Scars re-opening after surgery

What is a scar re-opening?

If a scar pulls open following surgery, it could be the result of infection. If the wound is infected, it'll be red, weeping and sore.
Minor infections will often clear up on their own, but if there's an infection and these symptoms get worse, then antibiotics or antibiotic cream may be needed.

Treatment and recovery

Small areas of infection in an operation scar are best left open to heal - that is, the edges of the wound shouldn't be pulled together, but instead left apart for the wound to heal by a process called granulation. This is particularly true when a scar opens several days after the cut was made (when a wound opens shortly after the cut was made, it may be possible to pull the edges back together).
In granulation, the wound heals from the bottom upwards, towards the surface of the skin. If you try to pull together the edges of the wound, they'll simply not join together, and you might trap dirt or infection in.

Take tension off the wound

However, holding the two edges loosely together can take the tension off the wound, stopping it pulling further open, and helping healing. The best way to do this is with tiny strips of paper tape (such as micropore or steri-strips) laid across the wound.
If the wound is small, simply keep it clean and cover it with a dry dressing.

Will there be an ugly scar?

Because the wound has opened slightly, your operation scar may seem rather lumpy or ugly. But don't panic - it's quite astonishing how with time, the skin can iron out these lumps and bumps. In a few months, it may be no more than a faint flat silvery line (if it remains lumpy after a year, your surgeon may be able to tidy it up later).
 READMORE: http://www.bbc.co.uk/health