When undergoing normal surgery the scars will be more prominent. They are permanent, yet, if you give them the right kind of care, you can drastically reduce them.

Most individuals who have post-operative scars have two goals:

1 – To keep excessive scar tissue down
2 – To have a pleasing cosmetic appearance

Post-Operative Scar Treatment

There are several combined elements that make up the best treatment of scars after surgery. It’s important to bear in mind that the majority of after-surgery scars are hypertrophic, which are swollen and purplish or reddish in color.

Keloids are the kind of hypertrophic scars that develop on the outside of the original wound region.

Over the counter treatments for surgical scars include:

1 – Creams (silicone gel, medical honey, and Vitamin C)
2 – Scar massage
3 – Vitamin and mineral supplements
4 – Pressure therapy
5 – Silicone gel
6 – Paper tape

A Look At Surgical Paper Tape

A great way to keep incision wounds closed and reduce the shear forces is to use adhesive tape. It’s often applied when the dressings or sutures have been removed. The reason adhesive tape is used is that it keeps the wound from stretching and won’t cause an excessive amount of scar tissue from developing.

The paper tape should be work for at least six weeks or until the surgical wound has closed. If the wound has yet to close after six weeks, the tape should be left on.

You can use hypoallergenic tape, which cares for the scar by decreasing the tension on the edges of the wound and reducing the possibility of less favorable and widening scarring. Both Micropore and Steristrips tape are highly recognizable for doing the above things.

Another reason you should tape the cut is that scabs will stay soft and small. It’s a good idea to stop scabs from forming and maintain moisture so the wound will heal better and there is less scarring. (contrary to what is commonly thought there are studies confirming this. Read more about it here.)

A Look At Pressure Therapy

Until it was clear what the silicone sheeting benefits were, the standard way to treat surgical and burn scars was pressure therapy. The way to apply continuous pressure on the wounds was done through compression garments.

Compression has shown to do four things:

- Reduce pain
- Reduce the itch
- Prevent scars from forming
- Flatten scars that have risen

The effects on keloids are negligible:

Theoretically, pressure can break up the collagen bundles and soften the mass. However, it’s a long-term treatment and may not see any improvements for quite some time.

Today, compression garments are typically applied to boost the speed rate of the healing/recovery process. They’re typically used after certain kinds of procedures like

- Breast reduction
- Buttock augmentation
- Face lifts
- Liposuction (for men)
- Thigh lifts
- Tummy tucks surgery

When you wear post-operative compression garments, it does five things:

1 – Boosts the circulation of blood
2 – Lessens the swelling and bruising
3 – Reliefs your pain and discomfort
4 – Supports the body’s new contours
5 – Lessens the scar tissue creation

Talk to your doctor about the benefits of using a compression garment after your surgery.

A Look At Silicone Gel Sheeting

Silicone gel sheets are used in the management and treatment of hypertrophic scars and have been in use since 1982. While pressure therapy is still widely used, silicones are used in the majority of hospitals and burn centers.

Because of it’s easy of use, effectiveness and non-invasiveness silicone gel is commonly called the golden standard in hypertrophic scar treatment.

The gel helps by softening up and reducing the scars; cutting down on the amount of time it takes for pressure therapy to do the same thing.

Silicones are not intrusive and there’s little to no risk for side effects…although some folks may have minor rashes or redness. Thus, it’s recommended over more invasive treatments like cryotherapy, steroid injections and corrective surgery.

Since most surgical scars improve upon using silicon gel this modality is recommended before trying other, more risky treatments. There are a large variety of brands that include pre-shaped sheets to cover incisions like breast reduction and c-section scars.

Click here for more comprehensive information about various surgery scar improvement methods.

                          

With the market flooded with hundreds of brands and formulas many customers will get confused. Therefore some scientifically backed advice about which ingredients to look for in a cream. And, also important, what substances you should better avoid.

It will be obvious to most people that in general natural ingredients are preferred above the use of synthetic chemicals. Provided that these natural constituents work.

Fortunately there are a few substances provided by Mother Nature that have lightening properties and, thus, aid dark scar treatment.

