Scar Creams for LBL scar

I am 3 weeks out from a LBL and still have a crusty circumferential scar.  The surgeon told me not to use any scar creams until the surgical glue is gone.  Most of the glue seems to be gone, and the crust is starting to come off my scar.  I'm assuming I'm not supposed to put scar cream over the crusty scars, right?  When did you start using scar creams and how did your surgeon tell you to use them?  I bought some Mederma.

I'm about 5 months out and my nurse just sent me some silicone strips. I'm actually only suppose to use them on my back area since in Novenmer we're doing my revisions ans will be opening the front back open.

I used brown tape provided by the doctor for 3 months. She said that tape produces the best results they see because it takes the pressure off the incision directly and keeps mosture in for healing. Once that was done she said I could use Mederma (an onion extract) or a silicone cream. My understanding it's the pressure of applying the cream that does the most good, not necessarily the cream itself.

Once my breast lift areola scar stops spitting stitches I'm going to use a silicone cirle there. But I think I'm going to buy a $6 nipple cover from Babies R Us and cut off the extended part rather than order a $40 circle from a plastic surgery specialty place.

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WHAT ARE THE SILICONE STRIPS THAT EVERYONE TALKS ABOUT AND WHAT ARE THEIR BENEFITS?
MY DAUGHTER'S SURGEON SAID THAT KEEPING TENSION OFF THE SCARS IS WHAT MAKES FOR A NICE RESULT.  HE LIKES TO PUT SOME TYPE OF TAPE ON AFTER THE SCABS FALL OFF, BUT SHE WAS ALLERGIC TO IT.  SHE IS ALLERGIC TO ALL TYPES OF TAPE,THOUGH.  I THINK MAYBE THE STICKY STUFF. 

 Silicone strips have proven to be effective in flattening raised or ropey scars. Scientists don't know the reason behind this but have evidence to support it.  Some theorize that it is because of pressure or the moisture barrier that is created by the strips.  A large number of patients have reported that the silicone also speeds the phasing of the scars (red, purple, white) and reduces the coloration of the scar in its end look.

It doesnt work for everyone, but it works for many.  

 I used a product called kelacoat on my scars with wonderful results.  I have the breast cancer gene mutation brca1.  In August, I had a prophylactic bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction from my abdomen so I had some large scars.  Using the kelacoat twice a day for several months made them look wonderful in some cases they were so thin they seemed to disappear.  I do have to warn you that it is a pretty expensive cream but it goes a long way.  Another product that I have used is scar prin on areas of dark skin and that has worked well too.

 I was told not to use any creams until the crusty (which can be scabs or serrous fluid) are gone.  I think some of the same rules apply to plastic surgery scars that apply to every healing scar. You want to expose the area to air, prevent bacteria, and avoid trapping moisture on a still open wound.  As soon as you are crust free, the incision is sealed and you can go nuts with topical applicants.

You might want to moisturize around the crusty areas to provide your stretched skin relief from itching and dryness. 

WHERE WOULD ONE GET THESE SILICONE STRIPS? 

I got mine on amazon.  I use a product called Mepiform.  This is what my Dr. recommends.  It is self adherent and comes in different szes that you can cut to fit your particulat scars.  I bought a box of 5 sheets that are 4" x 7" for about 90 bucks, but that box should last me about 4 months or so.  I take them off when I bathe and then put them back on.  They seem to last aout 10 days before all the sticky is worn out.  Then I cut some more pieces.  So they do go a long way.

Laura

My surgeon had me start using a cream called Bio-Cream by Neocutis as of one week post-surgery. I put it on twice a day, massage it in for 2-5 minutes. I'm now 5 weeks out and my incisions are all healed and flat. I don't know what they'd look like if I hadn't used anything, but I'm very happy with the scar appearance so far and I'll continue using it for at least a month or two and see how things end up...