What about the best scar creams for after surgery management? We have trialed different creams and gels over the years and find for most patients, a simple Vitamin E cream is enough. Our patients receive the Nokori scar balm. We recommend gently massaging it over the scar once the wound is completely healed over.
BioCorneum® Scar Gel is the first and only quick drying silicone gel scar cream with SPF30 sunscreen that is approved by the FDA. This scar cream is an important part of our post-surgery scar care regimen, and we recommend it for most patients who have surgery or injuries in exposed areas such as the face.
Laser or light therapy causes changes to the surface of the skin that allow new, healthy skin to form at the scar site. Chemical peel solutions penetrate the skin's surface to soften irregularities in texture and color. Skin bleaching agents are medications applied topically to lighten the skin.
After complete incision healing, about 1-2 weeks after surgery, Dr. Brown recommends Cetaphil lotion to keep the scar soft and supple. Other options are Aquaphor or petroleum jelly.
Lasers and other light treatments: This is becoming the go-to treatment for all types of scars because these treatments can: Prevent raised scars and keloids. Reduce the appearance of existing raised scars and keloids. Decrease scarring after surgery.
Bio-Oil helps to improve the appearance of new or old scars; whether from surgery, accidents, burns, insect bites, scratches or conditions such as acne or chickenpox. Although younger scars will have a greater chance of improvement, studies have shown that older scars also benefit from regular use of Bio-Oil.
Scar creams are an effective way to reduce the appearance of scars, but they won't work overnight. In some cases, it may take several weeks or even months to see a noticeable difference in your skin. So, be patient and keep using your scar cream faithfully to achieve the best results.
Once there is no more scab and the wound is visibly closed (which means that the skin has healed) you can start caring for your scar with topical creams or oils.
After wound closure (about a week after surgery)
After the wound has closed, your doctor may recommend treatment with a topical scar treatment. This could be Mederma® products or other similar treatments. The main objective of topical treatments is to keep the freshly healed skin moist.
Liposuction (up to three months)
While many patients think of this as a relatively non-invasive procedure, liposuction does take one of the longest recovery times of any cosmetic surgery.
Use Vaseline® Jelly for Scars
Using petroleum jelly for scars may be beneficial during and after the healing process. Vaseline® Jelly is known for protecting minor cuts and burns. It creates a protective barrier on the skin's surface to lock in moisture to help protect skin while it heals.
Scar revision is plastic surgery performed to improve the condition or appearance of a scar anywhere on your body. The different types of scars include: Discoloration or surface irregularities and other more subtle scars can be cosmetically improved by surgery or other treatments recommended by your plastic surgeon.
Scars shrink and become less noticeable as they age. You may be able to wait to have surgery until the scar lightens in color. This can be several months or even a year after the wound has healed. For some scars, it is best to have revision surgery 60 to 90 days after the scar matures or longer.
Wait until your wound has fully healed and allow 4 weeks after any stitches have been removed before you start to apply Bio-Oil. To apply, massage in a small amount until it has been fully absorbed. You need to be dedicated and ensure you regularly massage and moisturise your scar twice a day for at least 3 months.
Anecdotal reports claim that vitamin E speeds wound healing and improves the cosmetic outcome of burns and other wounds. Many lay people use vitamin E on a regular basis to improve the outcome of scars and several physicians recommend topical vitamin E after skin surgery or resurfacing.
[8,9] Silicon gel exerts several actions which may explain this benefit in scars: It increases hydration of stratum corneum and thereby facilitates regulation of fibroblast production and reduction in collagen production. It results into softer and flatter scar. It allows skin to "breathe".
One tip for taking care of scars is to use a topical ointment. Cocoa butter cream and Vaseline are most often used to help reduce the appearance of scars. Applying the ointment daily will help heal scars but will not make them invisible.
To reduce the appearance of scars, creams and other products hydrate and smooth the area, reducing redness and evening out the skin. Dr. Gilbert notes that “excellent results can be achieved” with scar creams and “you will see improvement in your scar.” However, total elimination is unlikely.
Neither trial found that Mederma improved the appearance of scars more than petroleum jelly. Vitamin E oil didn't fare any better. “If it helps,” says Kenneth Arndt, a dermatologist in Newton, Mass., “it's not the E but the oil.” He notes that it often causes skin irritation.
Alternatives to Bio-Oil
A combination Bio Oil or skin-nourishing cream and massage may be your best option if you're concerned about scars and money. Any body cream rich in vitamin E (daily massage is the key); Cocoa butter therapy oil (some say this is better than just cocoa butter);