6 weeks out and arm scars are sore and red. Should I use paper tape or silicone sheets?

Thank you for your question. This is a very good question because I'm sure MANY patients wonder the same thing! I have not seen any photos of your scars so I am basing my answer on your description of them. At 6 weeks it is actually quite normal to have scars that are pink/red and a little raised. These scars are considered "immature" scars and are still undergoing being processed by the body. I have done a fellowship in burn reconstruction surgery and a lot of how I treat scars in my cosmetic practice is from what I learned and practiced during that training. There are number of things that I tell my patients and most of this depends on if the scar is completely healed....1) Scar massage- I tell them to massage their scars pretty aggressively. The scars can be massaged in many different directions. This can help flatten raised scars pretty well on its own! Trust me, I know because I have had to do it on myself and it worked!!2) Moisturization- I also encourage my patients to keep the incision moisturized. There has not been any study that I know of that has proven that there is a topical agent that truly makes your scar heal better. This includes Mederma. So I let my patients pick what they like as long as it is really moisturizing. For the most part I tell them to use Eucerin and come use cocoa butter, vitamin E oil etc...Whatever they use, I encourage moisturization at least 3 times a day if not more.3) Silicone strips- These can be found over the counter or online. If these are going to work they must be worn ALL THE TIME!!!! 23.5 hours per day. They are only taken off to shower and to re-moisturize. When moisturizing the scar, the product of choice needs to be thoroughly massaged in and absorbed so that no greasy residue is left behind and should be allowed to air dry for a very short period of time. This will allow the silicone strips to stick on better. The strips can be cut to size and can be re-used until they stop sticking!4) Pressure- pressure applied to raised scars is also helpful. It is difficult to apply pressure to scars in certain areas but pressure garments can sometimes help if adequate pressure can be generated at the proper location. There are many different opinions on scar treatments...For you, at this time, what I would suggest is having a conversation with your plastic surgeon and see what he recommends based on his experience. He would need to evaluate your scar and make sure you are ready for any type of scar treatment. I hope this helps!Ankur Mehta MD

Thank you for your question regarding arm scars and why they are sore and red, and whether you should use paper tape or silicone sheets. This is hard to answer without pictures or a thorough physical examination; however, I would generally suggest silicone sheets. I assume your arm scars are healed at six weeks if they aren't entirely unhealed and red because of irritation and routine healing. You should still be able to use silicone gel sheeting and silicone gel sheeting. I would also suggest you apply silicone gel. The paper tape will not help scars. The magic ingredient for scar treatment is silicone. Paper tape only provides perhaps structural support and mild compression of the scar. However, silicone sheets have been medically shown in the medical literature to improve the appearance of scars statistically. Therefore, my vote is silicone gel sheeting.

Yes, either is helpful. But see what is easiest to use and make sure to leave the tape on as long as adhesive still works. Premature or frequent removal of tape can cause irritation, which worsens scars. Silicone sheets are the only scar treatment that has been shown in the medical literature to be helpful with hypertrophic or immature scars, but paper tape has been called the "poor man's silicone sheeting," so you can give it a try if silicone sheeting is too expensive or difficult to use. Keep the scars out of the sun in the meantime. Good luck and bets wishes! Dr. Tholen

Would be helpful to see photos.  In the meantime, I noticed you live in Florida which might mean that the area is more exposed to the sun. This explains the redness that still persists.  Make sure you use sun protection at all times over the exposed area of the scar.  The pain and soreness can persist but this should improve with more time.  Using these commercial topical scar care is the best option at this point and being patient letting the scar heal is your best bet.Good luckDr Vasisht

I agree with my colleague that it is best to address this concern with your surgeon.  It is unusual at 6 weeks for incisions to be tender.  Before applying anything topical to the incision, make certain that your doctor believes the incision is healing normally.  Suture abscesses, spitting sutures, or cellulitis are all possible, given your description.  Once reassured, discuss with your surgeon their preferred method to aid scar maturation.  Best of luck!