Which works better on cosmetic scars from a TT? Hydroquinone cream/gel or silicone strips?

Question

Dana Goldberg, MD · Answer

The choice of scar treatment depends on the scar. If scars are painful, raised, or very red, steroid injections or silicone strips will work to correct these problems. If the scar is darker than the surrounding skin then hydroquinone can be useful. Some of my patients will use multiple treatments and put a scar cream under the silicone strips. Best of luck.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Scars that exhibit inflammation, hypertrophy, or keloid reaction can be managed with our HIDEF protocols. Surgery is not often necessary as we have a full laser and RF protocol. 
Treatments begin with examination of the scars followed by pretreatment with Melarase creams for pigmentation, Plato's Scar Serum for hypertrophy, followed by laser and RF protocols with PDL, RF, and microfractional RF or laser. Kenalog IIT is also very important. 
Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

David Bogue, MD · Answer

Silicone sheeting and massage are best used for firm or elevated scars. Hydroquinone gels/cream are used for hyper pigmented or darker scars. It take 1-2 years for scars to finalize their appearance and for the majority of patients, no scar management is necessary.

Robert L. Kraft, MD, FACS · Answer

Hydroquinone is used to bleach dark scars.  Silicone strips are used to treat scar hypertrophy.  These are entirely different issues and the treatment must fit the condition.  If you do have hypertrophy, the if you do not respond to the silicone strips, Kenalog injections should be considered.

Michael S. Hopkins, MD (retired) · Answer

Normal scar healing is a process that takes 6 months to 2 years in adults.  Normal scars go from being hard and red to soft and white.In general, silicone scar strips are used because they seem to make the scar healing process progress more quickly.  They can be particularly helpful for thick, raised or red scars.Hydroquinone is used specifically for hyperpigmentation, that is, scars that appear dark compared to normal skin.

Which works better on cosmetic scars from a TT? Hydroquinone cream/gel or silicone strips?

Answers (5)

Answer: Scarring creams

Answer: Scarring creams

Answer: Hydroquinone and silicone scar strips do different things

Answer: Hydroquinone and silicone scar strips do different things

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Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Which works better on cosmetic scars from a TT? Hydroquinone cream/gel or silicone strips?

Answers (5)

Answer: Scarring creams

Answer: Scarring creams

Answer: Hydroquinone and silicone scar strips do different things

Answer: Hydroquinone and silicone scar strips do different things

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tummy Tuck

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.