days, the goal is to prevent infection and protect the skin. Gently clean the area with soap and water (if recommended), and avoid soaking it in baths, pools, or water play. A breathable, clean bandage can help shield the wound while it closes.

Watch for Signs of Infection

It’s normal to see a little redness or swelling early on. But if you notice increased warmth, pus, pain, or fever, call your doctor right away. Infections can interfere with healing and increase scarring, but early care keeps things on track.

“Most importantly, trust your instincts,” shares Dr. Ciminello. “If something doesn’t look right, don’t wait to speak up.”

Don’t Skip Scar Prevention Once Sutures Are Removed

It’s a common mistake thinking that the scar is “done” once the stitches are out. In reality, scar tissue is still forming in the weeks and months that follow.

“This is the time to get consistent with scar prevention,” advises Dr. Ciminello.

Your doctor may recommend using silicone gel or sheets, gentle massage, and daily hydration. These tools help reduce thick, raised scars and improve long-term appearance. Stick with it even when the wound looks healed, the tissue underneath is still working hard.

Protect the Skin from the Sun

Healing skin is especially sensitive to UV rays. Even brief sun exposure can lead to darkened or discolored scars that may take longer to fade (or never fully fade at all). Dr. Ciminello recommends that you apply a high-SPF, kid-safe sunscreen, and cover the area with a hat or clothing if possible.

“This is important not just in summer, but year-round,” adds Dr. Ciminello.

Tell Your Child to Avoid Picking at Scabs or Scratching the Area

Kids will be kids… and that includes touching, picking, and scratching. But interfering with the healing process can break the skin open again, delay healing, and create uneven scars. Try to keep little hands distracted with toys or activities, trim their nails short, and cover the area if needed. Remind them that not touching helps the boo-boo “go away faster.”

A Smoother Start: Skip the ER Stress with Expert Care

If your child ever gets a cut that looks deep or is on the face, your first thought might be: we need to get to the ER.

But crowded waiting rooms and long delays can make an already stressful situation harder for everyone.

That’s why The Plastic Surgery Center launched the Got-A-Cut Program: a same-day laceration care clinic designed for kids and families. You get immediate access to expert plastic surgeons like Dr. Ciminello so you can skip the ER and instead walk into a calm, professional setting where both medical care and aesthetics are prioritized.

Whether it’s a chin, cheek, or forehead cut, the Got-A-Cut team focuses on minimizing trauma, preventing scarring, and giving you peace of mind.

“Every cut tells a story,” comments Dr. Ciminello, “but with the right care, it doesn’t have to leave a lasting mark.”