I had breast implants. Is it OK to use vitamin E oil on my scar after the stitches are out?

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

Hi, the studies that evaluated whether vitamin E actually improved scars had mixed results.  I usually recommend my patients consider using a gel or sheet containing silicone.  However, I'd suggest checking with your plastic surgeon because they will likely have their own specific scar protocol.

There are a lot better scar products than vitamin e.  It actually can cause a significant dermatitis / rash in many people, and is quite limited in how much it improves scars.  Better to use a silicone-based product.All the best,

Vitamin E oil is fine to use.  There are a number of scar creams and gel sheeting on the market that can also improve scarring.  Talk to your PS about his preferences.

I usually offer my patients bioCorneum after sutures have been removed and/or incisions are fully closed. BioCorneum is a silicone scar guard that also has an SPF of 30 in it. I would consult back with your plastic surgeon to see what they recommend is best for you.

Do you even need them?  If your incision is a fine red line, you don't need them.  If you feel you have to do something, you could massage the scar with moisturizer, Vit E, or any other skin product out there.  Some may use brown paper tape and its much cleaner than using all those skin products.  I don't recommend any scar products unless the scar is widening or becoming raised.

Hello. Thank you for your inquiry and congratulations on your surgery! Only do so once the incision has been healed.

It is important to have an in-person medical assessment regarding this issue as it is difficult to determine virtually. Continue to update your doctor in the matter and follow their post-op protocol.

Please ensure to get cleared by your doctor before engaging in specific physical activity before the 3 month healing period has ended as the healing stage is crucial for healthy results.

It generally takes around 6 months to a year to see your final results. Your tissues will take time to relax and allow your implants to "Drop and Fluff" settling into place. Should a revision cross your mind, it is best to wait at least 6 months to a year before doing so.

Our tips for recovery following breast augmentation are to wear a supportive sports bra for 3 months post-operative and refrain from lifting anything heavier than 10 lbs for 3 weeks as we don't want any strain at your incision sites. Make sure to keep the area of your stitches clean by cleansing with hydrogen peroxide daily. Showering is encouraged! But, no sitting in water for 2 weeks following surgery (no baths, hot tubs, pools etc.).

Please note that this response does not substitute patient-doctor relationship. We welcome any and all patients seeking advice to come in for a complimentary consultation available for limited time only.

During the COVID-19, we are offering complimentary online consultations as well as in-office consultation with social distancing and masks. Procedure done in-hospital private surgical facility while taking covid-19 precautions. We utilize UV-light to clean the air of viruses and bacteria during our consultations and surgery. We invite you to come in to discuss your options more thoroughly. Please send us an email at info@drkaraplasticsurgery.com with the subject line: "Attention Meagan" and we will be happy to coordinate your appointment!
M.Kara,MD,FRCSC (27+ years experience) - Specializing in 24 hour recovery/ out to dinner breast augmentation in-hospital private surgical facility for your added safety and peace of mind