Scar Treatments & Keloid Prevention

Many people believe that Topical Vitamin E will help with their scars, and that is fine for some, it very well may. However, a study published in Dermatologic Surgery (04/99) reported that topical Vitamin E had no effect and even worsened the appearance of incision lines/scars in 90% of cases. An additional finding showed an increase in cases of contact dermatitis (1/3 of the cases in the study). Some cases even showed an excess production of collagen which increased the vertical height of the scar. The New York Times later reported these findings several months later in a June 8th issue.

 
BioDermis Sheeting

I am not saying that all cases will exhibit worsened scars with the use of Topical Vitamin E, but some very well may. I personally believe it is better to be safe than sorry and have always chosen a regimen of surgical paper tape for the first initial healing phase and then have switched over to silicone sheeting. However, oral Vitamin E does have free radical eradication properties and may be very effective. Be sure that you wait long enough after your surgery to take Vitamin E because of its anti-platelet properties. BE SURE to ask your surgeon before resuming any anti-platelet inducing medications such as Vitamin E and aspirin, or aspirin products. Failure to do so can prohibit clot formation and cause hemorrhaging.

Silicone sheeting is becoming more popular for flattening and fading of scars. It is unknown if the Topical Gels are as effective as the sheeting although some doctors believe it is more the pressure and moisture barrier of the sheeting rather than the substance it is made from. I personally do not like topical gels but do find them effective and less of a hassle than the sheeting for facial applications or small, discolored flat scars or scrapes. My areolae scars healed significantly better in my experience using silicone discs, although I really liked the BAND-AID Brand Scar Healing Strips. They were convenient, stayed on and worked very well for a variety of scars I had.

Many surgeons are beginning to use surgical paper tapes such as Steri-Strips by 3M Corp. These paper tapes have shown considerable flattening and fading in patients who were given paper tape over no scar therapy directly post-op.

Some surgeons even suggest that you apply Retin A to the incision line (once it has healed closed) and cover the scar with paper tape. Wait several days and repeat until the scar has faded. Areolae scars healed wonderfully in my experience as did inframammary crease incisions with the paper tape (specifically Steri-Strips) as well. Incidentally, many liposuction scars are treated this way, and very effectively I might add. I used the BAND-AID Brand Scar Healing Strips on my lipo scars until they were well healed and then started Retin-A Micro. They are barely visible and I am 5 months post-op.

The bottom line is, not all therapies will work for every patient, however please discuss your options with your surgeon, he or she may not suggest any or only a few of the above therapies. Please do not go against your surgeon's instructions.