Silicone based scar products (topical gels, tape and sheets) usually starting about 2-4 weeks postop are the most effective preventative treatment for typical scarring. Keloid scars are rare and very challenging scars that grow well outside the boundaries of the initial scar (incision). Treatment may start with silicone products but often require more intensive multiple treatments including corticosteroid injections and reexcision possibly with radiation therapy to hep minimize recurrence.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

I recommend any of the silicone sheets. The silicone sheets have many brand names Prosil , Scar Away and many others. There are even store brands. In my opinion the name does not matter but I think the sheets , films are better than the gel. The most important thing is continuous use.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

If you truly have keloids or hypertrophic scars, laser treatments are recommended early on. They are more effective than gels and creams. For scar creams, look for those with silicone as the main ingredient.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

There is no topical treatment for keloid scarring. Intralesional injections of Kenalog/5Fu can be helpful. Radiation can be helpful in particularly frustrating and recurrent lesions.

As always, discuss your concerns with a board-certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

Published on Jul 11, 2012

There is no scar cream to prevent keloids. Injection of Verapamil at the wound edges at surgery may be slightly helpful.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

There is NO scar cream to PREVENT keloids. Unfortunately, nothing you do will prevent keloids from occurring.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

If you now have a keloid, any number of products are designed for that, but you can use Mederma and use a silicone sheath as a pressure over it. Of course, without seeing you and not knowing if you just had surgery or what the situation is, it is difficult to say. Consult with a certified dermatologist. He or she will examine the area, discuss your history, and then make a recommendation.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

There is a scar sheet that can be applied after surgery, but I don't know of any scar cream that has been clinically proven to reduce or treat keloids.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

I usually have my patients use silastic gel strips, which they wear consecutively for 12 hours or so every day.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

I recommend silicone sheeting or a silicone-based scar treatment for best results.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Things that make scar better are: time, pressure, silicone sheeting, massage, steroids ( into the scar) vitamin E ( doesn't work very well).

Creams, lotions, potions, typically don't work with scar improvement. There are now creams with liquid silicone which helps.

Most people who said they have Keloids, truly have hypertrophic scars and there is a big difference.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

I will often recommend using biocorneum or silicone strips my breast augmentation patients. Fortunately, hypertrophic or keloid scarring generally very rare in breast augmentation or other breast surgery.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

I offer BioCorneum to my patients as this is an advanced silicone gel scar treatment with SPF30 for preventing and minimizing the appearance of hypertrophic scars, keloids and burns. It is effective for new and existing scars. It is breathable, flexible and water proof.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Keloid scars happen for a variety of reasons including location of scar, tension of closure, genetics, and other factors. Controlling as many of these factors as possible is one of the keys. Using embrace scar treatment product after surgery and/or kenalog injections may be advisable. Some patients who think they Keloid actually are referring more to a widened scar for an incision that was not closed strong enough.

All the best,
Dr Remus Repta

Published on Jul 11, 2012