If any kind of FTM transsexual surgery is in your plans, it’s likely that you’ve thought about surgery scars: their placement and visibility, and for many, the ways in which they can be reduced. Some guys are proud of their scars and wear them as badges of honor, but if you’re looking for information about the best ways to treat scars and reduce their appearance, you’ll find lots of ideas in this comprehensive guide.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
A) What Are Scars?
To determine the best methods for treating surgery scars we first need to understand what they are. Simply stated, scars are areas of fibrous skin that replace normal skin after injury. Skin injury can include wounds, burns, acne and surgery. Scar formation is a natural part of the healing process. When your skin is injured, skin cells rich in collagen (protein) multiply to replace the injured skin. The collagen contains fibers that strengthen the layer of skin below the surface, adding thickness to the healing skin, and it’s this thickness that causes scarring. How the scar heals is dependent on the severity and location of the injury, age, hereditary factors, and skin color.
There are several different types of scars:
- Hypertrophic Scars: These are typically redder in appearance, and lightly raised and thickened.
- Keloid Scars: These scars are the result of an overproduction of new scar tissue. They usually appear after surgery, but can also be caused by inflammation from pimple, burns, or piercings. Although harmless, keloid scars tend to be itchy, tender, or even painful to the touch, and they can spread beyond the original wound site. Additionally, keloids can continue to grow slowly for years. They are more common in darker skinned individuals and tend to be hereditary.
- Atrophic Scars: These scars are recessed and occur when fat and muscle under the wounded skin is damaged or lost. Acne can leave recessed scars.
- Contracture Scars: These scars have a pulled taught appearance caused by skin contraction during healing. Deep contracture scars can restrict movement if the underlying muscles and nerves are affected. They are often the result of burn injuries.
One way of treating scars is to… not treat them at all! You’ll need to be patient, as the healing process is slow. If you’d like to support your body’s healing capabilities, or speed the healing process along, continue reading to learn more about what both conventional and alternative medicine have to offer for treating surgery scars.
B) Preoperative Care
1. Choosing a Surgery Procedure
FTM transsexual surgery procedures vary, and scar size and placement is often a consideration when choosing a procedure. For example:
| Type of FTM Surgery | Less Scarring | More Scarring |
| Top Surgery | Keyhole & Peri-areolar | Double incision |
| Hysterectomy | Laparoscopic | Abdominal |
| Lower Surgery | Metoidioplasty | Radial forearm phalloplasty |
2. Nutrition and Scar Healing
Certain foods, vitamins and mineral supplements are known to help promote wound healing and even reduce the development of scar tissue. To prepare for surgery, stick to a healthy, well-balanced diet, and quit smoking. You’ll be well on your way to optimal healing.
Protein: Proteins provide the body with the building blocks to repair and rebuild, and they also help fight infection. Because protein deficiency can delay wound healing, eating a diet rich in lean protein before surgery can help promote good scar healing when you’re post-op.
Zinc: Similarly, zinc deficiencies have been linked to slow wound healing. Additionally, surgical trauma can actually decrease your zinc levels. Zinc plays an important role in the collagen matrix, it promotes new skin formation and helps fight infection. Consider increasing your daily zinc intake via zinc-rich foods or a zinc supplement.
Vitamin C: Studies have shown that wound healing can be significantly accelerated by taking vitamin C in doses larger than the recommended daily allowance (RDA).
Other vitamins and minerals that reportedly promote skin healing include: bromelain (pineapple), grape seed extract, vitamin A, glucosamine, hyaluronic acid, and collagen supplements.
Important Note: There are numerous supplements that should be discontinued in advance of surgery, particularly anti-coagulants like garlic, ginger and ginseng. Nothing above appears in the list of Medications to Avoid Before and After Surgery that my surgeon provided me with, however you are advised to speak with your surgeon to confirm that any supplements you add to your regimen prior to surgery are not problematic in this regard.
3. Preoperative Massage
Massage has applications both pre- and post-operatively. Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) massage prepares and helps tissues to be in the best possible state before surgery. Even just two preoperative sessions can significantly improve wound healing and scar appearance. (Read more about post-operative massage below.)
C) Post-Operative Scar Care
Your path to good healing starts immediately in the recovery room, with rest. During your recovery, you’ll have to wait for incisions to close before moving on to topical scar treatment, but in the meantime the same nutritional principles of wound healing apply. Depending on the type of surgery you had, your food intake may be limited but strive to eat a healthy, balanced diet within those limitations. Once your incisions have closed…
1. Post-operative Massage
Kristin Wilson-Key has been practicing massage and bodywork for over 25 years and has a specialization in post-operative chest and breast care. When asked about post-op massage in relation to scar tissue, Kristin offered the following comments:
A person can begin “working” the tissue very gently as soon as stitches are removed [or fully dissolve]. The work is to gently smooth the tissue along the incision line, in the direction of the scar, to get the tissue to form next to — instead of across — the incision. This helps the tissue be more mobile. The scar will also heal in a thinner line with less redness. After a month or so, one can begin to go across the incision, sideways, and diagonally, with a little more pressure.
