Anytime is an extremely important time to be aware of wound care to control the amount of scarring that occurs. We tend to see more lacerations (cuts) during the summer months when people are more active, and many also take advantage of vacations to have procedures done whether cosmetic or functional. In our office we work with face incisions and scars which is where the answer will be directed. During the initial healing period a crust will try to form on the incision or cut. It is important to prevent this as scars tend to fill in the area covered by crusting. Usually a wet wash cloth is sufficient to clean the area gently. Most incisions also benefit from antibiotic ointment for the first week to keep the area clean and prevent minor infections. After the sutures are removed, there is generally redness in the area and the skin and underlying tissues will continue to heal over the next several months. During this time it is important to protect the scar from the sun for at least 6 months to avoid pigmentation. Most scars also benefit from massaging the area a few times a day which is where lotions or oils provide most of their benefit as it is massaged in to the skin. We also recommend silicone preparations which are sold by the bandages and antibiotic ointments but these require consistent use for approximately 2 months for most people. It is important to understand that all incisions and deep cuts heal with a scar, but we can significantly improve the appearance as they heal and often times the scar will seem to disappear.