How long should I put vaseline on the facelift scars?

Question

For how long should I put vaseline on the scars after a facelift? And should I massage the scars?

Elizabeth Whitaker, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for a great question.  I would double check with your surgeon on there postoperative protocol. Typically, I have my patients use antibiotic ointment for the first two weeks, and then switch over to a scar gel.  I hope that helps!"This answer has been solicited without seeing this patient and cannot be held as true medical advice, but only opinion. Seek in-person treatment with a trained medical professional for appropriate care."

Mark Karolak, DO, FAOCO · Answer

I typically have patients use Vaseline (petroleum jelly) on the
suture lines for the first week after surgery, until I see them for their
suture removal follow-up appointment. Keeping the suture lines moist and clean
can help scars to heal more discreetly. Massage can help increase blood flow to
the area as it heals, but I do not personally recommend this approach to most
patients, as it can also irritate and stretch the newly-formed scar tissue.
However, you should check in with your surgeon about their post-operative care
instructions.

Michael A. Epstein, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.Every surgeon has their own protocols following operations to achieve the best outcome.  There are many different opinions on exactly what should be done.  I don't want to contradict what your surgeon wants you to do, so I recommend contacting them and asking for recommendations that are personalized to you, as they know you best.  Best of luck!

Sirius K. Yoo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. You should obviously follow the instructions of your surgeon, but in general, petroleum based ointments are used while there is still scabbing (about a week after surgery).  Other scar products can be used for a variable duration afterwards.  Some recent studies indicate that silicone scar gel/sheet/tape or prolonged taping is superior to petroleum based ointments, Mederma or nothing at all.  The studies are by no means definitive.  All the best!

John Mesa, MD · Answer

Scar management  after facelift can range from either no treatment to application of scar creams, silicone ( either sheeting or liquid), serums, vitamins, and even vaseline. The scar management should be dictated by the surgeon that perform the facelift, since is he/she who knows what therapy gives the best result for his patients.If an specific product like vaseline is requested to be used for management of scar creams, is the primary facelift surgeon who should decide for how long the product should be used.  I my practice I don't use vaseline in facelift scars, rather I use scar creams based on growth factors like NeoCutis that helps my patient's scars to heal even better.

Chad Robbins, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  I recommend my patients use antibiotic ointment on their scars following surgery for approximately 2 weeks.  I would advise that you contact your plastic surgeon to verify their recommendations for care of your scars following surgery.  Best of luck to you!

Bryan Correa, MD · Answer

I would simply follow your surgeons instructions. You will not harm anything by continuing to use it. I typically change my scar care therapy around the 3 week mark after surgery, but each surgeon has their own protocol; same thing goes for massage. I hope this helps.

Gary L. Ross, MBChB, FRCS · Answer

Personally I do not use vaseline and I would check with your PS. There are many different products available for scars and every surgeon has a different preference. You should get your PS to show you how to massage as a again each surgeon has a different preference.

John Ward, MD (retired) · Answer

Thank you for your question. Every surgeon has their own post-operative wound care management  to achieve 
the best outcome.  There are conflicting opinions on exactly what 
should be done.  I recommend contacting your surgeon's office and asking for recommendations.  Best of luck!

Barry N. Silberg, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

Vaseline or Petrolatum Jelly has no place being put on scars in my opinion.  Vaseline is used after nasal surgery to prevent the membranes in the nose from drying out.  A cream based moisturizer would be better if you want to hydrate your skin.  Massage does not help scars.  what helps scars is pressure.  Pressure causes the collagen fibers in scar to form parallel to the skin.

How long should I put vaseline on the facelift scars?

Answers (10)

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