When we talk about a spinal fusion scar, we’re referring to the scar that forms after spinal fusion surgery, a procedure where two or more vertebrae are permanently fused to improve stability or correct a spinal condition. Like all surgical procedures, spinal fusion leaves behind a scar where the incision was made.
The size and location of the scar can vary depending on the type of surgery performed, but one thing is consistent: scar formation is a natural part of the healing process. At Long Island Neuroscience Specialists, with over 25 years of experience in spine surgery, we have performed countless spinal fusion surgeries and have seen the variations in scarring that can occur.
Our goal in this blog is to help you understand what to expect with a spinal fusion scar and how to care for it.
A typical spinal fusion scar depends heavily on the type of surgery performed. If you’ve undergone minimally invasive spinal fusion surgery, the scar may be relatively small, just a few centimeters in length.
However, for more complex open spinal fusion surgeries, the scar may be larger, stretching several inches across the back. The initial appearance of a spinal fusion scar is often red or pink and may be slightly raised or bumpy.
This is a normal part of the healing process as the body forms new tissue to close the wound. Over time, the scar will fade and flatten, although this process can take several months or even a year.
Each patient’s healing journey is unique, and factors such as skin type, age, and overall health can influence how the scar looks long-term. In some cases, scars may remain visible, especially if you have a tendency to develop hypertrophic scars or keloids, which are raised and more prominent.
The placement of the scar is another factor to consider. A spinal fusion scar may appear on your lower back, neck, or along your side, depending on whether an anterior (front), posterior (back), or lateral (side) surgical approach was used.
In any case, proper care and attention to the scar during the healing process will significantly impact its appearance.
The location and size of a spinal fusion scar are closely related to the surgical approach your surgeon chooses. For example, in minimally invasive spinal fusion surgeries, we use smaller incisions, which naturally result in smaller scars.
These incisions can be as small as 1-2 inches, and because less tissue is disrupted, the scarring tends to be more minimal. On the other hand, open spinal fusion surgery requires larger incisions to allow the surgeon full access to the spine, which can result in scars that are 5-8 inches long.
Surgeons may approach spinal fusion from different angles depending on the patient’s condition. In an anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF), for example, the incision is made on the abdomen.
This means the spinal fusion scar will be located on the front of the body. In a posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF), the incision is on the back. Each approach affects not only the location of the scar but also the amount of muscle and tissue involved, which can influence scar size and the healing process.
In revision surgeries, or in cases where multiple surgeries are needed, scars may become more pronounced as scar tissue builds up with each surgery. However, with our advanced techniques at Long Island Neuroscience Specialists, we strive to minimize scarring even in complex cases by using cutting-edge methods and technologies.
Taking care of your spinal fusion scar properly is essential for optimal healing. First and foremost, keeping the incision clean and dry is crucial to avoid infections that can worsen scarring.
In the early days after surgery, follow your surgeon’s instructions carefully regarding how to care for the wound. You’ll likely need to change dressings regularly and watch for any signs of infection, such as redness, warmth, or discharge from the scar.
After the wound has closed, gentle scar massage can be a powerful tool to improve healing. By massaging the area, you increase circulation, which helps break up scar tissue and prevent the formation of adhesions, where scar tissue binds to deeper layers of tissue.
Additionally, using silicone-based creams or sheets can help reduce the size and visibility of the scar. These treatments create a barrier over the scar, helping to maintain moisture and reduce its prominence.
Sun protection is another essential aspect of scar care. Scars that are exposed to sunlight can darken and become more noticeable, so it’s important to keep your scar covered or apply sunscreen with at least SPF 30.
While it may seem like a small detail, protecting the scar from the sun will help it heal more evenly and fade over time. Read more here.
The timeline for spinal fusion scar healing can vary from patient to patient, but there are general milestones you can expect. In the first two weeks after surgery, your body will begin the initial healing phase, closing the incision and forming new tissue.
During this time, the scar will likely be red, swollen, and tender to the touch. This is normal, and you’ll notice these symptoms begin to subside as the wound heals.
By six weeks post-surgery, the scar will continue to mature, although it may still appear raised and discolored. By three months, the scar will start to flatten, and any redness will begin to fade.
