Help me ensure my scars heal

About a 1 & 1/2 months ago, a dermatologist performed a procedure on me.  He removed a few small pallops from my face by numbing the area, making some incisions with a scalpel and then using a laser or electric device of some kind to cauterize the wound.  I now have a few small red spots on my face, some deeper than others, the largest being about a quarter of an inch in diameter.  The wounds have healed a bit over the course of the last month and a half.  I hope that they will heal further.  I have a medium - fair complexion, my cheeks tend to be a bit reddish.

I expect to have a small scar or two.  My main concern is the redness.  The scars appear to be pink, purple or red depending on the light.  I hope that it will fade over time.  I live in a very sunny area of the country and I am trying to avoid sun exposure.  My question is this: what can I do to ensure that these wounds heal the best that they can so that the redness fades?

  - How often should I use sunblock?  I work indoors and do not travel very far to work.  Should I use sunblock
at all times when going out doors or just when I plan to be in the sun a long time?  Should I wear sunblock during meetings that are in conference rooms that get sun?

  - Should I use moisturizer or treat the wound in any way?  The first week I used neosporin, now I simply wash with water every day.  Are there any products I should avoid the use of?

  - Should I double up on vitamins or change my diet?  Will this help the healing process?  I exercise regularly (jumping rope, occasionally lifting weights), will this play any impact?

Thank you.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

In truth, it doesn't matter what you do--the redness will heal up anyway.  You should take routine care in the sun--SPF 30 is you'll be out for a long time, SPF 15 for just walking around.  Mostly, though, you should just leave the spots alone.  it may take a few months, but the red marks will fade if you let them.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff