Question:
Has anyone used something else besides Mederma ?

Hi. Has anyone used anything else besides Mederma to put on the scar to help it fade? Also, what sort of antiseptic should we use to cleanse the wound after returning from the hospital? Thanks, Darline    — Darline H. (posted on August 21, 2001)

August 20, 2001
thank you for that question ive been wondering myself...ive read about liq vitiman E but think at first you would use something to cleanse and heal...ill be watching for the answers...jacqueline lamphire
   — Jackiis

August 21, 2001
I am 3 weeks post-op and have been using mederma (which I found out about on this site) for about a week. I also know that many people use vitamin E to help incisions/scars heal well. (Vitamin E can be bought by itself in a jar or you can buy vitamin E capsules, puncture them, and squeeze out the liquid). I did not use anything to cleanse my incision. I would try to gently loosen the tapes as I showered. Some fell off by themselves, some came off as I pulled. Once they were off, I just left the incision alone. It seems to be healing perfectly well to me. At least, I am very satisfied.
   — Nancy Z.

August 21, 2001
I've not had my WLS yet, but I had a malignant melanoma removed 2 years ago. I used the Mederma religiously after I got the stitches removed, and now the scar is barely visible. There's no discoloration, and it's almost completely flat, which is amazing because I'm prone to keloids. The lotion also smells like roses which is an added bonus! My dermatologist swears by it!
   — Claire P.

August 21, 2001
The immediate wound after care is always the surgeon's thing. My doc said to keep my mitts off it. OK. I used E oil after about 10 days or so (he said OK). I am a keloid former. Lucky me. Nothing stops a keloid, of course, but since mine are bright screaming red, I can fade them. I get the keloid injected at the dermatologist and it takes teh "rope" out of it, makes it lie flat and not burn & itch. I used Scargo (not til 4 weeks) and it fades & soothes. It was recommended by my plastic surgeon years ago. I used Mederma on one scar & it burned & took off top layers of skin. I thought, OK, one layer, make it thinner. NO, kept on taking it down! Love my Scargo!
   — vitalady

August 21, 2001
Is Scargo or Mederma by prescription only? If not, where can it be purchased? Thanks.
   — Paulette W.