Scar reduction?

There are a lot of products on the market now that claim to help reduce the visibility of scars. Has anyone used them post-op? If so, what did you think? I know I am making a bigger deal out of this than I should...I just keep going back to the enormous ugly purple and red scar that my friend has after having to have some stomach surgery... I am dead set on the open procedure...in case anyone wanted to suggest the lap procedure as a way to reduce scaring!

Hi Brandy, My surgeon didn't want me to use vitamin E which surprised me. He did however, recommend Mederma. I have used it for a few weeks and it appears to be working really great. I had complications and had to be opened up over and over again, so you can imagine the scar I have I buy it at Wal-Mart (best price) for $23.00. Good luck, Kathy 299/228/130

Thanks Kathy Sorry you had complications...I hope you're doing well now How long did you have to wait before you started using it?

Can I ask why youre set on open? I'm just curious I've found that usually someone who is set on open 1) has been told their bmi is too high for lap 2) surgeon said because of previous surgeries they cant be done lap 3) that their abdominal wall is 'too thick' for the tools to work safely etc. Usually this means that the surgeon is not comfortable with doing lap surgery...not that the patient cant be done lap. Ultimately of course, the decision is up to you, and its a very personal one. Also, in the end, the results are the same (ps i'm not being combative or argumentative, so lets nip that in the bud right now ) Best wishes Kathy aka Dixie

Kathy, I've done a lot of research...soul searching and talking to my Dr. and husband. Admittedly, my Dr. has almost no experience doing Lap RNY, but that isn't the reason why I don't want a lap. I could find another Dr. if I felt passionately about it. I feel like, at least for me, open is the best way to go...I feel more comfortable with the process I guess. My Dr. has left the decision totally up to me...and I have decided that open is the route I am going to go. Like you, I think it's a personal decision, and I didn't take your post as argumentative...I'm glad you asked! I think it's important that people speak up...if I had been one of the people you mentioned (told I couldn't have lap) and I found out later that it was hogwash...I'd be plenty mad! Brandy

Brandy, When I was 13, I ran through a plate glass sliding door. Needless to say, I have a lot of scarring. Being 13, I didn't want to be disfigured for the rest of my life and so I sought scar treatment early. My scars are still there, but they are minimal and have reduced over the years. I strongly believe it's because I started early. Daily -- sometimes two and three times -- I would massage pure aloe vera oil or aloe vera with vitamin E into each scar for about five minutes at a time. I firmly believe this is the reason many of my scars did not end up being thick, raised and discolored. If you can't find aloe vera oil or gel, buy an aloe vera plant and cut a piece of one of the tines and squeeze the gel out of the plant directly onto the scar. Don't worry about the plant.. they're hearty and resilient. Good luck! Stef

Thanks everyone for the responses, both here and in private email! I'll be sure and find out what my Dr. thinks about it!