Manuka Honey for BA scars?

Question

I've been reading a lot about the powers of Manuka Honey for a number of issues. Does anyone have a view on this for the use on breast augmentation scars - I'm having a BA soon and wondered whether it was worth using this honey to help heal.

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

There is very little research into the use of Makuna Honey for wound healing, let alone the improvement of scars after surgery. As such, it cannot be recommended based on evidence. However, research has already displayed treatment strategies for managing incisions scars after BBA. The standard of
practice is to limit sun exposure to the scars, and to tape the wound after
applying silicone gel sheets on the wounds. Research shows that topical
silicone sheets significantly improve hypertrophic scars and keloids when
applied at least four hours per day. In terms of regular healing of scars,
silicone gel sheeting can flatten the scar, make it less red, less hard,
improve elasticity, reduces any pain and itching especially after 6 months of
treatment.There is more treatment strategies such as the use of corticosteroid injections, but if left alone, scars
will fully mature both outside and inside in about 1-2 years as part of the
normal healing process. Fully matured refers to a flat, non-red scar.
Initially, the scar would become raised, red due to inflammation and blood
collection, and then slowly start to recover. Sometimes it can become
hyper-pigmented within 6-8 weeks, if abraded. The build-up of collagen helps in
formation and healing of scars – and around 6-8 weeks, scars become more
noticeable and thick. As time progresses, collagen is placed along lines of
tension, and the re-arrangement of collagen beneath the scars makes the scars
smaller and fine. If we only consider the visible scar, and not the portion
beneath the skin, then scars would seem matured in anywhere from 6-18 months.Please share your questions with your surgeon when the time comes and they will be able to address your concerns.Hope this helps.

Urmen Desai, MD, MPH, FACS · Answer

I recommend Mederma or Biocornium for my patients.    I recommend an in-office examination as well as a detailed discussion with a surgeon who you are comfortable with.   Finally, make sure your surgeon is a Double-Board Certified Plastic Surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery (ASPS) and the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS).Best,Dr. DesaiBeverly Hills Institute for Aesthetic Plastic SurgeryHarvard Educated, Beverly Hills & Miami Beach Trained, Double-Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Ellen A. Mahony, MD · Answer

I'm asked that question all the time and the secret to beautiful scars lies within your own hands!  Really.Think of scar healing as the birth and development of new collagen, which is the building block of skin, particularly new skin.  Collagen lays down between wound edges in a mixed, random fashion. The goal is to remodel the collagen so that is lays as we wish- uniformly.  The best way to encourage that is with deep tissue massage to assist in it's alignment, both in terms of a tight closure and flat surface without tethering to adjacent tissue.It's been a homerun in my practice and we instruct in this technique both pre and post op.  So what you apply to the skin is less important than what you do with your hands!In good health,Ellen Mahony, MD

Aldo Guerra, MD · Answer

Hello Zig and thanks for this question.I have heard of people using this honey, but I have no personal experience so I cannot recommend. I have used Embrace Scar Defense extensively and the results are superb! See the links below for before and after samples.Best wishes, Dr. ALDO :)

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

While there are many herbals and other  treatments out there, there have been no studies to support the use of honey on the incisions.

Kiran Polavarapu, MD · Answer

I would highly recommend avoiding manuka honey on scars. At this time, products like these, because they are not harvested and supplied in the same sterile way that medicines are, could have bacteria and/or preservatives in them that could cause infections or irritations. Also, studies on Manuka for scarring are limited and have not been proven to improve scars. Talk with your plastic surgeon. Aggressive scar massage (when its ok with your prs) and silicone scar therapy has been proven to help.

Reza Momeni, MD, FACS · Answer

If you don't have open wounds, then honey is not typically used for closed incisions.  It's better in my experience to use silicone tape like Mepiform.  Be sure to discuss your goals and concerns with your board certified plastic surgeon and consider the pros and the cons. Be certain your surgeon is properly certified.  I've attached a link where you can start your search.

Joseph D. Alkon, MD · Answer

manuka honey might help with wound healing - however we have not used it specifically for breast augmentation scars.  we have used it for tummy tuck incision healing and have found it helpful - however we do not use this for scar management.  speak with your plastic surgeon about their recommendations for scar management.

Manuka Honey for BA scars?

Answers (8)

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