I just had breast reduction surgery. The scars seem to be settling, and I want to know what to put on them to minimize their appearance.
For many years I have used paper tape on my patients' scars. I have found that this works the best; better than silicone sheets and other products. I use 1" paper tape that is brown is color, so it does not show through clothing. The tape is put on so that it is a little tight. The patient reapplies it when it is loose. The pressure from the tape helps the scars heal very nicely. Hope this helps.
Tracy M. Pfeifer, MD, MS
Jessica,
If you just had breast reduction surgery, listen to the recommendations of your plastic surgeon. Most surgeons prefer surgical tape or strips for the first few weeks. You can then progress to silicone sheets. However, they must be worn almost 100% of the time for several weeks to months to make a difference. The best thing for you to do right now is just wait. After your surgeon gives you the okay, I would recommend gentle massage over the incisions to help them soften. Scars/incisions go through a maturation process where they actually get slightly thicker (like a cord under the skin) as the collagen is rebuilding for the first six weeks. Then, over several months the incisions soften up and flatten out. When patients come back six months to a year out from surgery, it is amazing how nice the incisions look. As with all incisions, you should protect them from the sun with either clothing or SPF lotion.
That is a very common question. The majority of peopl will heal fine without any topicla type treatment( silicone tape or sheeting, or topical salves). So, I always say that tincture of time is often the best medicine. That being said, I like to keep steristrips or paper tape on the incisions for at least 3-4 weeks.
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