Typically at least 2 weeks is needed to allow sufficient healing so the fresh incision and skin are not irritated by the treatment. Many start with paper tape treatment then progress to silicone-based gels an/or sheeting which can definitely improve scar appearance and should continue for 6 months or more as scars continue to evolve up to 1-2 years.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Once your incisions are completely healed and sealed, so let's say 1-2 weeks. That said, it's much easier on you and still quite good for the scars to just have them covered with tape or steristrips. It is much more likely that it's temperature and pressure that is good for scars and much less likely that some chemical penetrates through your intact skin to help it look better. Said differently, massaging the scar is more likely to help it settle down than the type of cream you apply while massaging.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Use scar cream once the incisions are completely closed.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

You can begin to use scar cream on your incisions once the Steri-tapes or skin glue is gone.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Recommendations for the use of scar creams and topicals will vary. Most will recommend allowing for completion of the initial healing (3-4 weeks) before applying topicals or silicone sheeting.

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

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Wait until your incision is completely healed, which can take at least 2 weeks. I recommend Bio-corneum, not over-the-counter products.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Hello! I prescribe a very potent scar control cream made by a trusted compounding pharmacy. I usually don't let my patients start using scar control formulas until 1 month post-op.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

I would wait until the Steri-Strips are off. I recommend ScaRx Tape be worn for two to three months.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

I recommend my patients keep steristrips over their wounds initially until the sutures are removed at 2 weeks post op. Then I typically switch to silicone gel sheeting. However, scar cream can be used at that time. Best to ask your surgeon what he/she recommends.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Effective scar care usually involves a silicone based treatment, either in gel or sheet form which helps to hydrate and flatten scars. Typically this can be started at the 3 week period of the incision is healing.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

I typically do not recommend using scar creams as I am not convinced they help. If a patient really wants to use it, I would have them wait until 3 weeks after the surgery. I would recommend using silicone sheets, rather than cream, if they really want to use something. If the incision is closed well, the scar should be minimal without using any cream or gel sheets. I do recommend that patients avoid sunlight on the scar for about 6 months.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Hi again!
I generally start Scarguard about two weeks postop, and it works well!
Take care

Published on Jul 11, 2012

The best post surgical management of incisions is paper tape. This is cheap and the most effective, more so than scar gels that cost over $100 per month. Tape mechanically supports the incision while the scar tissue strengthens.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Thank you for your question. In general, I ask my patients to use a silicone based scar cream once the incision is completely healed and no scabs present. Best to confirm with your surgeon.
I hope this helps.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

I usually start my patients on scar cream 10 days after surgery.

Published on Jul 11, 2012

Every surgeon is different with regards to scar therapy. At present, there is no real objective data that any of the scar products work better than each other, or really work at all for that matter. Each person's skin is different and heals in its own way, and 90% of that healing is derived from your genetics. I have my patients wait 2-3 weeks after surgery before starting anything, and usually recommend silicone sheeting products.

Published on Jul 11, 2012