post-op scarring

[Nat_16]

I had stomach surgery to remove some sinus's which had deeloped inside my belly button after a previous surgery.  I had the surgery about 8 weeks ago now and the scar has become a little raised and red.  I have heard micropore tape helps with the redness and makes the scar flatter, I was wondering if 8 weeks post-op is too late to do any good if I start the micropore tape now??

Many thanks.

[susant3boys]

Help me out here....I have researched the best OTC treatment for scars and found clinical studies that say not only does Vitamin E not help reduce scars, but is NOT recommended by dermatologist for use on scars.  Many studies have been done on topical vitaminv E, that showed no improvement in the appearance of scar, and in many, the vitamin e made ascars WORSE than untreated due to irritation and/or contact dermatitis.  There are a few clinically proven scar reduction methods.  Many involve lasers or injections. One clinicaly proven treatment that is available OTC is silicone sheeting.  My dermatologist recommended ScarAway.  It is available as a patch or strip and safely reduces scars. For facial scars like acne, use ScarAway Serum.  Very effective, although the patches (often referred to as silicone scar sheets) are most effective so use them when feasible, and serum only when you cannot use the strip in the area.

What is your take on this?  Curious because dermatologists mostly say no to vitamin e for scars, but some plastic surgeons still say yes (although many say no).  I know it is moisturizing, but for new wounds and healing incisions, new research seems to lean the other way

Thanks, Susan

[Nat_16]

Thanks for your input, I add vitamin E to my regular skin moisturiser anyway so it does get vitamin E twice a day.  Thank you!!

[Elliot R Goodman, MD]

would not worry
a scar always look its worst 2-3 months after surgery
apply vitamin E to it and it should help
the scar takes 12 months to achieve its final appearance