5 Popular Natural Scar and Skin Lightening Agents:

1. Kojic Acid
2. Hydroquinone
3. Liquorice Extract
4. Bearberry Extract(Arbutin)
5. Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)

Sadly, kojic acid and hydroquinone are known to have adverse side effects:

more recent long-term Japanese studies have shown that kojic acid has the potential for causing contact dermatitis and erythema. (1)

Adverse reactions from hydroquinone use include irritant and allergic contact dermatitis, and nail discoloration. Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation may occur from the contact dermatitis. Hypopigmentation of the normal skin surrounding the treated areas may also occur. (2)

Therefore it may be best to opt for products that contain safer alternatives such as liquorice and vitamin C. These ingredients will hinder tyrosinase, an enzyme responsible for changes in skin color when exposed to sunshine or after injury.

• Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)

  In order for vitamin C to work it has to have a concentration of at least 10 percent. Besides lightening excess pigmentation in (scar) tissue it will also stabilize collagen production. This is useful in scar treatment because many scars representations of exaggerated collagen production.

  When buying a scar lightening cream that contains vitamin C you have to be aware of the fact that vitamin C is unstable. This means that it will oxidize (turn brown) when exposed to the air and lose its effectiveness.

  Many commercially available products with vitamin C have brown added coloring to hide the oxidation. Therefore, make sure to avoid these brown creams.

• Liquorice Extract

  Liquorice extract is also both effective and safe. Its potent anti-inflammatory action increases renewal of the skin. In addition, it contains liquiritin that enhances cell renewal by improving cell turnover. Licorice will increase the scar lightening effects of vitamin C.

A Dark Scar Treatment Cream With Stable Vitamin C and Liquorice.

A relative new and in popularity rising scar cream that contains both these ingredients and at the same time does not contain potentially harmful substances is InviCible scar cream.

This cream is very well-reviewed as 94% of the people who used it declared high satisfaction and rated their results as “good”, “very good”, or “excellent”.

It is hypoallergenic as it does not contain common skin irritants like preservatives (e.g. parabens) and fragrances. For more info visit their website here: InviCible Scars

Due to it’s superior safety profile, InviCible was awarded the National Parenting Center Seal of Approval and is one of only 300 products to be in compliance with the Compact for Safe Cosmetics.

How Do These Ingredients Work?

Most dark scars are caused by hyperpigmentation which is another word for excess pigmentation in skin or scar tissue. In order to lighten dark scars excessive melanin production should be reduced. (Melanin is the brown pigment that produces normal skin color.)

All the aforementioned natural substances are tyrosinase inhibitors. Tyrosinase is an enzyme that plays a role in melanin production. Many dark scars are the result of an overproduction of melanin. Reducing the production of this enzyme will decrease melanin, thus the dark appearance of a scar.



References

1. Nakagawa M, Kawai K, Kawai K. Contact allergy to kojic acid in skin care products. Contact Dermatitis 32(1):9-13 (1995 Jan).
2. Grimes PE. Melasma Etiologic and Therapeutic Considerations. Arch Dermatol 131(12):1453-7 (1995 Dec).

                          

Topical silicone gel sheeting, with a 20-year history of satisfaction in dermatology, now appears to be useful in the prevention of hypertrophic scars and keloids in patients undergoing scar revision.

Also other studies confirm such claims. This type of therapy has been used for a few decades now, initially in burn centers and hospitals.

Not only to prevent excessive scar formation but to improve cosmetic appearance as well. Some dermatologists and other medical professionals refer to silicone sheeting as ‘The Golden Standard in Scar Treatment’.

Steroid Injections
Another treatment for raised scars that works is the, more invasive, use of steroid injections. Generally multiple injections are required to get the desired effect.

Downside are the possible side effects. Such steroid injections (e.g. Kenalog) may deform the scar and surrounding skin by causing dents (skin atrophy). Other complications include; lightening of the skin (hypopigmentation), and red spots on the skin (telangiectasia).

Because of these side effects and the non-invasive character of silicone gel sheeting it is often recommended to use these. Most scars improve upon using this modality.

