Can I or should I use Embrace longer than the recommended 6-8 weeks after a scar revision?

Question

I had a scar revision on my collarbone 7 weeks ago. I started using Embrace after 2 weeks when my stitches and bandage was removed. I’m on week 5 right now with the Embrace. I am very happy with the progress. My question is can I or should I use Embrace longer than the recommended 6-8 weeks, and if so for how long?

Aldo Guerra, MD · Answer

Embrace can be applied longer than the recommended time period and many of my patients have done this approach and achieved good success. Many patients also switch to a silicone sheeting without the tension reduction capabilities of Embrace. Either approach seems acceptable. Best wishes, Dr. ALDO

Chet Mays, MD · Answer

Thank you for your inquiry! Scar creams can be used on scars to minimize appearance as well as silicone scar sheets like embrace for up to a year after surgery. Lasers such as Microneedling can also be performed to minimize the appearance of scars as well. We would love to see you in person or virtually to discuss treatment options or schedule a consult with a licensed aesthetician.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Our office has many different treatments for scars depending on the depth of atrophy or hypertrophy. Scars require a combination approach using our HI DEF protocol which uses a combination of lasers, topical scar modulation, and RF treatments to pixelate scars, improve contour, reduce hyperpigmentation, and improve the visibility of the scars so that they are no longer visible in ambient light. Everyone has a unique pattern of scarring and we employ our HIDEF technique to improve texture, color, contour, and topography. We often use a combination of treatments that begin with a careful examination to examine the micro texturing of the acne scars. Atrophic scars and indented  scars can benefit from injectable fillers such as Radiesse, Sculptra, and Restylane with or without subcision to remove tethered scars and atrophic depression. Hyper-redness in scars can be improved with V beam laser, Excel V, BBL, IPL, and Venus RF to improve  the redness and reduce the visibility of deep scars. Fractional Thulium laser and clear & brilliant can also reduce the inflammation and redness of the scar when combined with topical therapy. Fractional lasers such as Fraxel, erbium, and CO2 laser can be combined with radio frequency and also fractional RF to improve textual issues and microtopography. Subcision and TCA cross are also used for deep ice pick scars and narrow valley scars in order to improve the micro texture.  Above all, our combination approach with our clinical nurses and board-certified plastic surgeons can improve the quality of your skin by using at home Melarase creams combined with PRP treatments in our office to improve your skin quality and tone. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with an experienced team of experts in order to reduce your scarring.
 
Finally, hyperpigmentation of scars can be improved with at-home Melarase AM, Melarase PM, and Melapads to help reduce active PIH and melanin deposition.

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

John Layke, DO, FACS · Answer

Although the data supports the use of this dressing for 8 weeks in total, many of my patients continue to choose to utilize this dressing after the recommended time.  In fact, a subset of patients whose scar texture worsens after quitting its use will get a better permanent result if used for a course of 3-4 months.

Payman Danielpour, MD, FACS · Answer

Embrace is the only FDA approved scar treatment that is evidence based by scientific research through randomized controlled trials that shows that it works!  It is a pre-stretched silicone sheet that is applied on the scar once every 10 days for 60 days.  Using this scar treatment has been proven to reduce the appearance of scars and that is why we use it on all of our surgical scars.  I highly recommend it!  You can use it for as long as you want and I have patients that use it for 3-6 months.

Alex Kim, MD · Answer

The use of the Embrace is typically recommended to start around 3 weeks after procedure and up to about 3 months.  The use of the product beyond this period typically not recommended because at that point, the initial wound healing process has been complete.  But if you tolerate the dressing, I do not see any harm on continuing the dressing, although it may have as much effect on the scar at that point.  Best,Alex Kim, MD

William Marshall Guy, MD · Answer

Hello Sabrinamnelson,I recommend my patients use post operative silicone (either Embrace or BioCorneum), for up to 3 months following the scar revision surgery.  Longer this probably doesn't add much, but as long as your skin isn't irritated you can continue to use it.I hope this helps and good luck.

Can I or should I use Embrace longer than the recommended 6-8 weeks after a scar revision?

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