The other important thing to do is to begin to lift the scar up from the underlying tissue, so that it does not adhere to it. This is very important for mobility. I like to get the scar to a point of being able to pick it up and roll it between my fingers. This type of work is done months into the healing process, depending on the scar’s sensitivity. It must be done gently at first and then quite aggressively later, especially if it’s an older scar. [Note: Stop if you feel any discomfort or tenderness.]
The massage work also helps with sensitivity. If a person never touches or handles a scar, the nerves can remain too sensitive or altered. Additionally, touching the scar while it is still forming helps the person heal, physically and emotionally. I think this is very important.
2. Traditional Chinese Medicine and Scar Healing
Acupressure and acupuncture are treatment modalities from the TCM tradition that can help reduce scar tissue. Acupressure is a form of massage that stimulates energy points on your body to boost maximum energy flow. Acupressure breaks up scar tissue and restores energy flow to the site of the skin injury, and is especially effective when combined with a topical scar healing oil or salve. This video demonstrates the acupressure technique for healing scars.
To treat scars with acupuncture, tiny specialized needles are inserted superficially into the skin at various points along the scar. This creates a healing, inflammatory response: dead cells and scar tissue are broken down by the body, blood flow to the area is increased, the lymphatic system is stimulated, and dead cells can be excreted. For a detailed summary of acupuncture methods to treat scars, see this excellent article from Acupunture Today: A Simplified Approach to the Treatment of Scars with Oriental Medicine.
3. Topical Scar Treatments
To Use or Not To Use? The Debate About Vitamin E and Scar Healing
Vitamin E has been used in the treatment of a variety of skin conditions. Anecdotal reports claim that it speeds wound healing and improves the cosmetic appearance of scars, and many doctors recommend topical vitamin E for surgery scar treatment. However, an oft-quoted study into the effect of vitamin E on scars revealed a starkly different picture:
- Vitamin E did not improve the appearance of scars.
- Vitamin E either had no effect on, or actually worsened, the cosmetic appearance of scars in 90% of study participants.
- 33% of study participants developed dermatitis.
Is it possible that the positive results claimed about vitamin E have more to do with scar hydration than with any dermatological effect of vitamin E?
With the high risk of dermatitis it may be best to avoid using vitamin E on your scars. If you already know you’re allergic to topical vitamin E, be sure to note which scar treatment products include vitamin E, such as:
- Cocoa and Shea Butter
- Kukui Nut Oil
- Bio-Oil
- Stretch Renew Cream
- Scarguard
- See-No-Scar Solution by Mama Mio
- SCAREX
- Verseo Scar Gone
Natural Products For Scar Healing
There are numerous natural oils, plants and products that can be used to help improve the appearance of surgery scars. Look for these at your local health food store or natural pharmacy, or buy online.
Allium Bulb Extract: There’s conflicting evidence of the effectiveness of allium (aka allicin, onion) in the treatment of scars. Nevertheless, onion extract has found its way into a number of scar treatment products, including Derma E Scar Gel and the popular Mederma Scar Gel.
Arnica Cream or Gel: Applied topically, Arnica creams and gels are used to relieve pain and inflammation and promote scar healing. Avoid gels that include alcohol, which has a drying effect on skin — the opposite of what you want to do to scar tissue. You can sometimes find topical arnica formulated with calendula and silicone, both of which can also improve scar healing.
Castor Oil: Castor oil can soften and smooth out some of the fibrous tissue of a scar, improving its appearance and making it less noticeable. Gently massage into scars to promote circulation and healing. Castor oil also makes a good base for homemade herbal scar massage oils.
Calendula Gel or Cream: Applying calendula gel or cream to a scar twice a day can reduce inflammation and increases healing in new scars.
Cocoa & Shea Butter: Both cocoa and shea cocoa butter contain high concentrations of vitamin E, omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants. Shea butter also stimulates collagen production in the skin and thus may be better suited to treating atrophic scars. While there’s lots of anecdotal information about the effectiveness of these fat extracts, refer to the above information about vitamin E.
Horsetail Grass: Long-valued by both European and Chinese herbalists, horsetail grass can be used topically on scars. The plant’s stems have the richest concentration of silica and silicic acids found in the plant kingdom, making horsetail grass extract a wise inclusion in a homemade scar massage oil.
Mustard Seed Oil – Homeopathic: Mustard seed oil (Thiosinaminum) ointments and homeopathic formulations are used to improve the appearance of scars. Look for a minimum 1X or 10% mustard seed oil concentration.