Raised Scars
Raised scars can be white, red, purple, or even darker colored. The most common types of raised scars are keloids and hypertrophic scars. Hypertrophic scars are more common then keloids. The elevation of scar tissue is a result of excessive fibroblast creation. Fibroblasts are connective tissue cells the body creates to repair the wound.

• Keloids
  Keloids only occur in 10% of people. They look like mounds growing above the skin surface. Sometimes they are mistaken for benign tumors. Their symptoms are itchiness, pain, unusual sensations, redness and skin pigmentation. They grow out of the normal boundaries and can be triggered by wounds, pimples, insect bites, tattoos, and even simple scratches. Keloids are hard to treat effectively and recurrence is typical. These scars are often treated with combinations of laser therapy, steroid injections, and silicone sheets. As a last resort surgery can be performed but more scar tissue may form afterwards.
• Hypertrophic Scars
  Hypertrophic scars have a slightly similar appearance but do not grow as big as keloids. They may restrict movement when located close to a joint. They are more likely to fade in time, generally within 1 or 2 years. This type of scar tissue may develop into keloid scar tissue in some people. Therefore preventive treatment is recommended. (Surgical) wounds are commonly covered with paper tape to reduce wound tension and thus minimize scar tissue creation. (and the risk on keloid development) Scars (wounds that have closed) can be treated effectively by pressure therapy (garments) and silicone gel sheets.

How Do Silicones Work?
Silicones are thought to act by downregulating fibroblast creation thus reducing the amount of collagen deposit in the tissue. They are theorized (their precise method of action isn’t clear yet) to mimic the occlusive barrier function of healthy skin thus increasing hydration.

Hydration seems to be essential in improving (raised) scars therefore it is recommended to keep the scar and surrounding skin hydrated.

They can also improve the appearance of burn and contracture scars.

My Experiences With Silicones for Scars.
I have used silicone sheets myself on the several scars I had when I had been stabbed and needed surgery to safe my life. The sheets made my scars smoother, less itchy, flat, and more skin colored. I therefore recommend ScarAway .

You can also use a silicone gel cream such as ScarAway Serum or Kelo-cote scar gel. A gel is more convenient and once applied is less obvious which makes it more useful to wear during the day. (in case your scar is not covered by clothes.)

Sheets, also known as pads or patches seem to be slightly more effective though. I myself used both. Sheets at night and the gel during daytime.

                          

photo by atomicjeep

Once facial skin has been injured, e.g. due to an accident or surgery, scar tissue will develop. Most commonly these scars are hypertrophic. This means they are red (or purple/pink) and raised. They may itch and, in some cases, hurt.

The only working treatment for such scars are silicone gel sheets. They are proven effective as demonstrated by various clinical trials and studies. Check out this PubMed study abstract to learn more: Silicone gel sheeting is safe and effective treatment for hypertrophic and keloid scars.

Also silicone gel creams (a popular cream goes by the brand name Kelo-Cote) can improve cosmetic appearance. Silicones make hypertrophic and keloid scars less red, more skin colored, flatter, softer, and they reduce the risk on keloid development as well. Click here for recommended scar treatment products.

Acne scars are harder to treat effectively. There are roughly two types of acne scars. Rolling scars which are slightly depressed and ones that are narrow and deep. Recommended therapies are laser resurfacing, chemical peels, dermabrasion, and (collagen) fillers.

A popular over-the-counter product used to reduce acne scars on the face is Glycolic Acid

In case such treatments do not work surgery may be conducted as a last resort.

Non-acne facial scars will often heal relatively well because there are so many muscles in the face. Regular movement of these muscles as well as optimal blood flow tends to improve the healing process.

Make sure to keep scars out of the sun for the radiation will make their appearance worse. Also hydration (e.g. by using Vaseline or another moisturizer) and massage will aid the healing process.

                          

In this study (The Effects of Topical Vitamin E on the Cosmetic Appearance of Scars) the researchers concluded:

This study shows that there is no benefit to the cosmetic outcome of scars by applying vitamin E after skin surgery and that the application of topical vitamin E may actually be detrimental to the cosmetic appearance of a scar.

