When do you typically have patients use silicone scar gel after a facelift?

Question

I’m 3 weeks post op & have some scabs that are healing well. My surgeon said to go ahead & start using it, but I’m worried it might be too early. Please let me know what you recommend to your patients. Thanks so much!

Adam D. Stein, MD · Answer

Although it certainly will not hurt to use it, I generally do not find it necessary to use silicone scar gel or any other scar reducing ointment after Facelift surgery. If the surgery is performed with good surgical technique there should be little tension on the wounds and they usually heal very well on their own. Good luck.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Surgical scars can become red, 
hypertrophic, inflamed, and thickened. In our office, we use a 
combination approach that includes pulsed dye laser, Plato's Scar gel 
used twice daily, fractional laser, and Kenalog IIT to reduce the scar. 
Topical therapies are great first-line therapy. 
Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Andrew Campbell, MD · Answer

It is perfectly safe to use silicone scar gel 3 weeks after a facelift. Even is you are still healing, the silicone gel won't adversely effect that. However, I have found that most patients don't really need the gel. The far majority of patients, when the facelift is performed well and the incisions closed with little tension, heal quite well and end up with flat, thin scars. Only occasionally do we need to inject a little steroid in scars that are a little thick. Andrew Campbell, M.D.Facial Rejuvenation SpecialistQuintessa

Nirmal Nathan, MD · Answer

Dear jelllyb,Thank you for your question. Honestly without examining you in person, it is hard to give you a definitive answer. I think sun protection is far more important, which is why I use something like Biocorneum, which is a combination sunscreen/silicone gel. I start using it as soon as my stitches are out, which is about 1 week after surgery.Best regards,Nirmal R. Nathan, M.D.Certified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic Surgeons

Mark Beaty, MD · Answer

If the incisions are healing well I don't think there is any need to use silicone gel at all.  Avoiding sun exposure for the first 6 months is important so you should have sunscreen on if outside for any extended period of time.  Silicone gel can be helpful if your incisions are healing abnormally, I suggest following your physician's recommendations if this is the case.

Christine Rodgers, MD · Answer

HI, I would wait to put any liquid gel on open wounds. Be patient. Do not pick at the scars. Once the incisions are totally healed , you can discuss options again with your surgeon.Best,Dr, Christine Rodgers

Miguel Delgado, MD · Answer

Each surgeon has their own protocol for scar treatment. For my patients I want them to wait until the incision has completely healed before using any silicone. They may also gently massage the area, and they are advised to avoid the sun! Good luck.

Scott C. Lindsay, DO · Answer

Thank you for your question and congratulations on your recent procedure! It is perfectly fine to begin using a recommended scar gel at this time. In our office, we recommend Scar Recovery Gel by Skin Medica to all of our patients. Not only does it aid in minimizing the appearance of scars, up to two years old, it also contains healing components that allow incision/excision areas to heal quicker. Good luck and congratulations again!

Levi J. Young, MD · Answer

Great question.  I recommend that patients wait until 6 weeks following surgery to start scar therapy.  The body is still healing up until that point.  Your surgeon is correct in the safety to start using the silicone gel on the areas without scabbing.  Best luck in your recovery!

Kapil Saigal, MD, FACS · Answer

We rrecommend silicone scar gel for all visible incision sites starting 2 weeks postoperatively for approximately 2 months.

When do you typically have patients use silicone scar gel after a facelift?

Answers (14)

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