POSTED UNDER Embrace Scar Therapy Reviews
Embrace Therapy for BL scar revision - With tips for Sensitive Skin.
UPDATED FROM Mdlg5
Vertical scars 13+ months post op of scar revision
WORTH IT
Just a quick update to post a pic bef/after collage of my vertical scars. After pics were taken on the same day in different lighting.
UPDATED FROM Mdlg5
12 months post op of scar revision
Just a couple progress pics to share. At 12 months postop I feel I’ve come a long way. My scars went through a few different phases from looking very good in the beginning, to entering the angry phase (between 3 and 8 months) and finally fading again. My angry phase seem to drag on forever... but that’s just how I heal.
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When evaluating scar improvement one has to take into consideration that each person heals at a different rate. And given my history of dark and hypertrophic scars (with past surgeries) I think I’m doing pretty well. Do I feel the Embrace scar therapy helped? Absolutely! I actually stopped using the Embrace a while ago and was just applying Biocorneum to my scars. However after giving it some thought I decided to continue with the scar strips on my left areola (where I experienced a suture issue) and on my right vertical scar (the angrier side).
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I will continue to update as I am hopeful that my scars will continue to improve with time. Check out my “Shape over Size” review for more details and bef/aft pics of my BL/BA journey. That’s all for now. :-)
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When evaluating scar improvement one has to take into consideration that each person heals at a different rate. And given my history of dark and hypertrophic scars (with past surgeries) I think I’m doing pretty well. Do I feel the Embrace scar therapy helped? Absolutely! I actually stopped using the Embrace a while ago and was just applying Biocorneum to my scars. However after giving it some thought I decided to continue with the scar strips on my left areola (where I experienced a suture issue) and on my right vertical scar (the angrier side).
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I will continue to update as I am hopeful that my scars will continue to improve with time. Check out my “Shape over Size” review for more details and bef/aft pics of my BL/BA journey. That’s all for now. :-)
Replies (5)
Thank you so very much for your detailed updates. I am on my first round (10th day) of the Embrace Active Scar Defense System, I referenced your review heavily and I'm happy to say that your pointers have worked thus far. I will be removing them this evening, resting and using Biocorneum before reapplication tomorrow evening.
Hi bombshell, You’re most welcome! And thank you so much for stopping by. I’m glad my pointers have been helpful. Just curious have you thought about starting up an Embrace review? It would be fun to follow your progress on this treatment board… :-)
Actually I did consider doing a review on my entire scar treatment journey. As of now, I'm planning to do 4 months of Embrace Active Scar Defense, which will cover me until I'm 6MPO. Next, I'll switch to Embrace minimize and use that for a little while. Lastly, I'll incorporate Bio-Oil, probably forever lol. Do you think that's too much?
Whatever works for you... is not too much, imo. After all I’ve been using Embrace for about a year! LOL. I hope you do start up a review. I’ll be sure to check it out… :-)
Btw be very careful when removing your Embrace strips. I always soak in the tub for a while. I also use adhesive remover wipes. If you feel that you’re having to pull real hard... then you may be doing damage to your skin. So really take your time. Good luck. :-)
how long did you use embrace?
The answer is a little complex because I used different types of Embrace it for different lengths of times on different scars. I used the Embrace Active scar defense my verticals for the first several months. From several months post op I just use the Embrace Minimize on my verticals. On my areolas and outer crease incease incisions (ie. the areas not covered by the embrace active scar defense) I uses the embrace minimize from day one. Hope this is helpful.
To add: some of my scars have been taped for about almost year. This is primarily due to my concern (per studies) that scars can have an inflammatory affect within the first year creating hypertrophism. Some studies have shown that wearing tape for the first year postop can reduce the chance of this happening. I know one member here that plans on wearing scar strips for up to two years postop. How long you were them really is an individual matter based on individual needs. Good luck.
Great review and super helpful! When you say you’ve but kept them taped... with what? Like surgical tape or?
Thanks for stopping by. I’m glad my review can be helpful. When I say taped I’m meaning the Embrace scar strips.
Ahh ok! Thank you. Looking forward to trying mine!
Great! Have you considered starting up an Embrace review?
So glad I checked your progress out ! They look great and the scars healed so nicely . I was looking into getting a good cream for the scars and this embrace product seems really good. I think once I’m cleared to use tapes/creams I will invest in it. Thanks so much for sharing :)!
Thanks for stopping by! I appreciate your nice comments! Glad my review has been helpful. Good luck with your scar healing… :-)
Hi. Im on my second 10 day round if embrace and ive notice that the tape is not sticking so well specifically on the crease in the center of my breast. I find myself taping the edges but its still lifting. Do you have any tops for that? Also, I purchased the embrace minimze for my aerolas and i cant seem to figure out how to use it lol. Let me note that i dont have any lotions or oils on and have followed the steps to a T. Any pointers you can give me are greatly appreciated.
UPDATED FROM Mdlg5
Another way to waterproof your Embrace - Tagaderm clear film dressings.
Hi everyone, it’s been a while since I’ve done an update. Everything is going well. This is just a quick update to share another method that I’ve discovered for waterproofing my Embrace scar strips. I’m using 3M Tagaderm waterproof clear film dressings along the edges of my Embrace. This not only helps waterproof them for swimming but keep the edges looking nice and clean. The nice thing about them is they are clear and barely noticeable.