In 90% of the cases in this study, topical vitamin E either had no effect on, or actually worsened, the cosmetic appearance of scars.

So if vitamin E doesn’t work, what should we use?

The only proven effective scar treatment product you can use at home are Silicone Scar Treatment Sheets . (links to Amazon, read the reviews to learn how they can help you improve your scar tissue)

There are various studies demonstrating the benefits of silicone gel scar sheets. Here’s one published by Archives of Surgery.

Important to remark is that this modality does not work on all types of scars. Burn scars, discolored, and raised scars are known to improve. In some cases keloid scars may also be repulsed by silicones. Such scar tissue will become flat, softer, more pliable, and discolorations will tone down. Also itch and pain will be reduced.

Silicones have been used since the 1960′s in burn centers and hospitals. Only the last decades they have become available on the consumer market. Many people are still not aware of the existence (let alone effectiveness) of silicone sheeting for scars. Among those who are unaware of the benefits of silicones are not only consumers but also medical personnel. It’s a sad fact that many doctors, but even dermatologists, and plastic and cosmetic surgeons are not aware of the clinical proof that backs the use of silicones for scars.

For depressed scars silicones will not be the most appropriate treatment. These types of scar tissue will most likely be treated with fillers, dermarolling (needling), and collagen injections.

                          

This post is about the different types of basal cell carcinoma scar removal options that are available over the counter.

BCC generally occurs on body parts that are exposed to the sun. Since the scars left from the operation are in such prominent places, e.g.: arms, neck, and face it is important to many people to be able to reduce scar tissue creation.

This can be done by properly treating the wound. A fairly new and revolutionary wound care treatment are Medihoney dressings and wound paste.

These contain a medical grade, sterilized type of honey with unique and very potent properties. Of course other products can help you ensure the wound stays clean, heals as quickly as possible as well. Just wanted to mention these because they are all natural and have shown to heal wounds that seemed untreatable.

Regarding the scar, most commonly there are two types of scars after basal cell carcinoma removal. Indented (depressed) scars and raised (hypertrophic) scars. Each type requires it’s own treatment.

Raised Scars
Raised, and often red, pink, or purple scars can be treated with silicone sheets or gels. These are the only proven products that can be purchased over the counter. Used for years in burn centers and hospitals silicones are known to soften, flatten, tone down this type of scar tissue.

They also diminish pain and itch as well as reduce the risk on keloid scar development. Silicone Scar Treatment Sheets are available on Amazon. (Check out the reviews to see for yourself how these actually help fading people’s scars>.

Indented Scars
Depressed scars are harder to treat. Massaging the tissue as well as keeping it hydrated is always useful. When a depression maintains a variety of fillers are available. They are considered safe for use in filling depressions left from skin surgery due to a pre-cancer or cancer.

Downside of fillers is that the filling will have to be repeated once in a while. Fillers consist of Restylane, bovine collagen, and people’s own body fat. Ask a board-certified cosmetic surgeon or dermatologist about this procedure for details.

Basal cell skin carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer. It’s prevalent in light skinned people. BCC in general, is effectively treated and regrowth doesn’t occur often.

                          

Because I had various cuts and surgical wounds on my face and body I was anxious to know but they couldn’t tell me anything useful.

Later on I learned that there are certain foods that can help promote wound healing and even reduce scar tissue creation. Also certain vitamin and mineral supplements are known to be beneficial. Different studies confirm such claims.

So, What To Eat and Which Vitamins and Minerals To Take?

Most obviously, and probably needless to point out but for the sake of completeness mentioned anyway, is the importance of a healthy, well balanced diet. Make sure to eat a varied diet. Also, smoking should be avoided at all costs.

One particular nutrient to keep in mind is protein because studies indicate that protein deficiency delays wound (and possibly scar) healing. Proteins provide the body with the building blocks that are required to repair and rebuild. They also help fighting infections.

