If you are going to get a keloid scar, when does that start to develop and how long should you wear silicone strips? (Photo)

Question

I am 14 weeks post op tummy tuck. I have been wearing silicone strips since week 5. My doc says they only work for about 8 weeks so I can stop wearing them now. I feel weird without them. Do they really stop being effective after 8 weeks? I don't want to develop a Keloid scar, so I do not want to stop wearing strips too early. When do Keloid scars usually start and when can you relax and be pretty sure that you aren't getting one? Also, what are therapy signs of a Keloid scar? Does this scar look ok?

Thomas A. Mustoe, MD, FACS · Answer

I have been studying the silicone gel and its mechanism of action since 1989 when we published the first article that showed a clear benefit for silicone gel in the treatment of scars, and my group has published many papers since that time..  Going back to our original papers, the beneficial effects were seen almost entirely in the first 2 months of use.  Many now recommend longer use, but there is no firm data to support longer use.  True keloid formation can occur even years after surgery, but keloids are rare compared to hypertrophic scars which are ropy and raised, but do not extend like a tumor beyond the original scar.    Your scars are mildly hypertrophic, but unless you have a previous history or family history you are not at risk for keloids.  I think your surgeon gave you good advice and you should be fine.

Miguel Mota, MD · Answer

Thank you for posting your photos. There is a difference between Keloid scars and Hypertrophic scars. Keloids scars are less common and they grow excessively to extend beyond the original scar. Most patients experience hypertrophic scaring rather then Keloids. A Hypertrophic scar is basically a raised scar. It can feel "rubbery", but not as hard to the touch as keloids and they do not grow beyond the original scar. Prevention and treatment of hypertrophic cars is much easier. I usually recommend patients start using silicone strips 4 weeks after surgery for about 12 hours a day. They can continue to use them for about two months if necessary. If you do not have personal or family history of keloids it is highly unlikely you will ever suffer from keloid scaring. It seems your scar is healing fine. You might have some mildly hypertonic portions, but these should respond well to the silicone strips. Best of luck on your recovery!Dr. Miguel Mota

Lawrence Iteld, MD · Answer

Silicone-based strips and liquids are the best studied scar treatments. These are most effective in the first 8 weeks following surgery. There is less evidence as to efficacy beyond the 2 month point- although it is safe to use them longer. While most people will heal with favorable scars, thick and ropy scars can occur. If the form, there are lots of options to improve the final results and should be discussed with your surgeon.

Stephen T. Greenberg, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you lvmom42 for your questions and congratulations on your surgery.  You scarring looks amazing.  I typically don't recommend silicone strips but do recommend Biocornium cream to be used for about 6 months and massaging the area.  It's a scar cream that will help keep the scar soft and help it from developing a dark color.  Scars take about 1-1.5 years to mature fully.  Each surgeon has their own protocol to follow so I would suggest speaking with your surgeon to see if they recommend anything additional to do.  Best of luck to you.

Robert J. Paresi Jr., MD, MPH · Answer

Thanks for the question.  All of the data for silicone sheets supports their use for two months after surgery.  Use for longer than that does not result in scar improvement.  You do not appear to have any keloids based on the appearance of your scars in your photos.  That being said, you can use the sheets beyond the two months without any detrimental effects on your scar.  Some patients prefer to continue using the sheets to avoid any shearing forces and rubbing on their scars.

If you are going to get a keloid scar, when does that start to develop and how long should you wear silicone strips? (Photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: Scarring post tummy tuck

Answer: Scarring post tummy tuck

Answer: Keloids after tummy tuck

Answer: Keloids after tummy tuck

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If you are going to get a keloid scar, when does that start to develop and how long should you wear silicone strips? (Photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: Scarring post tummy tuck

Answer: Scarring post tummy tuck

Answer: Keloids after tummy tuck

Answer: Keloids after tummy tuck

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.