What is a good scar gel for breast augmentation scars.

Question

My Surgeon office sold me Silagen scar refinement system gel sheeting and Skin Medica scar recovery gel, it was $165.00 for both, are they both necessary?

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Cosmetic surgery procedures require a disciplined approach to scars, whether or not the incisions are placed on the face or body. In our Los Angeles plastic surgery clinic, we recommend that patients follow basic wound healing guidelines followed by the application of Plato’s Scar Serum twice daily once the skin is healed. If the incisions are prone to pigmentation, addition of Melarase PM is required. After a few weeks, the skin heals over and laser therapy is initiated to further improve scarring.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Peter Hyans, MD · Answer

I recommend applying Mepiform strips  M-F and massaging the scars with Mederma 2 x daily Sa-Su.

Jerome H. Liu, MD · Answer

After breast augmentation surgery, patients want to make sure their scars heal nicely so that they have the best aesthetic outcome of their procedure. For patients prone to bad scarring, Embrace Active Scar Defense can be a great solution. Embrace actually alters scar formation by targeting scar tension, which is the second most important factor in scar development. It is the only product indicated by the FDA for hypertrophic and keloid scarring. For patients who are not as prone to bad scarring, bioCorneum can be very helpful to diminish scar appearance. BioCorneum is a silicone scar gel with sunscreen. The added sunscreen helps to prevent any sun damage or discoloration as the scar is healing. It is important to follow-up with your board-certified plastic surgeon during your recovery to ensure you are healing properly and are happy with the results of your procedure. Good luck!

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

I recommend patients use anything that has a high content of silicone as the main ingrediant. For example silicone strips or kelocote gel. Also avoide exposing your incisions to UV light. Regards,

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,Although those items are potentially effective, they are obviously expensive and probably unnecessary. The use of paper tape is the most effective and cheap way to manage your scars. Best of luck!

Lewis Albert Andres, MD · Answer

Hello! Thank you for the question! It is common for scars to fully mature for up to a year. In the meantime, there are a few things that may help to ameliorate your incision/scar. The most proven (as well as cheapest) modality is simple scar massage. Applying pressure and massaging the well-healed scar has been shown to improve the appearance as it breaks up the scar tissue, hopefully producing the finest scar as possible. Other things that have been shown to add some benefit, albeit controversial, are silicone sheets, hydration, and topical steroids.  Mederma, ScarGuard, Embrace, and UltaMD seem to have shown some benefit in many of my patients. I typically allow after 4-6 weeks postop and once fully healed. In addition, avoidance of direct sunlight to the incision will significantly help the appearance as they tend to discolor with UV light during the healing process. If unsightly scars are still present after approximately a year's time, other things that your surgeon may consider are intralesional steroid injections, laser, or just surgical revision of the scar itself. Lasers may also be an option for the appearance of your scars. If still no result, consideration for lasers, steroids, or scar revision may be entertained. Best wishes!

Ross Blagg, MD · Answer

Hello,Really the best things for scars include scar massage (this will help reduce an elevated scar) and scar cream with silicone. As long as a cream or gel has silicone listed as an ingredient, it should help reduce the scar's red and raised appearance. You can also use silicone sheets, which can be applied to a scar and can stay there for prolonged contact. Best of luck in your recovery.

Parviz Goshtasby, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello 'soooz', thanks for your question.  I personally recommend Biocorneum cream for postoperative scar therapy.  It has a nice blend of sun block, moisturizer, and silicone gel which are all synergistic in maximizing the healing and appearance of these scars.  It is only available in physician offices and varies in price based on the sizing of the container.  We carry it in my office so let us know if you would like to stop in and pick some up!-Dr.92660

Susan Kaweski, MD · Answer

I also recommend Silagen for scar treatment because it is the purest of medical grade silicone and really does a great job of settling the scars.

Chad Robbins, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  I recommend my patients use a silicone scar cream like Biocorneum beginning 3 weeks after surgery.  The results are great with this scar cream.  Best of luck to you.