tips for reducing scarring?

[horizon]

Warning: this is a completely vain and superficial post.

For those of you who have had your ports removed, were you given tips on how to reduce scarring? The doc who removed mine did a very good job, but if there's a way I minimize the line that is on my chest that would be nice. Of course it might be too late since I didn't do anything when it was inserted...

[skypup]

One of the many, many things I am ticked about at our cancer docs is the lack of attention they pay to so many things that would make our lives better in small ways, that are absolutely no trouble.

Having 5 CRC scars so far, it took a Mohs surgery from a dermatologist to find out about Epi-Derm silicon gel sheeting. After the initial two weeks or so of healing under wraps, one puts it on as constantly as possible. It really gets rid of redness and minimizes scarring. I can hardly find the scar on my face, while my first port scar makes women cry and men tremble. You can get it online. It's great! They say it helps with older scars, too, but I can't vouch for that.

[katsheba]

When I had my appendectomy, my surgeon told me to put vitamin E on my incision to reduce scarring. I didn't do it , so I can't say if it would really help, but that was his advice.

[CRguy]

My wife has had good results on scars and burns with Bio-Oil.
You can read up on their research and check out the ingredients on the website.
I have used it but admit I am not consistent with application , whereas wifey is very consistent and gets better results !

I suppose it would make a difference too, my vascular surgeon used the same incision line for placement and removal.... so really 2 surgeries for the price of one scar....
Do I sound like an infomercial yet

[juliej]

As Skypup noted, silicon gel sheets are the way to go! They've been clinically proven to shrink, flatten, and fade scars. I used ScarAway brand. You can't feel them after they're applied and mine have stayed on during some pretty sweaty workouts.

[CRguy]

Well thanks a lot you two ... NOW I'll have to tell my wife about another new product

I also just remembered a very old topic : don't want to say how I got the scar on my chest for those who may wanna keep their souvenirs as a topic of conversation ????
( head's up warning : there are some very dear, departed friends included among the posters and a bit of edgy humor. )

[juliej]

CRguy is right, horizon. You need a story. Check out his link for some ideas!

Being a "I-double-dare-you" kind of girl since childhood, I've been involved in a fair number of macho scar comparisons (usually with skateboarders). My abdominal scar goes from stem to stern (54 staples) and what you could see of it in my workout clothes used to be impressive. But the silicone strips have reduced it to a fine, barely visible, white line.

[horizon]

Wow, I had no idea such products even existed. I thought that you guys were going to tell me to put spit and vaseline on it! I ordered some strips and they'll be here in two days. Thanks Amazon prime!


As for my story I think that I am going to go with a knife fight with a group of ninjas.

[CRguy]

well if you're going to really sell the ninja story ....... maybe you should rub some spit and grease on it

[concernedrelative]

JulieJ- Are you saying months and years after incision, you can use it to initiate fading/healing or it has to be done shortly post surgery?

TIA, Concerned Relative

[juliej]

JulieJ- Are you saying months and years after incision, you can use it to initiate fading/healing or it has to be done shortly post surgery?

Yes, it can still have an effect months or even years after surgery. The greatest effect, of course, is post-surgery (after the wound heals and a scar has formed), but silicone scar treatment can soften, flatten, and fade even older scars. The kind I used was flesh-colored so I could leave it on 24 hours a day, except when showering. The material allows moisture and oxygen to pass through, so the skin underneath stays healthy.

[skypup]

Thanks for that link, CRguy. I will unabashedly steal several of the stories. I can't wait for someone to ask me.

Nice thing was seeing NWgirl and you in the names going by, survivors both and still active. Yay!

[CRguy]

Thanks for that link, CRguy. I will unabashedly steal several of the stories. I can't wait for someone to ask me.
Nice thing was seeing NWgirl and you in the names going by, survivors both and still active. Yay!

We ninjas are very ...stealthy !

CRguy is right,...Being a "I-double-dare-you" kind of girl since childhood, I've been involved in a fair number of macho scar comparisons (usually with skateboarders).

Damn I shoulda known it ... you are a skater chick !!!!
but also a very stealthy colorectal ninja !!!


Cheers all !

keepin' on the Journey...........

[mymom]

I did maderma for each of my three csection scars.barely visible. So my mother for both surgery used it and it did a great job.

[Kekeg]

I used vitamin e - cut open vitamin e capsule applied oil to scar twice a day. Worked well, little scarring on either port or abdominal incision. Thanks for the suggestions for stories about scar, will be working on my own exciting explanations!