Embrace Scar Therapy: What You Need to Know

Written byRiannon WestallUpdated on June 13, 2023
You can trust RealSelf content to be unbiased and medically accurate. Learn more about our content standards.
Written byRiannon WestallUpdated on June 13, 2023
You can trust RealSelf content to be unbiased and medically accurate. Learn more about our content standards.

Fast facts

91% Worth It rating based on 32 reviews

$450 average cost

No downtime

No anesthesia


Embrace Scar Therapy (Page Image)
Embrace Scar Therapy (Page Image)

Embrace scar therapy is an at-home silicone treatment designed to prevent and minimize scar formation. It works by protecting the skin from the natural tension that can strain and widen an incision or laceration, the root cause of scarring. It gently holds both sides of the closed incision site together, even when everyday movements cause pulling.

Its medical-grade silicone can also flatten and soften existing scar tissue by acting as an occlusive that helps hydrate the area. 

Clinical trials have shown that Embrace significantly reduces scarring after surgery, including C-sections, without serious side effects. It can also help minimize scarring after plastic surgeries, such as breast augmentation and scar revisions.

Dr. Aldo Guerra, a plastic surgeon in Scottsdale, Arizona, explains his experience with different scar management products in a RealSelf Q&A: “I have been using Embrace for almost three years, with all kinds of incisions. This has dramatically improved my results. Nothing I have used before—in 15 years of practice—has worked this well.”

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Pros

  • Embrace is FDA-cleared for scar prevention.
  • Embrace scar therapy is applied at home. You won’t need a prescription, but if you purchase the product from your surgeon, they can teach you how to apply it correctly.
  • Unlike some products that need to be applied daily, each Embrace application last an average of 10 days. 
  • Most people experience no negative reactions with Embrace scar therapy.
  • RealSelf members’ before and after photos show a significant improvement in the appearance of scars, including lighter, flatter scars.

Cons

  • Embrace treats hypertrophic or keloid scars, but not those left by burns or acne scars. 
  • The dressings are water-resistant but not waterproof, so you need to avoid bathing or swimming (showering is OK). 
  • If you have very sensitive skin, possible side effects include skin irritation or redness, allergic reactions, and infection.
  • RealSelf members who said Embrace scar therapy was Not Worth It report having the dressing peel off and seeing minimal results.

  • Average Cost:
  • $450
  • Range:
  • $180 - $750

Your price will depend on where you purchase the product and how long you use it. The recommended treatment time is two months, which requires two boxes.

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Timing is important for the best results. Embrace Active Scar Defense should be used on a closed, dry incision two to four weeks after your surgical procedure, following suture removal. (Don't use Embrace or any other silicone scar treatments on an open or still-healing wound, or you can risk infection and irritation.)

After cleansing the area, open the applicator and center it over the scar. Press and hold for 60 seconds. Pull both tabs off the applicator to ensure precise tension reduction, and rub it to seal the silicone sheets. Then remove the applicator and wait two hours before showering, exercising, or wearing tight clothing. 

Each dressing lasts about 10 days, and you should continue treatment for at least two months for optimal results. 

Embrace uses a medical-grade adhesive, so try to be gentle when you're removing and replacing each sheet.

If you’re using Embrace Minimize on old scars, peel and stick the silicone dressing onto your existing scar. You should apply a new dressing every 10 days for 60 days, allowing your skin to rest for up to 24 hours between applications.

You can expect to see significant improvements after 60 days of treatment, with the best results appearing within 12 months.

Yes, you can use Embrace Minimize to improve the appearance and texture of old scars. Just be aware that while they may soften and flatten, they probably won’t fade completely. 

You'll see the best results if you can start using Embrace Active Scar Defense on newer scars that are less than six months old.

Updated June 13, 2023

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