Can a Plastic Surgeon Write a Prescription for Scarprin?

Question

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question.

	Scarprin It is a silicone-based scar treatment that does not require a physician's prescription.

	Best wishes.

Donald M. Brown, MD · Answer

You can order Scarprin (a silicone-based scar treatment) over the Internet without a  surgeons prescription.

Philip E. Fleming, MD · Answer

Scarprin, according to the company's website, is an over-the-counter, silicone-based product that professes to reduce scarring.  Because it is designated as an "over-the-counter" product, Scarprin does not require a prescription from a physician.  I am not familiar with the product.  A search of two major plastic surgery medical journals does not reveal any articles about Scarprin. 

	Scars are the "glue" of the human body.  Whether an opening in the skin is a result of injury or surgery, the body seals the edges of the opening back together through the scar process.  The scar will become elevated, thick and possibly red during the first 12 weeks of the healing process.  The body seems to overdo scar deposition to insure that the wound or incision remains closed.  By 12 weeks, the scar will stop increasing and begin to start improving.  The body  breaks down the excess scar that it does not need to keep the wound sealed.  The scar remodeling process causes marked improvement in scar during the first 6-12 months after the injury but continues improving the scar forever.  However, the scar will never go away completely.

	Some of the factors that affect the scarring process are as follows:

	
		Location and direction of the scar on the body
	
		Mechanism of injury
	
		Tension on the scar
	
		How the wound is repaired
	
		Inherited healing potential  


	Plastic surgeons suture wounds meticulously to help lessen the buildup of scar during the first 12 weeks of wound healing.  During those first 12 weeks, various products may also be effective in lessening the buildup of the scar.  The less the scar builds up, the quicker it will improve during the remodeling phase.  Skin tapes, glues, gels, gel sheeting, and creams have been used to lessen the scar buildup.  The mechanism of action of some of these products is uncertain but may include the reduction of tension across the scar or direct inhibition of scar cell production.  Pressure on the scar or scar massage has been shown to help soften scars and speed up the remodeling process.  Good nutrition, avoidance of tobacco, and good wound hygiene are also measures that improve wound healing.

Can a Plastic Surgeon Write a Prescription for Scarprin?

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Can a Plastic Surgeon Write a Prescription for Scarprin?

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