Silicone sheets etc for BA scar healing?

Question

What is the scientific consensus on a post breast augmentation scar healing? Do silicone sheets etc work? Do they maybe work so it’s worth it? What is the scientific way that they work? Booked for a BA in two weeks (inframammary fold incision). My c section scar fhealed ok but is darker pigmented (six years old scar). I’d like a better scar for my BA! Thanks for your thoughts :)

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

Brian K. Reedy, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question!
We have had very good results using the silicone sheeting and scar gel. Laser and micro needling work as well. Reach out to your surgeon foe his/her guidance. Best wishes!

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

Former scars usually are indicative of your healing. The strips, in addition to putting some 'pressure' on the scar to minimize the thickening, may provide moisture much like those plastic slip covers on furniture did when they stuck to your skin on those hot summer days.  Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Scar appearance varies due to many factors including scar location, tension on the scar, genetics, and type (traumatic versus surgical).  There are many scar therapies available.  Silicone sheeting used consistently works well.  Other options include therapies such as Brijjit, lasers, steroid injections, or even scar revision.  I encourage you to speak with your surgeon about the option right for you.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Maybe_yes,
I understand your concern. It is best that you consult your plastic surgeon regarding post operative care and management (i.e including massage techniques and timing) specific to your case. Your surgeon knows your condition well and has preferences on when and what to use for faster healing and recovery. Post operative care and management depends on the type of surgery performed and the technique used during surgery among other factors.It is best, however, that you follow your plastic surgeon's advice on post operative care management for a smooth and faster healing and recovery.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Silicone sheets etc for BA scar healing?

Answers (5)