How to prevent scar tissue formation after surgery

[wantnewlife]

I had surgery last friday. would like to know how to prevent scar tissue formation under the nipple. appreciate your help

[DrPensler]

There is unfortunately no way to prevent scar tissue after any surgery.The goal is to minimize scar after surgery. I have found compression vests and early re-mobilization are helpful adjuncts in the  minimization of post operative scarring.

[Dr. Elliot Jacobs]

The development of scar tissue is one of the most vexing and unpredictable aspects of gyne surgery.  To this day, I cannot predict which patients will develop scar tissue, although snug compression after surgery and prevention/recognition of any possible post op bleeding or oozing might be helpful.  Even with those treatments, scar tissue does occur.  Most often it can be reasonably treated with cortisone injections.  Unfortunately, there is no preventative method that is 100% successful.

Dr Jacobs

[wantnewlife]

Thanks Drs for your replies.
I am 7 days post-op.. I heard silicon gel sheets. Can I start using them? can they help?

[Dr. Elliot Jacobs]

Scar tissue is the body's natural means of healing itself.

When gyne surgery is done, there is not only a scar on the surface where the incision has been made -- there is also scar tissue under the skin across the expanse of the chest.  When growth of scar tissue become an issue post op, it is the latter type of tissue that poses the main problem -- and this scar tissue under the skin cannot be treated with silicone strips.  Silicone strips are only used for surface scars -- and not every patient requires them.  One week post op is much too soon to use them in any case.  Best to inquire of your surgeon when or if they might be of help.

Hope this helps.

Dr Jacobs

[wantnewlife]

ok.. thanks Dr.Elliot for the clarification.. I was mainly concerned about the scar tissue under the skin..  so compression is the only way to prevent it?

[Dr. Elliot Jacobs]

Compression may be of help -- but your body will heal with scar tissue everywhere surgery has been performed.  It is your body that determines the production of scar tissue -- and that cannot be strongly influenced in any way.  Welcome to the unpredictable nature of surgery.

Dr Jacobs

[wantnewlife]

i read it in some posts that massaging the surface scar after 2 weeks using some creams can prevent that.. is it true?

[Litlriki]

As Dr. Jacobs has said, the surface scars can benefit from silicone sheeting or cream, but most patients don't need these items following gynecomastia surgery.  The deeper scars, and the chest generally, may benefit from massage, in order to prevent the skin from becoming tethered to the deeper tissue. Massage can also help with dissipation of the swelling, and help the skin to be more supple over the chest post-operatively.

Rick Silverman

[wantnewlife]

Thanks Dr Rick for the useful info. Am 2 weeks post-op. Can I start massaging now? or do i need to wait for the wound to completely heal?

[Litlriki]

I talk to my patients about massage at their follow up appointment one week post-op.  I allow them to start as it feels more comfortable, so by my standards, yes, you can. But you should check with your surgeon before proceeding.

RS

[wantnewlife]

Thanks Dr.Rick.  My doctor told me to use silicone gel for massaging. On the cover,it's mentioned it should not be applied on open wounds.. I still feel incision in areaola crease is still not completely closed.. should i wait for some more time? or can i massage using some coconut oil?