Post-op scarring - would silicone sheets help?

Question

6 months post op areola reduction. My left areola in the excision area appears to still be swollen, quite possibly with the presence of scar tissue beneath. Spoke with my surgeon and was told that it would always be there. My main concern is that my right areola sits flush against my skin. My left like I had mentioned is protruding because of the swelling. My question is, would silicone sheets be appropriate to help reduce the presence of scar tissue beneath? Or some other ointment/massage.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear bweaver251,
for scars, I close all of my incisions in 5 layers and do not use absorbable sutures because they cause inflammation and worse scarring. I tape all of my incisions in the office visits once a week for six weeks after surgery to improve the appearance. After taping, I start my patients on a scar gel therapy for 3 months that they have to put on their incisions twice daily.You should discuss your concerns with your plastic surgeon as different surgeons have different approaches in scar management.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Silicone sheets are suitable for scar tissue; but in our plastic surgery office in Beverly Hills we use silicone gels preferably. I encourage patients to use Sequel Scar Defense to help reduce scarring. Massage into the scar twice daily. If you have pigmented scars, use the Sequel Dark Scar Corrector. Lasers are excellent as well, including fractional thulium laser and vbeam pulsed dye laser.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

You did not submit photos, so I cannot be specific. Silicone sheeting and other scar products are very helpful in the first 6 months but can be used longer. I would suggest going back to your surgeon and discussing the swelling. Scar tissue can be injected with Kenalog to help settle it down and become softer.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

At six months post op you are seeing your final results.  Silicone sheeting can be helpful in improving the appearance of scars but will not affect scar tissue underneath.  If you are still experiencing swelling I encourage you to visit with your surgeon or seek a second opinion.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

Silicone tape can be helpful to reduce hypertrophic scar formation.
It’s uncertain if you’re having hypertrophic scar formation.
Pictures would help.
I suggest you follow up with your provider.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom MD

Post-op scarring - would silicone sheets help?

Answers (5)

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