What do you think about Embrace for scar management?

Question

What is the best to help mommy makeover scars fade? Embrace seems the same price of scar creams without the massaging everyday? what's the best way for scars to fade?

Nick Slenkovich, MD · Answer

Embrace is a great option to start treating scars before they fully form. It is the only product in multiple randomized clinical trials clinically proven to reduce the formation of scars. It works by relieving tension created during the healing process. Tension is the second biggest factor in scar formation. It is a low-maintenance, water-resistant silicone dressing that is comfortable to wear, and each dressing application lasts 10+ days, offering constant medical-grade silicone compression. In my practice, we apply the dressing during 5 brief in-office visits over an 8 week period, and feedback from my patients has been very positive.Hope this helps.Nick Slenkovich, MD, FACS

Daniel Butz, MD · Answer

Embrace is a unique silicone sheeting application that takes the tension off the healing wound. This is a critical component of wound healing that no other product provides. It also has the hydrating effects of silicone. I recommend it to anyone who's concerned about scarring.

Jerome H. Liu, MD · Answer

Embrace Active Scar Defense is a great scar treatment device. After a mommy makeover, it would be highly beneficial to use Embrace on your incisions. Embrace combats scar surface tension, which is an important factor in scar formation. Patient satisfaction with this product is very high, and it is preferred by many plastic surgeons and its efficacy has been demonstrated in multiple clinical trials. The Embrace Active Scar Defense device comes in a variety of sizes, and, therefore, it can be used to prevent bad scarring with several different procedures, such as tummy tuck, breast lift, breast reduction, reconstruction, arm lift, and more. The treatment is started 1-2 weeks after surgery and continued for 8-10 weeks. If you are prone to bad scarring, you may want use Embrace for longer. It is important to consult your board-certified plastic surgeon regarding scar treatments, as he or she is your best resource. I wish you luck in your research!

Aldo Guerra, MD · Answer

This is the only product I'm currently recommending in my practice because I've seen it work so well. Please see some samples of the incisions in the link below.

Lewis Albert Andres, MD · Answer

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. I typically allow after 4-6 weeks postop and once fully healed. 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.  Embrace is an excellent modality and have seen great results utilizing silicone and reduction of incision tension. 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. Lasers may also be an option for the appearance of your scars. If still no result, consideration for lasers, steroids, or scar revision may be entertained. Best wishes!

Shim Ching, MD · Answer

We have been using Embrace for tummy tuck scars and have seen good results.  Embrace essentially removes tension from the abdominoplasty incision while it is placed on the skin.  We know that tension can make scars more visible.  There is extra cost as well as the inconvenience of wearing the dressing, but we feel the benefit outweighs the negatives.

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

Scarring can be reduced by following your surgeon's post-surgery care instructions and keeping the scars out of the sun. Sun exposure can cause permanent darkening. You can also consider topical scar treatments once the steristrips have fallen off. Talk to your surgeon about silicone gel and silicone sheeting. Best of luck!

Vishnu Rumalla, MD · Answer

Thanks for your inquiry.  I have been using Embrace on many of my  tummy tuck scars with good results.  It does not stay on as well on curved service like the breast crease.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Embrace Scar Therapy works by lessening tension on the incision, allowing the scar to heal optimally.  We have been impressed with the good, consistent results that this product has shown.  Our patients have been happy as well.  If you are looking for a proven product, this one is worth the investment.

Thomas Fiala, MD, FACS, FRCSC · Answer

Hi.  For those patients that want the best possible scar outcome, or those who have had troubles with scar quality in the past, I recommend using Embrace dressings, for the recommended 8 week time period.  We use it on a lot our tummy tucks, for example.  It really helps - and it's a thoroughly researched product.However, some people (about 15%) will get skin irritation or rash, and won't be able to complete the treatment.

What do you think about Embrace for scar management?

Answers (17)

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