Micropore tape or silicone sheets for tummy tuck?

Question

I've looked up this question and I've only found a few answers and they tend to go back and forth... So I am wondering because next month I'm getting a tummy tuck and I want the best results achievable for scare reduction. Eventually I'll get laser treatment after a year as I believe it helped tremendously on my forehead scar... But in the meantime I was wondering what I should do, tape or silicone sheets... Or both? Or one first and then the other.... Idk... Please help. Thanks!

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,When you understand the concept, then the answer is easy.  Incisions start out without any strength, relying entirely on sutures to keep them closed. Hours after surgery, clotting proteins are secreted into the incisions that form 'glue', but with little strength. Over the course of weeks the glue is replaced with immature scar tissue: mostly irregular collagen laid down haphazardly, along with inflammatory white cells and very small blood vessels. This early scar is weak and prone to widening or developing an overgrowth phenomenon known as hypertrophy, especially in conditions of high tension. Over the course of months, the immature scar matures into strong scar tissue with almost no cells or blood vessels, and a lot of organized collagen. So, applying that knowledge to scar care, you need mechanical support in the first 2 to 3 months; silicone sheeting or silicone gels/creams won't support the incision as well as tape. Although paper tape like Micropore is fine, I prefer Hypafix for its elastic and porous qualities. Hypafix can be purchased on Amazon cheaply. Best of luck!

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

You should follow your surgeons advice regarding what to use on your tummy tuck scars.  Personally I don’t like tape because you could get blisters or tape burns.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear antone27216,every plastic surgeon has his own postoperative protocol which he recommends to his patients. I recommend my patients to start with Biocorneum 6 weeks after the surgery. I would suggest you to discuss this with your plastic surgeon.Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Steve Laverson, MD, FACS · Answer

Our approach is neither Micropore nor silicone sheets right away.  First, women get (from us) a whole brand new roll of skin friendly Smith & Nephew Hypa-fix tape.  Hypafix sticks through water, is flexible, and doesn't smell bad and need frequent changing like Micropore.  Our patients also get a custom fitted Belladeena garment which controls scar tension and shapes their hourglass body over 8 weeks after tummy tuck.  We trade Hypafix for Biodermis Epiderm silicone sheet (which our office supplies) about 8 weeks after.  Many scars DISAPPEAR (I have trouble finding the scar or seeing it after 3 months).

T. Randall Blanchard, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. In general, I believe that silicone sheets are the best form of scar treatment. There is some, (not much) experimental data that shows that scars treated in the first six months with silicone tape or sheets do better than no treatment. Silicone sheets are not cheap so I recommend getting advice from your surgeon prior to purchasing. Good luck.

Robert Singer, MD · Answer

How any particular
patient scars is unpredictable and is related to many factors including
genetics. Scars generally improve with time. Leaving on steristrips for 3 or
more weeks and massaging the tissue after that on an ongoing basis help in most
patients. Avoiding exposing the scars to sun will diminish the risk of darker
pigmentation.
There are a multitude of products that claim to help scars, but there is little
valid scientific evidence that they accomplish what is claimed. An extensive
review of the medical literature showed that:
·        
Silicone
gel and silicone sheeting are currently the most beneficial.
·        
Silicone
sheeting is more effective than silicone gel.
·        
Embrace Scar Defense is also effective
·        
BioCorneum, a silicone gel product has beneficial for many of
our patients.
·        
Vitamin
E and Mederma are not routinely effective.
You should discuss
your concerns and the options with your plastic surgeon who should
be certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and ideally a member
of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) and follow
his or her advice.
Robert Singer, MD FACS
LaJolla, California

Micropore tape or silicone sheets for tummy tuck?

Answers (6)

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