Full healing, however, can take six months to a year or longer, depending on individual factors like your age, health, and how well you follow post-operative care instructions. It’s important to note that while the scar may look healed on the surface after a few months, the deeper layers of tissue are still healing.
Avoid strenuous activities that could strain the incision area until your doctor gives you the all-clear.
If you’re concerned about the appearance of your spinal fusion scar, there are several ways to minimize its visibility. One of the most effective treatments is the use of silicone-based gels or sheets, which have been clinically proven to reduce the size and discoloration of scars.
These products work by keeping the scar hydrated and protected, which helps prevent excessive scar tissue from forming. For more severe scars, you may consider laser therapy, which can be highly effective at breaking down scar tissue and improving the overall appearance of the scar.
Laser treatments target the top layers of the skin, helping to reduce redness and flatten raised scars. Steroid injections can also be an option for those with particularly thick or raised scars, as they can reduce inflammation and promote more even healing.
Beyond medical treatments, simple at-home remedies can also play a role in reducing scar appearance. Scar massage, as mentioned earlier, can prevent adhesions and help soften the tissue.
Applying over-the-counter creams with ingredients like vitamin E or onion extract has been shown to help scars heal more smoothly. Read more here.
At Long Island Neuroscience Specialists, we employ advanced surgical techniques to minimize scarring during spinal fusion surgery. One of the most effective methods is the use of minimally invasive approaches.
By making smaller incisions and avoiding the unnecessary cutting of muscles and tissues, we can significantly reduce the formation of scar tissue. In some cases, we may also use fat grafts or synthetic barriers to prevent the development of adhesions, which can occur when scar tissue binds to nerve roots or other sensitive structures.
During surgery, we carefully manage the patient’s blood flow to minimize the risk of hematoma formation, which can lead to more significant scarring. Additionally, maintaining proper post-operative mobility is crucial to preventing excessive scar tissue formation.
Encouraging patients to move as early as possible after surgery helps keep the scar tissue more flexible, reducing the risk of complications like nerve entrapment.
To ensure your spinal fusion scar heals as smoothly as possible, there are several things you should avoid during recovery. First, refrain from touching or picking at the scar, as this can introduce bacteria and increase the risk of infection.
Infections not only delay healing but can also lead to more noticeable scarring. Strenuous activities should also be avoided, particularly those that involve heavy lifting or twisting of the back.
These movements can put undue stress on the healing incision and lead to tearing or reopening of the wound, which could result in a larger, more prominent scar. Smoking is another major factor to avoid during recovery.
Smoking reduces blood flow and slows down the healing process, making it more likely that your scar will be raised and more visible. Avoiding sun exposure is also crucial during the early stages of scar healing.
The ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun can cause hyperpigmentation, making the scar darker and more noticeable. Make sure to cover your scar when outside or apply a high SPF sunscreen to protect it.
Additionally, avoid tight clothing that could rub against the scar and cause irritation or even reopen the wound. The friction from tight fabrics can cause the scar to thicken and become more pronounced over time.
Another thing to avoid is ignoring signs of infection or poor healing. If your scar becomes increasingly red, warm, or starts to ooze, these could be signs of an infection that need immediate medical attention.
Catching infections early can prevent more serious complications and ensure that your scar heals properly. By avoiding these pitfalls, you’ll give your scar the best chance to heal as smoothly and inconspicuously as possible.
While most spinal fusion scars heal without issues, there are certain situations where it’s important to consult a doctor. One of the most obvious reasons to seek medical advice is if you notice any signs of infection around the scar.
Redness, swelling, warmth, and discharge from the scar site are all signs that something may be wrong. If you experience these symptoms, it’s crucial to contact your doctor immediately to prevent further complications.
You should also consult a doctor if your scar is unusually painful. While some discomfort is expected during the healing process, severe or persistent pain could indicate that scar tissue has adhered to deeper structures, such as nerve roots.
This can cause ongoing pain or even radiculopathy (pain that radiates into the legs or arms), which may require further intervention. At Long Island Neuroscience Specialists, we closely monitor our patients during recovery to ensure these types of issues are addressed promptly.
