What should I do to ensure the t section wounds/scars from mastopexy heal beautifully? (photos)

Question

I am 6 months post mastopexy. 3 weeks after op, the inverted T sections opened. I used Mercurochrome to aid healing.2 months after initial op I was operated again to close the t section. The wound opened slightly again. After 2 months of betadine treatment the wound closed properly. Now I am left with hyperpigmented skin. What are the best products I should use to aid healing as the skin is still sensitive now. A slight chemical burn texture. Can I use tea tree or jojoba oil and silicon?

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

As scars mature over months to a year, the quality of the scar usually improves. There is no one best therapy for scars. Silicone sheets, Mederma, and Biocorneum are reasonable and popular options. I recommend that the scar therapy begin after the scars have healed and there are no open areas, which usually takes 4 to 6 weeks. Conservative treatment for a year is the best advice, because the scar will become less pigmented.  Then you can evaluate whether a scar revision or resurfacing would be helpful.Kenneth Hughes, MD, ABPS Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Los Angeles, CA

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

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

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,Tea tree oil/jojoba oil have not proven effective for scars. Silicone products reduce scar redness only. You have hypo- and hyperpigmentation, and a very wide scar. My recommendation is to wait another 6 months and consider surgical scar revision.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Darshan1,
I understand you are concerned with the appearance of your scars. As your scars heal, it should flatten out and lighten. Loss of pigmentation or hyperpigmentation may also be experienced but will resolve over time. Always follow your surgeon's post operative care instructions when it comes to scar management to avoid any complications like infection and for faster healing and recovery.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

I would suggest micro-needling, possibly another revision, and silicone sheets or products like Mederma or Scar Guard.

What should I do to ensure the t section wounds/scars from mastopexy heal beautifully? (photos)

Answers (7)

Answer: Scar

Answer: Scar

Answer: Scarring

Answer: Scarring

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What should I do to ensure the t section wounds/scars from mastopexy heal beautifully? (photos)

Answers (7)

Answer: Scar

Answer: Scar

Answer: Scarring

Answer: Scarring

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