Other proven effective nutrients are those containing zinc. Animal studies show that zinc deficiency resulted in less quick healing wounds and when dietary zinc was supplemented wound healing times decreased. According to one study report:

“Oral zinc supplementation may be beneficial in treating zinc-deficient leg ulcer patients, but its therapeutic place in surgical patients needs further clarification.” Note: topical zinc application seems to be more efficient.

Studies show that most prominent results are achieved in patients or individuals who have deficiencies of certain nutrients. When a balanced diet without deficiencies is maintained eating these foods in addition might not lead to substantial benefits. An exception is vitamin C:

Clinical studies provide evidence that wound healing in subjects judged not deficient in vitamin C can be significantly accelerated with supplements of this nutrient above the recommended daily allowance (RDA).

This was the conclusion from a study titled Vitamin C and Human Wound Healing conducted on the Department of Oral Diagnosis, University of Alabama School of Dentistry, Birmingham, Ala., USA. Read the abstract here.

There are also indications that certain oral supplements can help heal wounds and reduce scarring. Bromelain, grapefruit seed extract, glutamine, and vitamin A are a few of them. Read this page; Do Vitamin and Mineral Supplements Promote Wound & Scar Tissue Healing? for more info.

                          

Different types of scars include:

Flat, Pale Scars
This type is most common and these scars are the result of the natural healing of the body. At they may appear red or dark and protrude above the normal skin level. Over time, these scars get paler and thinner until finally a white, flat scar remains. This maturation process can take up to 2 years and almost always a visible mark of the wound will remain.

Red, Raised Scars – Hypertrophic scars
Hypertrophic scars as these are called as well are red and thick/ raised and may itch or hurt. These scars generally form relatively quick after the skin trauma. They don’t extend beyond the injured site. If situated near a joint, they might hinder movement. Young people (below 30 years of age) and people with dark skin are more susceptible to this kind of scars. Inherited factors determine whether or not people are prone to developing these scars. It is not possible to completely prevent these scars but treatments such as silicone sheeting, and in lesser amount compression, ensure a hypertrophic scar to be converted into a flat, white scar faster.

Thick, Lumpy Scars – Keloid scars
As hypertrophic scars, keloid scars also are the result of unbalanced, excessive production of collagen in a healing wound. Unlike hypertrophic scars, keloid scars grow out of the borders of the original wound and continue to grow indefinitely. That way relatively large areas of skin can get covered. They are thick and can be itchy and painful. It is even possible they will not improve. Keloid scars may result from any type of injury; scratches, injections, insect bites and tattoos included. Anyone can get keloid scars and they can exist anywhere on the body but are very rare on eyelids, penis, and breast areola. Yet young and people with dark skin are more sensitive to these scars. Especially the skin above sternum (chest), abdomen, shoulders, upper arms, back, earlobes, the neck and face are most susceptible to developing these scars.

Indented, Depressed, Sunken Scars – Atrophic scars
In these scars, there is a very thin layer of scar tissue. The scars are sunk into the skin also referred to as a “cigarette paper’ texture. They arise when the healing process of the skin is broken and as such lack of new skin fibers are formed. They can also be caused by the skin itself. By the loss of underlying fat, but are generally the result of skin lesions after viral or fungal infection (Viral, fungal), immunity diseases (such as lupus erythematosus) and radiation therapy.

Scars after A.cne or Chickenpox
A.cne * and chicken pox are often the cause of depressed/ sunken scars. This often results in deep wells in the skin. It is important to know that these scars can develop to keloid scars. These scars are not always atrophic. (* the word a.cne is spelled this way because of Squidoo policy restrictions. This is a banned topic)

Stretched Scars
These scars form when the skin surrounding the scar has been under tension. In the beginning the scar is similar to a normal scar, but the constant tension the scar expands and dilutes it for the next weeks or months, until a stretched scar is formed. This happens e.g. when the scar is close to a joint is located and is tensioned during movement. Once stretched will the scar never narrow. The most common causes are injuries and operations. Another cause is the poor healing due to a poor general health or poor nutrition.