If your scar becomes thick, raised, or extends beyond the original incision (as in the case of keloid scars), a doctor may recommend treatments like steroid injections or scar revision surgery. Consulting your surgeon is also advisable if you feel that the appearance of the scar is negatively impacting your quality of life.
With over 25 years of experience, we’ve helped countless patients manage their scars post-surgery and can recommend the best course of action for your specific situation.
Even after your spinal fusion scar has healed, there are long-term treatments available to help reduce its appearance. For patients with significant or bothersome scars, laser therapy is one of the most effective options.
Laser treatments work by breaking down the top layers of skin, encouraging the growth of new, healthy skin cells and reducing the appearance of scars. This treatment is particularly helpful for older scars that have become discolored or raised.
For patients with more prominent scarring, such as keloids or hypertrophic scars, steroid injections may be necessary. These injections help flatten raised scars and reduce redness by decreasing inflammation in the tissue.
Microneedling is another minimally invasive procedure that can improve the texture of scars by stimulating collagen production. This helps smooth out the scar and make it less visible over time.
Chemical peels can also be an option for lighter scarring. These treatments exfoliate the top layer of the skin, promoting cell turnover and improving the skin’s overall appearance.
For patients who prefer non-invasive treatments, scar creams containing ingredients like retinoids or silicone can help reduce the appearance of scars over time. At Long Island Neuroscience Specialists, we work with each patient to find the best treatment for their needs, whether it’s medical-grade creams or more advanced therapies like laser treatment.
Several factors can influence how well your spinal fusion scar heals and how visible it becomes over time. One of the most significant factors is age.
Younger patients tend to heal more quickly and with less scarring, as their skin produces more collagen, which helps wounds heal efficiently. In contrast, older patients may experience slower healing and more noticeable scars due to decreased collagen production and skin elasticity.
Your skin type also plays a role. Individuals with darker skin tones are more prone to developing hyperpigmented scars, where the scar becomes darker than the surrounding skin.
On the other hand, those with lighter skin tones may experience more noticeable redness in the scar during the healing process. Additionally, certain skin types are more prone to developing keloid scars, where the scar tissue grows excessively beyond the original wound.
Pre-existing conditions like diabetes, autoimmune disorders, or conditions that affect circulation can slow down healing and lead to more pronounced scarring. It’s important for patients with these conditions to follow their surgeon’s care instructions closely to minimize complications.
Similarly, certain medications, like those that suppress the immune system, can interfere with the body’s ability to heal, resulting in a larger or more prominent scar. Genetics also play a role in how your body heals.
Some people are genetically predisposed to form more significant scars, even with proper care. Lastly, your overall health and lifestyle choices, such as whether you smoke or maintain a healthy diet, will significantly impact how your scar heals.
Smoking, in particular, reduces blood flow to the skin, which can slow healing and lead to larger scars. Eating a diet rich in vitamins and nutrients that support skin health, such as vitamin C and zinc, can promote faster healing and reduce scarring.
Understanding and caring for your spinal fusion scar is a crucial part of your post-surgery recovery. While scars are a natural result of the healing process, they don’t have to define your recovery journey.
By following proper scar care techniques and exploring treatments like silicone gels, laser therapy, and steroid injections, you can minimize the appearance of your scar and feel more confident as you heal. At Long Island Neuroscience Specialists, our 25 years of expertise in spine surgery mean that we’re committed to not only delivering excellent surgical outcomes but also helping you through every stage of recovery, including scar care.
If you have any concerns about your spinal fusion scar or need advice on how to manage it, don’t hesitate to reach out to our experienced team. We’re here to support you on your journey to a pain-free, healthy life.
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285 Sills Road
Building 5-6, Suite E
East Patchogue, NY 11772
(631) 475-5511
184 N. Belle Mead Road
East Setauket, NY 11733
(631) 675-6226
GET IN TOUCH +
285 Sills Road
Building 5-6, Suite E
East Patchogue, NY 11772
(631) 475-5511
184 N. Belle Mead Road
East Setauket, NY 11733
(631) 675-6226
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