Hypertrophic scar, help

[Michelle D]

Hi, I think I'm 10 weeks out now and my scar is puffy, red and sensitive on top and bottom. It is very sensitive. I know some people will get injections from the dermatologist but I don't want to do that. I'm using kelo-cote which is a silicone gel and I'm wondering if I don't go to the dermatologist what will happen. Will this go away and just be a normal scar at some point?

 

[AgilityDog]

Maybe. You can also get a silicone strip that is supposed to work well, too. I think that's what dermatologists and plastic surgeons use. In fact, I saw it at Wal-mart a few weeks back when I was picking up my mederma cream.

Try the gel, or the strip, but it takes TIME, no matter what you use. Lots of dermatologists or plastic surgeons won't touch that scar for several months, but it might be worth your time to make an appointment with one to find out your options. I think they may inject them but forget with what. Steroid?

 

[Michelle D]

I just would like to know what to expect if I don't get injections. I couldn't possibly have a needle stuck in me without a serious reason. I've had enough. It isn't grotesque or anything merely an annoyance so I'll stick with the gel. I'm just wondering what others have experienced with these hypertropic scars. I know it's still early.

I though about the silicone strips but I read that they can cause bacteria to grow between the skin and the strip. My surgeon recommended kelo-cote so I had my pharmacist order it. It seems to help with the sensitivity by keeping it hydrated.

 

[escargome]

Michelle,
Stick with what your surgeon recommended, but give it some time. I don't know about others but I just used Bio-Oil for a long time (several months since I kept forgetting) and eventually the about 3/4 of the scar is just a very faint line. It is still a little bumpy in the area that is under my bra, but not impossible to live with since no one sees that area of by body except my hubby. So just hang in there and try not to worry yourself. It will all straighten out after a while.

 

[Cooker]

Mine has gone through several phases to get where it is today (almost unnoticeable) ... as said. it does take TIME ...

 

[ottagal]

Michelle,

My scar has improved over time, but it was ,red and inflamed for quite some time. 3 months after surgery, the dermatologist gave me a 'silicone patch' called mepiform to wear everyday (you cut a strip the length of the scar from the large patch and change it to avoid bacterial growth). You can buy it over the counter from the pharmacist (at least here in Canada). She said that the 'patch' works better than the gel. The scar should be clean and dry when applied. I put it on after a take my shower and remove it at night. She also suggested 3 laser treatments on the 'scar' to help reduce the redness.

She also said that lifting weights, yoga and isometric exercises that involve the chest area will pull on the scar which can also contribute to keloids etc.

I hope this helps.

 

[malibu82]

almost five months out here and my scar is still sensitive and a small red bump at the top. i am giving it time to heal. i use mederma and vitamin e oil.

it's only been 10 weeks for you so it will get better over time. you can't expect to go through heart surgery and not allow several months for everything to fall into place and recover! i wouldn't worry about it yet.

 

[Greg a]

Michele as with many aspects of OHS this too will pass with time ....remember the back pains.... passed ......the sore throat from the vent ...passed funny thing is every time I get anxious I remember how painful it was to walk the day before surgery if I was on any type of incline.....then somehow the itching or pain seemed minor