Contracture scars
These scars occur in case of large wounds. The skin quickly heals up and uses an inelastic tissue instead of normal skin tissue to close the gap. These scars can even deform the underlying muscle impeding movement. Sometimes they even attack the nervous system. This type scars are can be very severe and most difficult to treat. Many can only be improved by surgery.

Stretch marks
This type of scarring occurs when the skin is stretched rapidly, e.g during pregnancy or sudden rapid growth of an adolescent. Also hormonal changes seem to influence the formation of stretch marks. In the beginning, these stripes appear red or purple, but they get paler over the years.

                          

It’s a Silicone Gel Scar Diminishing Serum Massaging Applicator. Since both silicones, and in lesser extent, massage are proven effective scar treatments this product combines two effective modalities.

The gentle massaging rollers will probably add to fading the scars but I suspect, for that to happen they need to be used regularly for a certain period of time.

Let’s hope the sensation of the rollers is pleasant so that it may actually be a useful addition to the relatively small pool of effective OTC scar products.

The new product is available on Amazon

Product Description

ScarAway 100% silicone gel serum with gentle massaging applicator is ideal for easy and convenient use on scars on any part of the body, even on scars on exposed or hard-to-treat areas such as: Face, Ears Neck, Scalp, Arms, Hands and Joint Areas. ScarAway is a concentrated 100% Silicone Gel Formulation for optimal results, and does not contain any inferior ingredients or fillers.

Topical Silicone is clinically proven to help reduce and prevent scars. ScarAway works on newly healed woulds and visible older scars. Even scars that are years old and appear raised and discolored can become flatter, smoother, and less visible, closer to your skin’s natural texture and color. Our new massaging applicator harnesses the power of not 1 but 2 Scar fighters, silicone AND massage, in one easy to use product.

                          

Generally surgeries such as breast augmentation but also liposuction and other operations leave dark bruises. Things like specialized creams that reduce swelling and bruises, recovery inducing vitamins and minerals will help you heal and revitalize. Not only will your surgical wounds heal faster but your immune system (which is affected by surgery) will get a boost.

Reduce Breast Augmentation Swelling and Bruising
A commonly used and recommended cream to reduce post-op bruises and swellings is herbal Arnica cream.

Arnica (Arnica montana) has been used as a dermal therapy for centuries. Other topical uses are relief of sprains, muscle aches, rheumatic pain, inflammation, and wound healing. For more info on this substance visit this website from the University of Maryland.

Bromelain, another herbal extract derived from the stem of the pineapple plant, is a protein-digesting enzyme. Bromelain is used to treat and prevent acute inflammation (swelling).

Vitamins and Minerals for Optimal, Accelerated Postoperative Healing
There’s a whole range of vitamins and minerals that play a crucial role in post-op recovery. Some of these provide a synergistic effect. Quercetin for example enhances the effect of Bromelain by decreasing the release of inflammatory mediators (such as histamine) thus playing a role in swelling reduction. Quercetin is an antioxidant that has powerful natural anti-histamine, and anti-inflammatory properties.

The intake of dietary supplements such as the aforementioned vitamins and minerals before and after surgery will lead to more satisfying cosmetic results. Since surgery is a stressful procedure that has a major impact on the human body it is important to build your nutrient reserves with essential supplements. This way you are helping your body to repair itself faster, promote better wound healing, limit scarring, and reduce the risk of infection.

All-in-one Post Op Recovery Kit
There are products available that combine all the crucial properties of the agents mentioned here. The VitaMedica Plastic Surgery Pre/Post Program is a specifically designed package for post op (breast augmentation) recovery. It contains a silicone-based scar cream, two dedicated swelling and bruising reducing creams, and a carefully composed package of vitamins and minerals.

Buying New Bras After Surgery
Commonly breast augmentation swellings will be resolved within a couple of weeks. It may take a bit longer though this depends on the type of surgery, e.g. subglandular or submuscular augmentation. The latter takes more time to heal. Before you start buying new bras it might be best to wait until the swellings are gone. Many cosmetic surgery clinics provide post op bras. Ideally they are supportive, but not too tight.