How soon can I began using vitamin e oil, cocoa butter or something to soothe the tight skin from a LBL?

Question

William Andrade, MD · Answer

Thanks for your inquiry.  In general it is important for incisions to be completely healed before starting any type of scar regimen.  I would suggest checking with your plastic surgeon before starting any treatment.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

Every patient is different and every plastic surgeon has their own different way of treating scars after a 360 lower or circumferential body lift.  In general, I typically wait for all lower body lift incisions to be completely healed before starting scar creams.  For some patients this means 2 to 3 weeks after surgery;  for some patients, this means four months after a 360 circumferential body lift.  To clarify, vitamin E and cocoa butter are used to lighten the scar, not to "soothe the tight skin".  In addition,  there are better scar creams than vitamin E and cocoa butter.  The key ingredient to any good scar cream is silicone.   The silicone cream can be applied as a cream or as a strip, like Scotch tape.  Excellent silicone product include Mederma and Kelocote.I would use these creams for 18 to 24 months.

Shim Ching, MD · Answer

2-3 days after surgery to start lotions should be fine.  I would avoid the incision lines, however.Best wishes for a speedy recovery!

Scott W. Vann, MD, FACS · Answer

You can start lubricating the tightened skin gently as early as 2-3 days after surgery. However you should not touch the incision until okayed by your surgeon.Gentle massage of the non-incision skin even from pressure external to the garment can help it feel better and help reduce swelling since this is a type of lymphatic massage. Talk with your surgeon about how to do this safely and properly.

C. Bob Basu, MD, MPH, FACS · Answer

My recommendation would be to ask your plastic surgeon about application of topicals to your skin. Best wishes for a smooth recovery.

How soon can I began using vitamin e oil, cocoa butter or something to soothe the tight skin from a LBL?

Answers (6)

Answer: Treating tight skin

Answer: Treating tight skin

Answer: Topicals

Answer: Topicals

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Body Lift

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

How soon can I began using vitamin e oil, cocoa butter or something to soothe the tight skin from a LBL?

Answers (6)

Answer: Treating tight skin

Answer: Treating tight skin

Answer: Topicals

Answer: Topicals

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Body Lift

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