![]() Leave the initial tape on for 5 to 7 days then replace with new tape, gently washing and drying the area first. Occasionally if indicated you may need a topical steroid preparation or even a series of injections (5-FU and/or Steroids) or laser treatments to treat or prevent scar hypertrophy or keloid formation (red raised scars), or other topical medicines to treat post inflammatory hyperpigmentation (brown scars) with prescription creams and possible laser treatments.No matter what your scar means to you, it’s important you take care of it, to help it heal in the best way possible.īenefit: soft surgical tape helps to protect the delicate scar tissue from being pulled by clothing.Ĭhoose: microtape from your surgeon – they’ll have probably have put some on your scar before you leave the hospital, and may have given you a roll for future use. Keep your scheduled follow-up appointments with your surgeon to verify that your scars are maturing as expected. Monitor to make sure your scar is progressing optimally.NEVER apply products without first discussing them with your surgeon. Patient compliance is also critical – use often and according to directions or it will not work optimally. If the reader has problems obtaining these they can call my office. ![]() Although Mederma, an onion extract derivative active ingredient rather than mainly silicone based may help, primarily silicone based products are better and many also contain other ingredients that may be synergistic (hydrocortisone or other steroid, Vitamin E, Sunscreen, etc). smaller areas or on the face), I prefer BioCorneum or Kelo-Cote products There are a lot of products to choose from, but silicone should be one of the key ingredients. For areas that are not applicable for this product (e.g. Essentially this is an adherent silicone sheeting pre-stretched when applied so as to offload tension on the scar. ![]() Most of the scientific articles written about this subject indicate that topical silicone gel or silicone sheets work the best. The best product available in my opinion is the Embrace Scar Therapy System by Neodyne BioSciences, Inc. Although hydration is important there are better, scientifically studied products with greater efficacy. Patients seem to have their own opinions on this touting everything from Pure Vit E, Coco butter, to Aloe Vera, etc but most have minimal benefit other than keeping the scar hydrated. Use specific scar maturation products recommended by your surgeon.This advice is especially important the first year following your surgery. Sunscreen, at least 30 SPF and an overlying make camouflage make up additionally protects the scar from the suns harmful rays. Minimal exposure to sunlight is prevents hyperpigmentation (permanently turning brown) and other problems that can make the scar more noticeable. Staying out of the sun is the best advice. Typical signs of infection may include redness outside the immediate incision site, asymmetric swelling, and drainage, of pus, fever, chills, and “feeling sick”. If there are any signs of infection, contact your surgeon’s office right away and/or see your doctor or his nurse immediately. This is especially important during the first few weeks. Never apply different products then recommended without first discussing them with your surgeon. Follow your surgeon’s wound care instructions to the letter with out modification. Keep your incision site/scar clean to prevent infection.In the first few weeks after surgery, I recommend the use of Embrace Scar Therapy which is an adherent silicone sheeting pre-stretched when applied so as to offload tension on the scar. This minimizes the stress that can pull the scar apart (dehiscence) creating a wound and delaying healing time, and can make the scar wider, or more “ropy”. Steri-Strips and/or surgical tape are often placed in non-hair bearing areas at the time of surgery to minimize tension and keep pressure over the scar. The last part is very important and patients can make a noticeable difference in their scars’ appearance by following best scar management practices. Unsightly scars are most commonly due to genetics, underlying medical conditions, or improper scar/wound care. There are many possible causes for scars that are enlarged or not healing well. Both you and your surgeon want you to have the most minimal scarring possible. Best Scar Management is important to minimize or completely hide from view, the telltale signs of your surgery-namely, scars.
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