In your opinion, what is the best scar cream on the market today?

I too have been searching for the "best" scar cream, gel, or product, and have been conclusively "sold" by none thus far. I like some of the custom formulated multi-ingredient pharmaceutical scar products, and also have used ScarGuard, Scar Recovery Gel, Mederma, and a host of others. None have conclusively proven to me to be statistically significantly better than the others.Many studies have been done, and the results here are the same--no conclusively-better product stands out, with the exception of silicone scar sheets or pads. We already knew this from our expertise in treating burn patients and their post-skin graft scars. We also know about pressure, contact inhibition, moisture, collagenase stimulators (warmth), and steroids, the latter also unfortunately widening scars as they flatten them.So thus far, no magic bullet (except scar pads/sheets). I'd talk to your surgeon and see what "garlic necklace" s/he prefers to ward off bad scars, as it is no more nor less likely to make a significant difference than any other recommendations here. Sorry to not be able to give you a definitive answer, as much as I would like to, but "Them's the facts!" BTW, careful, precise surgery, meticulous closure with minimal tissue trauma, and fine sutures are the first steps in minimizing scars. Best wishes! Dr. Tholen

Any scar cream that is primarily silicone based is will probably work the best, and we use BioCorneum but others would also work well (as would silicone strips). See my below link for best scar management practice for many other suggestions.

Hello! Thank you for the question! It is common for scars to fully mature for up to a year. In the meantime, there are a few things that may help to ameliorate your incision/scar. The most proven (as well as cheapest) modality is simple scar massage. Applying pressure and massaging the well-healed scar has been shown to improve the appearance as it breaks up the scar tissue, hopefully producing the finest scar as possible. Other things that have been shown to add some benefit, albeit controversial, are silicone sheets, hydration, and topical steroids (Mederma, ScarGuard, etc.). In addition, avoidance of direct sunlight to the incision will significantly help the appearance as they tend to discolor with UV light during the healing process. If unsightly scars are still present after approximately a year's time, other things that your surgeon may consider are intralesional steroid injections, laser, or just surgical revision of the scar itself. Hope that this helps! Best wishes!

Most of the studies show that a silicone base product gives the best overall improvement of scarring. There are multiple products on the market that are silicone based. For breast scars I like the silicone sheets that can be placed against the skin in a bra. Bio corneum is a newer product that either also has steroids or spf for sun protection depending on which product you use. I don't have much experience with their products but they are probably fine. Fortunately the skin on breasts tends to heal very well most of the time without any additional help. 

Your plastic surgeon will be your best resource when it comes to advice regarding incision line care. You may find that every surgeon has his/her preferences. Generally speaking, the use of silicone-based products ( gel or sheeting) may be helpful. Massage and or the use of tape  may also be helpful. Best wishes; hopefully you will be very pleased with the outcome of the procedure performed.

You should consider the Embrace scar management protocol.  It is the only scar management system with Level I randomized clinical trial  evidence to support its efficacy.  Best wishes.

Hi and thanks for your question. I really like Biocorneum gel which contains silicone and conforms to the patient's tissue. It is clear and useful for most scars as well as being relatively inexpensive. I also use a pulsed dye laser like a V beam after surgery to both reduce existing scars and prevent the scars from worsening. Good luck!

Thanks so much for your question. Scar treatment is often more like a religion than a science. Everyone has an opinion and there really isn't one perfect option. If you don't have a history of forming bad scars then any quality scar cream will be just fine. I also have my patients use tape but again this is based on my experience more than specific studies and data. If you are a poor scar former then your surgeon needs to be more diligent.  

Thank you for your question.  As others have stated there are so many opinions on this is hard to give you a definitive answer.  Anecdotally in my practice I have had better results with Scarguard and other topical medications.  The most effective treatment for red raised scars after breast surgery in my opinion is a 1540 non-ablative fractional erbium laser.