As the photo collage demonstrates I custom cut the Tagaderm from the 2 3/8" x 2 3/4" size. As shown in the pics I cut them with the backing on; it’s very difficult to cut Tagaderm film once the backing is removed. Tagaderm is also available in long rolls, but I’d read some complaints that the rolls are not as adhesive as the ones I’m using. I’m also careful not to stretch the Tagaderm film before applying to my skin. As I’ve mentioned before stretching any kind of tape onto the skin can cause irritation. Lastly be careful when removing. I always use some kind of lubricant or medical adhesive remover when removing. That’s all for now. :-)
As the photo collage demonstrates I custom cut the Tagaderm from the 2 3/8" x 2 3/4" size. As shown in the pics I cut them with the backing on; it’s very difficult to cut Tagaderm film once the backing is removed. Tagaderm is also available in long rolls, but I’d read some complaints that the rolls are not as adhesive as the ones I’m using. I’m also careful not to stretch the Tagaderm film before applying to my skin. As I’ve mentioned before stretching any kind of tape onto the skin can cause irritation. Lastly be careful when removing. I always use some kind of lubricant or medical adhesive remover when removing. That’s all for now. :-)
Replies (5)
tegader is the Bain of my life right now- my surgeons office use it to waterproof wadding on uplift scars so I’m covered in it for 3 weeks!!! it’s been nearly a week and it’s caused all sorts of rashes blisters and peeled my skin off! it’s very adhesive! I have plenty more but as you say it needs custom tailoring to cover just a slight area over the wound (mine covered the whole boob so I can take a shower etc) it’s very waterproof!!!
Wow sorry to hear that! I have heard some people are sensitive to it. Just curious was it stretched when applyied to your skin? As I mentioned in my update stretching Tagaderm (or any kind of tape for that matter) before applying to the skin can cause irritation.
On one occasion I did notice my skin looked red and irritated; and I figured I had probably stretched it. I simply removed it and reapplied it once the redness went away. I was careful not stretch when putting on a second time; and there was no irritation.
You are right ; it is very adhesive. When removing I always use some kind of lubricant. I use a wet Q-tip to lift up the edge. And then use adhesive remover wipes to gently remove the entire piece. I take my time when removing both the Embrace and the Tegaderm so nothing feels like it’s pulling hard as it coming off. Lastly I use as little as possible; it just barely goes over the edge of my Embrace by a half inch at the most. I can imagine it applying to the entire breast may could cause irritation especially if it’s stretched.
On one occasion I did notice my skin looked red and irritated; and I figured I had probably stretched it. I simply removed it and reapplied it once the redness went away. I was careful not stretch when putting on a second time; and there was no irritation.
You are right ; it is very adhesive. When removing I always use some kind of lubricant. I use a wet Q-tip to lift up the edge. And then use adhesive remover wipes to gently remove the entire piece. I take my time when removing both the Embrace and the Tegaderm so nothing feels like it’s pulling hard as it coming off. Lastly I use as little as possible; it just barely goes over the edge of my Embrace by a half inch at the most. I can imagine it applying to the entire breast may could cause irritation especially if it’s stretched.
hello! yes it was very taught - and on the first night it must have been itchy- I scratched at it while asleep and it literally tore my skin off in places.
Yikes! Do you be careful from this point on. Btw I just posted a message in your BL/BS review. :-)
Edit: Sorry about the typo! Meant to say “BA”... LOL.
yes I’ve reapplied some today but not so taut as you said and feels ok this far but I’d rather not shower and have it on loose than water tight and loose my skin- just seen that and written back xxxx
I’ve found there is a learning curve to handling Tagaderm. I try to put it on so it’s flat but not stretched. Even though I don’t have it real taut I can shower, swim and Evan sit in a Jacuzzi... with mine on and it doesn’t come off. Good luck. :-)
I’ve been advised to switch to Mepore tapes and not shower for two more weeks so I’ve ordered some and given up with tegaderm. just applied now as an outer buffer while await my delivery of bandages for now. it was giving me weird bumpy rashes as well you see. I reckon it would be good in small quantities like you say. well done for discovering!! [RS bleep]
hi- I’ve messaged you as I’m thinking about placin an embrace order - I can’t afford the entire kit but want to order some strips just for the vertical incisions - if that’s e one you reccomend needing it the most? what size one do you order- they have a sale on currently - I’m going to order x2 months worth and then see where we are at with it. on the other scars I want to try a new product nourisil md which is just a gel but comes highly reccomended.
You are so helpful with all your scar therapy tips and tricks! Are you still using this? I guess we hadn’t really talked much about this lately, I just “assumed” you were done. In any case, your scars seem to be healing very nicely, your regimne seems to be working :)
Hi Charm! Thanks for your nice comments. Yes I’m still using Embrace in certain areas where I feel the scars could still improve. There’s a good chance they would continue to improve anyway without the silicone sheeting; however I decided to continue for at least one year post op of my revisions. This is mainly because I have a genetic predisposition for hypertrophic scars. I also recently read a study that asserted that silicone sheeting used up to a year may be effective in preventing the scars from having an inflammatory reaction... which can actually occur after two years post op. Thanks so much for stopping by! :-)
Edit: meant to say “up” to two years.
great idea!!!
Thanks for stopping by! Are you still using Embrace?
I will be starting my scar therapy in about 10 days and I intend to use several of your helpful tips. Thank you for sharing your experience.
You’re most welcome! And thanks for stopping by! :-)
Replies (4)