Let's talk about the scar

I have been reading these post since my surgery on 6/22. This message board has been a life saver and saved me a few calls to the Dr. But, I haven't seen any postings on the incision line. What are you guys doing to help dimish the scar. I started out using neosporin per the Dr's order but it just seem to heal the outside faster w/ less infection. I have now switched to ScarGuard (approx. $30 at CVS). My scar is still really purple down the line...the staple marks are slowly disappearing but how do I fade the purple line? Granted I am not planning to wear a bikini anytime soon...but something sexy for the hubby would be nice if the scar wasn't so apparent.

I think you just have to give it time. I had open heart surgery in 1996. It took awhile (several months) for it to turn white. I know what you mean though, when I look at my scar in the mirror, I realize how very obvious it is right now It will get better, and hubby will think you're sexy NOW you know! Jo

i am so impatient..thanks for reminding me that everything will be okay. are you using anything to help w/ your scar?

Crystal, They told me at the doctor's to use Vitamin E oil. So far so good. Still purple but it is staying flat. That's a plus for me! Sue

I had mine lapriscopically...no staples they were just taped closed...my scars are sooooo flat it amazes me. SURE for now there purple. BUT im so proud that they are flat. GOOD LUCK i know we all heal differently and its hard! BUT remember how good thin FEELS! LOVE YA ALL LISA

I have used teetree oil on mine (6 months out) and it is barely pink at this time. I also use vitamin E oil at bedtime. Can buy both at health food store. Teetree oil is good for lots of things (bug bites, scratches etc). Comes from Africa. Sarah

I swear by Palmer's cocoa butter. Smells like chocolate too! I shattered my left arm in 1998, and have a scar running from elbow to wrist. Took forever to turn white---about 4 years. But cocoa butter helps it get there. You want the incision to stay moist and hydrated as it heals, so that it will heal in a nice white line without weird little stretchy marks across the incision. Mine is not pretty, but it could be a lot worse. If you really decide down the line that you don't like it, a plastic surgeon can excise the scar and give you a new one that is as thin as a thread. Not too expensive either. (I work for a hand microsurgeon.) They are also doing miracles with lasers nowadays. Hope that helps. Hubby will have to be a littttttle patient.