839: Scarring: Fading Scars with Microneedling + Boosting Collagen Production
Dr. Kay, a plastic surgeon, dismantles the myth that scars are permanent, revealing that the first six to twelve weeks after injury are the most critical window for intervention—when the skin's healing behavior is still malleable. She argues that the real enemy isn't the scar itself, but poor wound care: infection, improper closure, and leaving stitches in too long. Her most contrarian claim? That surgical glue often fails where layered sutures succeed, especially in high-tension areas. She champions microneedling and silicone gels infused with TGF-beta as game-changers, not just for smoothing scars but for actively reprogramming fibroblasts to heal flat and parallel. Her own formulated scar gel—featuring stem cell growth factor and antioxidants—becomes the centerpiece of her solution, backed by clinical insight and personal development. The episode ends with a powerful call to action: don’t hide your scars—show them, ask for help, and embrace the new tools that make transformation possible.
The first 6–12 weeks post-injury are the only time you can truly influence how a scar will look—after that, it’s largely set in stone.
Use layered sutures (deep and superficial) instead of surgical glue for wounds under tension to prevent wide, hypertrophic scars.
Silicone-based scar gels with TGF-beta significantly improve fibroblast alignment and collagen distribution, leading to flatter, smoother scars.
Microneedling and early laser treatments (starting 3–6 weeks post-stitch removal) are highly effective for remodeling established scars.
Never leave stitches in too long—face stitches should be removed in 5–7 days, body stitches in 10–14 days to avoid suture indentations and inflammation.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Scars Are Treatable—Not Permanent
“Once your scar has been there for more than a year it's basically declared itself it's told us how it's going to behave it's told us how it's going to look”
The Science of Wound Healing: Platelets and Fibroblasts
Dr. Kay explains how platelets release growth factors like TGF-beta during injury, which activate fibroblasts—the key cells responsible for collagen production and scar formation.
Preventing Bad Scars: Sutures Over Glue
“Our bodies are not like that. There's lots of tension, there's lots of movement and contraction, and we need something to bring the wound edges together”
Treating Established Scars: Microneedling, Laser, and Topicals
“Silicon-based scar gels are the best and you can find these over the counter even on amazon but silicon sheeting is an excellent way to put some pressure on a wound”
When to See a Plastic Surgeon: Revision and Injections
For long-standing or severe scars, she recommends scar revision surgery, steroid injections (Kenalog), and staying informed about emerging technologies.
“Once your scar has been there for more than a year it's basically declared itself it's told us how it's going to behave it's told us how it's going to look”
“Our bodies are not like that. There's lots of tension, there's lots of movement and contraction, and we need something to bring the wound edges together”
“-based scar gels are the best and you can find these over the counter even on amazon but silicon sheeting is an excellent way to put some pressure on a wound”
Host
Dr. Kay
person
silicone gel
product
microneedling
other
TGF-beta
other
laser treatment
other
plastic surgeon
other
Kenalog
product
surgical glue
product
836: Neglecting the Neck is a No-Go
13m • 6/3/2026
838: The Truth About At-Home LED Devices & Lymphatic Drainage with Nicole Chau
31m • 6/9/2026
840: The 6% Rule: Hacking Your Mitochondria, Jet Lag, and "Adult Tiredness"
1h 2m • 6/16/2026
Start discovering podcast insights today
Start with a 7-day trial and explore a growing catalog of popular podcasts. No credit card required.
No credit card required • 7-day trial • Cancel anytime