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July 22, 2025
Lumbar fusion is a significant spinal operation that stabilizes your lower back by linking two or more vertebrae together. Surgeons remove the problematic disc or joint and place bone graft material to stimulate the vertebrae to form one piece of bone. It’s often used to correct severe disc degeneration, spinal instability, or other disorders.
However, the procedure can provide relief for chronic pain and return function, but it does so by leaving behind something that’s less anticipated: scarring. A scar from a lumbar fusion sits over muscles that contract every time you move or even breathe. That is because the repair tissue is stretched.
When this collagen forms a disorganized pattern, it often leads to thick, raised, or widened scars. These scars may look prominent, but with proper care, including targeted treatments, you can reduce inflammation and protect the area from environmental damage.
You can prepare for scar prevention when you book your lumbar fusion surgery. The scar healing not only depends on surgical technique and post-op care, but also on the precautions you take before the surgery.
When selecting a surgeon for this treatment, make it a point to choose someone who has experience with lumbar fusion and scar-conscious techniques. Schedule an appointment, ask the right questions to understand the recovery process and timeline better. Also, discuss incision placement with your surgeon so that it can align with your natural skin creases.
Nicotine acts as a barrier between the oxygen supply to healing tissues and increases your chance of poor wound healing and scars. Most providers recommend quitting at least 4 weeks before your surgery. Alcohol can also limit immune function and cause slow healing.
Taking a balanced diet rich in vitamin C, zinc, protein, and hydration is important to support your body’s ability to regenerate tissue. Add foods like citrus, leafy greens, nuts, and lean proteins to your diet.
Healing from a lumbar fusion can be overwhelming, and the scarring that comes after can worry you, but you can control it. While your incision may be closed after a couple of weeks, the internal remodeling continues for months. Here’s a breakdown of what’s normal and when scar care should start:
Week 1–2:
At this stage, the wound is closing and inflammation is beginning. It's important to keep the area clean and dry. Do not apply any scar treatments or creams during this time.
Week 3–6:
New collagen begins to form, and the scar may appear red. This is the time to start applying silicone serum and silicone sheets to support healing.
Week 6–12:
The scar begins to flatten and fade as collagen continues to reorganize. Keep using silicone products daily and start gentle scar massage.
Months 3–6:
The scar enters a maturation phase, where thickness and color gradually improve. Continue using SPF and moisturizing the area. You may also consider professional treatments if needed.
Months 6–12:
This is the final remodeling phase. Maintain consistent care to prevent lingering redness or uneven texture.
Scar management usually begins after the incision closes, usually around Day 10-14. Here’s how to minimize the risk of postoperative scar:
You can also consider advanced scar minimization techniques for enhanced results, such as:
Scars from lumbar fusion surgery can become minimally invisible if you take the right care at the right time. Whether you are preparing for or recovering from the surgery, understanding how scars form and how to manage them can make all the difference. So, following the above tips will support healing, minimize scar formation, and help you feel more confident during recovery.