Kukui Nut Oil: Also known as Candlenut oil, Hawaiian Kukui nut oil is high in vitamins C, D, and E, as well as skin-protecting antioxidants. It stimulates collagen, and has the ability to “lock in” moisture in a manner similar to silicone. Refer to the above information about vitamin E.
Rosehip Seed Oil: Rosehip Seed Oil is well-known for its outstanding skin regeneration properties and its ability to minimize scar tissue. To create a homemade scar treatment oil, mix 1 ounce each of rosehip seed oil and essential oils of rose and everlasting.
Scar Control – Organic Homeopathic: Scar Control is formulated to treat scars and keloids, reduce and help eliminate scar tissue and discoloration of surrounding skin, improve elasticity of skin tissue, and promote healthy and balanced skin tone. Ingredients: Calendula Officinalis 6X HPUS (promotes healthy skin and healing); Silicea 6X HPUS (for painful scars, keloids), Thiosinaminum 8C HPUS (mustard seed, for dissolving scar tissue); Corsican Helichrysum; Chilean Rosa Moschata; Mediterranean Rosmarinus Verbanone; French Lavandula Super*; American Sesamum Indicum. $25.95 11 ml. (*See Scar Care Products to Avoid for more information about lavender.)
Seaweed Extract: With reported skin healing properties, seaweed extract has found its way into a number of scar treatment products, such as Scar Esthetique Scar Crème, and makes a good addition to homemade scar massage oils.
Tamanu Oil: Tamanu Oil is among the most healing of the carrier oils for skin (along with Rosehip seed oil.) This study confirmed Tamanu oil’s ability to improve the appearance of scars, with “significant improvement” in as little as 6 weeks. It’s recommended in blends at 10-20% total concentration to receive its healing effects. Tamanu oil makes an excellent base for a homemade scar massage oil.
Vitamin A: Oral vitamin A has been shown to improve the appearance of keloid scars, and topical application of retinoic acid to hypertrophic and keloid scars has also shown success. However, vitamin A treatment can cause hypervitaminosis and teratogenicity, which limit its use.
Vitamin B5: Also called Panthenol, vitamin B5 is included in several scar healing products for its ability to moisturize, aid in tissue repair and increase cell regeneration. (Vegans take note: B5 is sometimes animal-derived.)
Botanical-Based Scar Healing Products
- Bio-Oil – This is a popular scar treatment product that’s formulated with plant extracts and vitamins suspended in an oil base. Its primary ingredients are oils of calendula, lavender*, rosemary and chamomile, along with vitamins A and E. Note that Bio-Oil also includes fragrance and artificial color. $9.59 60 ml / 2 fl. oz. (*See Scar Care Products to Avoid for more information about lavender.)
- Derma E Scar Gel – Includes allicin, the active compound in garlic and onions, as well as panthenol (B5) and allantoin, which breaks down scar tissue and encourages tissue growth. $19.95 56 gm / 2 oz
- Mederma Scar Gel – Mederma claims to be the “#1 doctor-recommended” product for scars. It contains a proprietary botanical extract made from onion and allantoin. $29.49 50 gm / 1.76 oz.
- Stretch Renew Cream – Contains emu oil, aloe vera, collagen, elastin and vitamin E. $89.95 2 oz jar.
Silicone Scar Treatment
Silicone scar treatment is clinically proven to be effective, easy to use, and low risk. Silicone is made from combining silicon and oxygen atoms. It creates a protective barrier over a scar to help the scar retain moisture. Basically, silicone is an extremely powerful moisturizer.
Silicone Sheets, Strips and Pads
According to Wikipedia, silicone gel sheeting has the most widely accepted role in general scar treatment, along with steroid injections. In addition to moisturizing the scar, silicone sheets also provide pressure on the healing area, and this is a combination that’s been shown to be very effective for scar healing. The average treatment time of individual scars is 2-4 months. Popular brands of silicone gel sheets include:
- Cica Care Silicone Gel Sheeting – Cut to fit, lasts up to 28 days, $52.82 5″x6″.
- Dermatix® Silicone Sheets – UK brand, silicone & PTFE, washable/reusable, £13 – £98.
- NewGel+ Silicone Gel Sheeting – Two thicknesses, washable/reusable, $39.95.
- ScarAway Silicone Scar Sheets – 12-week supply, $58.99.
- Syprex Scar Sheets – “Purest, strongest” sheets available. Various sizes & prices.
Silicone Scar Treatment Gels and Creams
- Cicaplast – Water, glycerin, sillicone-based cream, also includes copper, zinc and manganese, plus extract of gotu kola, for enhanced skin healing. While this product is recommended by some plastic surgeons for scar treatment, the manufacturer website doesn’t indicate that Cicaplast is indicated for this use. Approx. $13-$20 for 40ml / 1.33 fl oz.
