Hi, I had surgery and my scars look red and feel hot sometimes. When the sutures came out, I put on a cream my surgeon advised. The scars were very red, so about 12 days later the surgeon advised silicon sheets and/or gel. I might be allergic to the cream. He also advised to carefully massage the scars every day. The silicone sheets feel great, but sometimes, the burning sensation returns and the redness remains. I'm getting worried. Is this normal ?
April 15, 2020
Answer: Facelift Postoperative Scars As I understand it you have been instructed to put a "cream" of some sort as well as silicone gel and sheets on your normally healing scars. Every chemical you describe has caused an allergic reaction in fresh scars that I have personally witnessed. Your redness is likely the result of an allergic reaction and will go away if you stop applying these products. The products are probably great for some patients, but you appear to be reacting to them. I always recommend my facelift patients use a Eucerin product called Aquaphor. At this point you may need to just stop anything and everything. Be sure to avoid cigarette smoke including second-hand smoke, and avoid the sun including tanning beds even if you cover your face.
Helpful 3 people found this helpful
April 15, 2020
Answer: Facelift Postoperative Scars As I understand it you have been instructed to put a "cream" of some sort as well as silicone gel and sheets on your normally healing scars. Every chemical you describe has caused an allergic reaction in fresh scars that I have personally witnessed. Your redness is likely the result of an allergic reaction and will go away if you stop applying these products. The products are probably great for some patients, but you appear to be reacting to them. I always recommend my facelift patients use a Eucerin product called Aquaphor. At this point you may need to just stop anything and everything. Be sure to avoid cigarette smoke including second-hand smoke, and avoid the sun including tanning beds even if you cover your face.
Helpful 3 people found this helpful
May 4, 2018
Answer: Allergy? Thank you for your question. I agree, your scars are a bit more red than usual - but it almost looks reactive. I have some patients who are allergic to the silicone sheeting. You may want to just massage the area daily and stop applying anything topical for a week or so to see if you notice a change. Also, at 6 weeks typically the scar is as red as it's going to be - so you're in that timeframe and usually things start to settle after that. There are some lasers, like IPL, that can help to improve the overall redness and scar pigment. So, you may want to consider that - especially if you're plastic surgeon offers these services. Best of luck!
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
May 4, 2018
Answer: Allergy? Thank you for your question. I agree, your scars are a bit more red than usual - but it almost looks reactive. I have some patients who are allergic to the silicone sheeting. You may want to just massage the area daily and stop applying anything topical for a week or so to see if you notice a change. Also, at 6 weeks typically the scar is as red as it's going to be - so you're in that timeframe and usually things start to settle after that. There are some lasers, like IPL, that can help to improve the overall redness and scar pigment. So, you may want to consider that - especially if you're plastic surgeon offers these services. Best of luck!
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
