How Long Should I Usually Use Epi-Derm Scar Sheets?

Question

I am using Biodermis Epi-Derm sheets recommended by my doctor for my Tummy Tuck scar.  He says I will need to wear them for 6-9 months.  This seems to be a long time.  Is this length of time average?

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

Yes this is the standard prescribed time.
You should have instructions provided with the sheets.
The only exception is if you develop excessive moisture beneath the sheets which may predispose you to a fungal infection.
Although the benfits of silicone gel sheeting has been documented, it is clear that it is not a convenient option.
More convenient, but less proven options, such as Scarguard, scarzone, scarfade, etc. abound and are available in liquid form and typically require two applications a day.
Hope this helps!

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Plastic surgery scars require attention after surgery so that they remain cosmetically-appealing and barely noticeable. In our office, we use a protocol for scars that minimizes their activity in the 6-8 weeks after surgery. If you have late plastic surgery scars, you may also require laser and RF therapy to help reduce the longterm effects of the scarring. Keloids, hypertrophic scars, widened scars, red scars, and hyperpigmented scars all require scar modulation with topical creams followed by lasers and RF therapy. Topical skincare should be directed to a specific need, whether for pigmentation or hypertrophy and our office can guide you through the process to obtain the correct Plato’s Scar cream or Melarase cream for hypertrophy and discoloration. In terms of lasers, we would employ the vbeam laser for redness, Venus Viva RF, PRP microneedling, chemical peels, and Morpheus 8, fractional erbium, or fractional co2. All of these have their individual benefits. Most of all, we recommend you visit a solid plastic surgeon who understands surgical scar revision, laser therapy, and RF therapy for scars. 
 
Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

Silicone sheets are a waste of money. The only time I recommend use is if clothing is irritating the scar which is not good for it. With a silicone sheet in place, the clothing rubs on the silicone, not on the scar.

John P. Di Saia, MD · Answer

Silicone sheeting may help some scars heal less noticeably. There is no defined period of treatment however. I would say use them for as many months as you can do so....3-6-9 months sounds OK.
Best Regards.

Christopher L. Hess, MD · Answer

The subacute healing time is up to 6 weeks after surgery. This is the time period in which the body is bringing in all of the cells and tissue necessary to heal the incision. At 6 weeks the wound will not gain any strenght. Over the course of the next year it will remodel and get better with time. However, the use of silicone, the only substance proven in studies to help the appearance of wounds, is only really useful up to 6 weeks following surgery.

How Long Should I Usually Use Epi-Derm Scar Sheets?

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