5 months out from breast lift - is it too late to start using silicone tape for hypotrophic scars?

Question

I am 5 months out from having a breast lift and developed hypotrophic scars. Is it too late to start using silicone tape for improvement?

Elizabeth Kiwanuka, MD, PhD · Answer

It's not too late to start using silicone tape for hypotrophic scars, even at five months post-surgery. Silicone tape can be effective in improving the appearance of scars by flattening them and reducing redness. Here are some points to consider:
Consistency is Key: For best results, apply the silicone tape consistently according to the manufacturer's instructions. Regular use can help improve the texture and appearance of your scars.
Clean and Dry Skin: Ensure the scar area is clean and dry before applying the tape. Following proper scar care can enhance its effectiveness.
Monitor Results: Keep an eye on how the scars respond to the silicone tape. While improvement can take time, many patients notice positive changes with consistent use.
Consult Your Surgeon: It's a good idea to discuss your scar management plan with your surgeon. They can provide tailored advice and may suggest additional treatments if necessary.
Additional Treatments: If silicone tape alone doesn’t yield the desired results, there are other options available, such as silicone gel, laser therapy, or microneedling, which can also help improve scar appearance.
Starting silicone tape now can still make a significant difference in the healing process and overall appearance of your scars.

Semih Yildiz, MD, FEBOPRAS · Answer

It is not too late. Breast lift scars continue to remodel for 12 to 18 months, sometimes longer, so starting silicone tape or silicone gel at 5 months can still help an immature scar become flatter, softer, less red, and less itchy. Use it only on completely closed skin, keep the area clean and dry, and stop if you develop irritation or a rash. Consistency matters more than the exact brand; many patients use silicone 12 to 24 hours per day for several months if their surgeon agrees.

The expected improvement depends on what you mean by hypotrophic scars. If the scars are actually hypertrophic, meaning raised or thick, silicone can be useful and your surgeon may also discuss steroid injections, laser, microneedling, or other treatments. If the scars are depressed, stretched, pale, or widened, silicone may have more limited benefit and scar revision is usually considered only after the scar has matured. I would show your surgeon the scars in person so they can confirm the scar type and choose the best treatment plan.

Chet Mays, MD · Answer

Thank you for your inquiry!  We would love to sit down and discuss your goals!  One option would be a steroid injection to help soften the scars.  there are other options available.  Schedule a consultation with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon.

Daniel Careaga, MD · Answer

silicone sheets are an excellent way to improve the quality of scars yourself. If your scars have become hypertrophic, you may want to consider going back to your surgeon. Often times a steroid injection into the scar can make significant improvements in the hardness. Additionally, laser treatments can improve the color and texture of the scar. The sooner you start your treatments, the better however it will still continue to improve, even if you were starting late.

Jeffrey M. Darrow, MD · Answer

It is not too late to use silicone sheeting on your scars, however, if your scars are very large, you may not get the results that you’re looking for. If your scars are large, the silicon sheeting may not flatten them as much as you wish and you may want to consider having a revision of the scars done and using the silicone sheeting immediately on your new incisions to prevent the hypertrophic scars from recurring. Discuss this with your plastic surgeon who would have the benefit of an examination of your  scars.

Gregory Lakin, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. It’s not too late to use silicone tape, even at 5 months post-op. Silicone tape creates a protective layer over the scar to keep it hydrated, which can soften the tissue. Silicone tape also reduces water loss in the skin, which can help regulate collagen production around the scar, preventing raised areas. Use silicone tape consistently for at least 2-3 months to see substantial improvement. Many patients notice ongoing improvement even after several months of use as scar tissue continues to remodel. If your scars are particularly stubborn, talk to your surgeon about combining silicone tape with topical silicone gel or other treatments like microneedling or laser therapy to enhance results and target deeper layers of scar tissue.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Friendly465517,
I understand you are concerned with the appearance of your scars. As your scars heal, it should flatten out and lighten. Loss of pigmentation or hyperpigmentation may also be experienced but will resolve over time. Always follow your surgeon's post operative care instructions when it comes to scar management to avoid any complications like infection and for faster healing and recovery.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Justin Yovino, MD, FACS · Answer

Although the sooner the better, I don't think it's ever too late to try silicone tape for scars. You could consider microneedling as well. Scar revision may be option down the road as well.

James Knoetgen, III, MD · Answer

Five months post-breast lift surgery is still a reasonable time to begin using silicone tape for hypertrophic scars. Although silicone tape is often most effective when started early in the healing process (typically around two to four weeks post-op, once incisions are fully closed), many patients still see benefits from silicone treatments several months out. 
Silicone tape can help flatten and soften the appearance of scars, even at the five-month mark, by keeping the scar hydrated and providing gentle pressure. For best results, it’s important to apply it consistently and follow your surgeon’s guidelines or consult with them before starting, especially if the scars show signs of being raised or red. They may also suggest combining silicone tape with other scar treatments, such as silicone gels or creams, depending on your scar’s characteristics and how your skin is healing.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

I would suggest going back to your surgeon and having Kenalog injections to help treat the scars.  Keep using scar products.

5 months out from breast lift - is it too late to start using silicone tape for hypotrophic scars?

Answers (13)

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