Allergic to adhesive, which scar strips would be right for me? (Photo)

Question

I'm allergic to adhesive and had a terrible skin reaction my last BA in 2013. I'm due for my 2nd redo in two weeks. Any new scar products for people like me? Top photo was approx 1 week post op (showing reaction), bottom photo is today.

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, Mederma, ScarGuard, BioCorneum, hydration, and topical steroids. 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!

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Cosmetic surgery procedures require a disciplined approach to scars, whether or not the incisions are placed on the face or body. In our Los Angeles plastic surgery clinic, we recommend that patients follow basic wound healing guidelines followed by the application of Plato’s Scar Serum twice daily once the skin is healed. If the incisions are prone to pigmentation, addition of Melarase PM is required. After a few weeks, the skin heals over and laser therapy is initiated to further improve scarring.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

David A. Lickstein, MD · Answer

You may want to try one of the liquid silicone products - there are many.  Biocorneum, kelocote, scar - away.  Take a look in your local drug store or ask your plastic surgeon.

Michael F. Bohley, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question & photos.  The best answer is, by all means discuss this with your plastic surgeon in detail before your next procedure.  There are a variety of topical skin adhesives available.  Theseoften cause less irritation in patients sensitive to taping.  Remember that no product is fool-proof.  But, ifyour surgeon is well-informed he/she will be ready to intervene should you develop an adverse reaction.  Bestof luck with your upcoming surgery.

Ronald V. DeMars, MD (Retired) · Answer

Over the years we have had patients on several different methods of scar treatment. Our current favorite is a product called BioCorneum.

Allergic to adhesive, which scar strips would be right for me? (Photo)

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