Minimize Scar Appearance

[wbrooks]

I am 5 days post op of both gynecomastia and abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) surgeries.  Was wondering if anyone had any recommendations for cream (or other products) to help minimize the appearance of scarring.  

[PeterBateman]

vitamin E oil

[spaceace]

How bad are the scars after an excision only surgery?

Is there any company currently working on making scars invisible?

[frodo]

My PS told me aloe vera products... I guess that would include aloe vera cream, gel etc... I think gel would be best

[jones357]

when your skin is healed on the outside, use silicon sheets.  Not bed sheets, which is what I thought when I first read about them.  They are something you can buy online or at a drug store.  you tape it to the area and it makes your scar heal flat.  I guess scar tissue is not uniform if you look at it under a microscope.  These sheets somehow help the tissue heal in a more uniform pattern.  That is what makes the scar flat.  I would bet that your gyne scar is invisible in a few months.  You will not find one post here about someone 6 months out that is worried about a gyne scar.  mine is invisible.  the tummy tuck will leave a more visible scar, because it can't blend into anything like a nipple scar.  I would definately use the sheets to minimize that scar as much as possible.

[unisys]

How many days after surgery did you guys wait to start scar treatment?

[jimyd77]

My PS told me to wait until everything is closed up and dry...then to start using silicone sheeting.

[DrBermant]

I am 5 days post op of both gynecomastia and abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) surgeries.  Was wondering if anyone had any recommendations for cream (or other products) to help minimize the appearance of scarring. 

I prefer to use a compression vest after gynecomastia surgery for many reasons explained on that link.  I use first stage compression, to protect tissues.  Second stage protection is for scars.  I also use  compression for my Tumescent Tummy Tuck Abdominoplasty surgery.  Surgical technique is a major factor in Tummy Tucks.

Scars that heal under pressure are often much softer than scars without scar therapy or pressure.  I prefer to individualize the scar care and compression needs for each of my patients.  Such issues are better discussed with your doctor.

Hope this helps,

Michael Bermant, MD
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