Best incision scar cream/ gel? (photos)

Hello Virginia. If you're recently post-surgery ( less than 3 weeks), then you may be better off with Embrace. I have been using it on breast lift and breast augmentation and it really works great for my patients. If you're past that time in your recovery, then most other products work about the same. At least, I can't tell the difference from one to the other. Consult with your PS about these options. Best wishes always, Dr. ALDO

Use specific scar maturation products recommended by your surgeon. Patients seem to have their own opinions on this touting everything from Pure Vit E, Coco butter, to Aloe Vera, etc but most have minimal benefit other than keeping the scar hydrated. Although hydration is important there are better, scientifically studied products with greater efficacy. Most of the scientific articles written about this subject indicate that topical silicone gel or silicone sheets work the best. The best product available in my opinion is the Embrace Scar Therapy System by Neodyne BioSciences, Inc. available in many surgeons’ offices. Essentially this is an adherent silicone sheeting pre-stretched when applied so as to offload tension on the scar. For areas that are not applicable for this product (e.g. smaller areas or on the face), I prefer BioCorneum or Kelo-Cote products There are a lot of products to choose from, but silicone should be one of the key ingredients. Although Mederma, an onion extract derivative active ingredient rather than mainly silicone based may help, primarily silicone based products are better and many also contain other ingredients that may be synergistic (hydrocortisone or other steroid, Vitamin E, Sunscreen, etc).. If the reader has problems obtaining these they can call my office. Patient compliance is also critical – use often and according to directions or it will not work optimally. NEVER apply products without first discussing them with your surgeon.

In my experience, silicone gel are generally all beneficial. I recommend to my patients to use them on clean dry skin once or twice daily. Ive seen good results with both products

Our group has seemingly tried them all. We believe Silagen is the best at this point. It is a silicone gel that is not sticky and has no odor. Massaging the scar once it is stable is probably the most beneficial thing you can do however. Best of Luck!

Thanks for your inquiry.  My vote is for neither.  I like Scarguard.  It is sold at Walgreen's. Go online and learn more about it.  Good Luck.  

In my opinion silicone sheeting combined with SkinMedica Scar Recovery Gel offers the best outcomes.

While I recommend a 3 month period after surgery wearing a silicone tape over the incision(s), I believe that pharmacy compounding of ingredients will lead to a better scar than the over the counter creams. These pharmaceutical scar creams are covered by insurance... except for your copay. Hope that helps!

Merz Pharmaceuticals, which makes Mederma, says it is "clinically proven to improve the softness, texture and overall appearance of scars." But there were just two randomized comparison trials of Mederma, with a combined total of 38 participants. Neither trial found that Mederma improved the appearance of scars more than petroleum jelly. The Scar Away liquid product is nearly identical to Maderma and, logically, no better than rubbing petroleum jelly on your scars. To my knowledge, silicone gel sheeting is still the gold standard of topical scar therapy. The problem is keeping the silicone sheeting in place, especially on areas that have a lot of motion. It can be really challenging/frustrating. Best of luck!

Since every surgeon has his or her own unique post op protocol, this is a question best answered by your surgeon. However, both of these have silicone gel so they're probably pretty comparable. Best, Dr. Nazarian

I have my patients use Biocorneum, a silicone based scar cream, on their incisions, starting 3 weeks post surgery.  If they have the budget for a compounded scar cream from a private compounding pharmacy we work with, I will suggest this route.  But the Biocorneum is a great scar cream at an affordable price!