Scar tissue, Vitamin E, silicone gel

[Texana]

4 mos. ago I had a double free flap reconstruction, 15 mo. after mastectomy 1 br. but same day as prophylactic mast. of other breast, was post-chemo and radiation. Immediately required a leg vein transplant to the flap for circulation, & skin graft 2 wks later due to skin necrosis at the incision site, which has left a red, puckered 2" circular scar. This is on the newly removed breast, opposite the one that had radiation. Have always developed keloid scars. Additionally, started ultra sound and massages this wk for hardened fat necrosis around edges of the new breasts. Have read that massaging Vitamin E into the scar, or covering it with silicone gel patch, could reduce scarring. How, and when should I start either or both such treatments? What other help is there for reducing scar tissue, other than removing it surgically when nipple reconstruction and tattooing is done in a few months?

[CCF-RN,MSN-JS]

Dear Texana, You wouldn't want to put any ointments or such to the area until it was healed over completely.  Thank you to "surgeon" for their comments and I would reiterate checking with your plastic surgeon before trying anything.

[surgeon]

the silicone patches seem to reduce keloid formation. Vitamin E doesn't do anything. But since there was a complicated heaing process in your case, I'd say it's a good idea to see what your plastic surgeon has to say before trying any methods.