Using Creams to Soften Scars

[Braveheart]

A couple of weeks out of the hospital, I went and bought myself some Mederma, which is reputed to soften the look of scars. I am now on week 5, and have not opened the tube, because my instructions were to not put anything on the scar (except soap and water) for the first six weeks. I have a "lovely" 8" scar from my AVR/CABG procedure.

Anyhow, I am dying to try it. Have any of you used any of these products that are supposed to soften the look of scars? Did it work?

 

[Ross]

Many have used Mederma with mixed results. Same with Vitamin E lotions. Sometimes, the scar turns keloid no matter what you do. Others, it has lightened it a good bit.

 

[Marcia58]

Braveheart,

My doctor recommended Mederma. Oddly enough, it was my neurologist! I had contacted her about some peripheral nerve damage from the incisions, and that was her suggestion for trying to restore nerve connections. It seems to be helping the nerve relays (at least a little), and in my assessment, it is helping the scars fade.

Two (small) negatives:
1. It's hard, in the middle of everyday life, to put the cream on the multiple times they recommend.
2. It's made with onion bulb extract, and leaves me smelling a little "oniony," I think.

Marcia

 

[Ross]

2. It's made with onion bulb extract, and leaves me smelling a little "oniony," I think.

Marcia

Hey at least it's not Garlic!

 

[Braveheart]

Hey at least it's not Garlic!

Yeah, but then I wouldn't have to worry about vampires!

 

[Bina]

I was terrified to use any creams because I am allergic to everything, but I wanted to stop the itchy dry feeling. My nurse daughter brought me a tube of Norm-L Gel from the hospital. It is clear gel that is neutral and non allergenic.
(you can google it)

 

[CThrock]

I used vitamin E oil it had a spray nozzle. I just sprayed it on and lightly rub it in it took care of the dry itchy feeling and help lighten up the scare a bit. Everyone uses different you just have to use whats best for you. I won't put any chemicals on it and vitamin E was the best I could find that did the trick.

 

[terodac]

I waited till about 8mnths post op until I used the Mederma, you have to really look at me to see it now. It really does work, get it at walmart it is cheaper there. They don't like you to use anything for a good while. I did put some neosporin on my scar after a few weeks, I thougt it could not hurt anything.

 

[Jkm7]

They advised me to not put neosporin or bacitracin or anything like that on my scar. They aren't sterile.

I've had two OHS with my first scar re-opened for the second surgery and there are only a few spots where you can even see much of a scar. I am comfortable wearing low cut/v-neck tops.

Some people are just lucky and heal without keloid naturally where others can do everything possible and nothing helps. We're all different in this way as in most other heart/surgery matters.

 

[StephR]

I started using these types of scar products once my scar completely healed. For me it was about 8 weeks. I was lucky and did not keloid but wanted my scar to blend in sooner. I've been using Bio Oil and also Preparation H (suggested by my surgeon's nurse). They have both been working well! I have also been religious on keeping my chest out of the sun. To the point that I keep a hand towel on hand in my car to cover my chest while driving and cover my chest with a wash cloth while in the pool. I also always slather on sunscreen before leaving the house.

 

[Tom F.]

I went to the website "BAAR.com" and ordered a product called "Scar Massage". I started using it right away when I got home from the hospital, regardless of hospital instructions to the contrary. When I saw my surgeon tow months later he was quite please with how well I had healed, so I guess it must work.