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How Long Post-Tummy Tuck Can I Start Using Vit E on my Skin?

asked 1 year ago by Rory76
Latest answer by Thomas Fiala, MD
Question viewed 230 times
Tags: dry skin, timing, vitamin e

I had a tummy tuck yesterday and with all the harsh soap and the binder the skin above the incisions are dry and itchy... I was wondering if I can use Vitamin E on theses areas safely. I don't see my PS till Thursday. Thank you

5 answers to How Long Post-Tummy Tuck Can I Start Using Vit E on my Skin?

+1

Vitamin E after tummy tuck

Don't bother with the Vitamin E.  It doesn't help the scar significantly....this has been proven by research.  Instead, use a silicone-based scar product, like ProSil or ScarGuard - these actually have some demonstrable benefit.
Thomas Fiala, MD

Altamonte Springs Plastic Surgeon
+1

Vitamin E for dry skin after tummy tuck yesterday.

As long as you are leaving your abdominal binder in place as your surgeon has prescribed (It should be on nearly full-time, only off for dressing changes, drain stripping and cleansing, and adjustment to avoid wrinkles and bulges), using lotion for dry skin--not on incisions--is perfectly fine. Vitamin E as skin lotion is probably of less value than Lubriderm, Nutraderm, Eucerin, Vaseline Intensive Care, etc., but as long as you keep your incisions clean and dry, the skin lubricant you... more
Richard H. Tholen, MD, FACS

Minneapolis Plastic Surgeon

www.mpsmn.com

+1

How Long Post-Tummy Tuck Can I Start Using Vit E on my Skin?

If you have used Vit E in the past for dry skin without problems, I dont see any reason that you cannot apply it to the skin that is above the incision, however it is too soon to apply it to the incision itself.  Check with your surgeon just to be sure.
Amy T. Bandy, DO

Newport Beach Plastic Surgeon
+1

Vitamin E for tummy tuck scars

Actually vitamin E is unproven to help heal and improve scars. Patients bring up vitamin E frequently, and there is no science to support its effectiveness. Dry or irritated skin is common and you may be able to shower and wash off any remaining surgical soap, and apply hypoallergenic lotion to the dry areas, and cover the skin with a cotton T-shirt under the binder. Best of luck, peterejohnsonmd
Peter E. Johnson, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+1

Vitamin E after Tummy Tuck

Dear Rory, Vitamin E has not been proven to improve the appearance of scars in any well designed clinical trial.  Moreover, it has been shown to cause an allergic reaction in a small percentage of patients.  Simply, it probably doesn't help and may just hurt.  I recommend paper tape or silicone sheeting for three months to my patients.  Best wishes on your results.
Luis Zapiach, MD

Paramus Plastic Surgeon

www.artplasticsurgeons.com

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