What is the best topical treatment to minimize a submental scar after a lower face/neck lift?

Question

A silicone gel or cream or other topical? Silicone scar strips? I am 3 weeks post op and want to minimize redness and encourage scar to heal flat and smooth. Please suggest specific brands as there are so many options. Thank you!

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Cosmetic surgery procedures require a disciplined approach to scars, whether or not the incisions are placed on the face or body. In our Los Angeles plastic surgery clinic, we recommend that patients follow basic wound healing guidelines followed by the application of Plato’s Scar Serum twice daily once the skin is healed. If the incisions are prone to pigmentation, addition of Melarase PM is required. After a few weeks, the skin heals over and laser therapy is initiated to further improve scarring.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Your incisions will go through many changes before seeing the final result of your procedure. Thus, you must be patient. The #scars from a #neck lift mature within six to twelve months from the surgery date. It is during this time that the rejuvenating effects of the procedure will become apparent and the real result will be seen. We find that scar reducing product, BioCorneum , appears to be very effective. But, you should have your doctor's permission to use such beforehand. If you have certain concerns about the procedures and #healing process, it is recommended to call your board-certified surgeon or their medical staff and discuss those #concerns.

Timothy R. Miller, MD · Answer

Typically the scar will mature and when it does it will flatten, soften, and with time become virtually imperceptible.  A significant portion of the maturation occurs in the first several weeks.  Scars that are slow to mature can be flattened with the addition of massage and silicone strips (silon.com), or with the injection of Kenalog and/or 5-FU, medications that help treat thickened scar tissue.I hope this helps.

Raymond E. Lee, MD · Answer

Thanks for sharing.  At three weeks post op you can start using a silicon gel to help with the scar.  Biocorneum is a good silicone scar gel.  You do need to be committed and use it twice a day for at least 8 weeks.  I would use this product on all the facial incisions as well.

Evan Ransom, MD, FACS · Answer

In my practice, we give patients a silicone gel cream (Biocorneum) that has an SPF 30 mixed in. This product dries in about 5 minutes and then makeup can be applied on top. For patients with more significant issues, I use a 1540nm non-ablative resurfacing laser to treat the scars.

Reza Momeni, MD, FACS · Answer

in our practice, we routinely recommend scar massage plus topical application of KeloCote or ScarFade (I have no financial interest in either).  Both have some good studies supporting them.

Michael Law, MD · Answer

Most plastic surgeons will offer topical skin preparations to help with healing. Others, myself included offer V-beam laser treatments to all surgical treatments at no charge. It is important to only follow the orders of your physician.

Richard O. Gregory, MD · Answer

Pressure, massage, emollients, silicone sheeting all have heir proponents.  Sometimes a combination of these will work.  In my experience the laser and Scar Recovery gel (SkinMedica) have the most scientific support.