- Dermatix® Silicone Gel – Popular in the UK. £36 (15 gm) – £108 (60 gm).
- InviCible Advanced Scar Treatment – Silicone-based gel with vitamin C and ProBiosyn-4 (derived from sunflower and safflower oils, aloe and licorice extracts.) $82 – 0.9 fl oz.
- Kelo-cote Advance Formula Scar Gel – Popular brand of 100% silicone gel. $13 6 gm.
- NewGel+E Silicone Gel Ointment – 100% silicone gel. $29 15 gm / 0.5 oz.
- Scarguard – Silicone, cortisone, and vitamin E. $60 1 fl oz.
- SCARprin – 100% silicone blend gel, $49.95 1 fl oz.
- See-No-Scar Solution by Mama Mio – Silicone, vitamin E, sweet almond. $37 30ml/1 fl oz
- SCAREX – Vitamins E and B5 in a silicone blend. $39 15ml.
- SyCream Scar Cream – Contains ceramides in combination with EFAs, linoleic acid and aloe vera. $43.50 17 gm. Cream and sheet packages available for $59-$64.
- TropolActive-S Repairative Scar Cream – Silicone-based cream with proprietary Elastatropin, a genetically engineered form of human tropoelastin. $34.95 2 oz.
Budget Silicone Scar Treatment
Silicone is one of those compounds that has a myriad of uses and can be found in all kinds of products. If you’re looking for a budget alternative to the typically expensive silicone scar creams and gels, options are out there but be sure to examine ingredients carefully. For example silicone grease, which has boating applications, usually contains solvents in addition to silicone. Also, not all silicones are the same. The silicone that’s found in topical scar treatment products is Polydimethylsiloxane, also called Dimethicone, which is sometimes blended with another type of silicone, Cyclomethicone.
Silicone Grease – Most silicone grease products are made from Polydimethylsiloxane. However, some may also contain solvents and/or fused silica. If you can find a 100% silicone grease though, it’s probably Polydimethylsiloxane and it will probably be quite affordable too! $3.95 0.25 oz 100% silicone grease.
Silicone Hair Gels – Cyclomethicone silicone is used in high concentrations in some hair care products. This article suggests looking for hair gloss products as a cheap alternative to silicone scar gels. Given the additional ingredients that you’re likely to find in hair products, be cautious. Look for alcohol-free, pure silicone hair gel, such as Simply Stylin’, available for $10.
Personal Lubricant – Guess what? Silicone sex lube is the cheapest silicone scar treatment gel you can find! Silicone lube is typically made from silicone blends comprised of Dimethicone and Cyclomethicone. Be sure to look for 100% silicone products, such as LifeStyles Luxe, available for just $6.99 3.5 fl oz.
Luxe Lube Lix ‘Em All!
| Brand | Amount | Price |
| SCARprin | 1 fl. oz. | $49.95 |
| NewGel+E Silicone Gel Oinment | 0.5 fl. oz | $29.70 |
| Kelo-cote Advanced Formula Scar Gel | 0.25 fl. oz. | $13.16 |
| LifeStyles Luxe | 3.5 fl. oz. | $6.99 |
Polyurethane Dressings – These have been shown to be as effective as silicone in healing scars, but faster. Results are reportedly evident in as little as 3-4 weeks, with significant improvement expected after 8 weeks of treatment. Others claim that polyurethane is significantly more effective than silicone dressings in reducing the adverse cosmetic effects of mature hypertrophic scars when worn for a period of 8 weeks, especially when used in conjunction with compression. The American Dermatology Association reported the effect of polyurethane dressings to be equivocal in the development of new hypertrophic scars but demonstrated “a significantly more pronounced reduction in severity” of scars, was better tolerated than silicone sheets, and may be especially beneficial in the treatment of mature scars. Sizes and pricing varies.
Skin Lightening
Skin lightening may be an option for those who haven’t had success reducing darker scars. Chemicals are used to reduce the concentration of melanin in the skin. The safety of skin lightening products is debated. The vast majority of them use one of two ingredients. Kojic acid and Hydroquinone, both of which have been linked to tumors in mice and are banned in several European countries. Nevertheless, hydroquinone creams such as Obagi Nu-Derm Clear (4% hydroquinone) are sometimes recommended by plastic surgeons.
Meladerm Pigment Reducing Complex – Meladerm can reduce the appearance of hyperpigmented skin, including areas with old scars. It contains Kojic acid, plus natural ingredients, and small amounts of synthetic preservatives and emulsifiers. (Kojic Acid, Alpha-Arbutin, Niacinamide, Mulberry Extract, Bearberry Extract, Licorice Extract, Tego® Cosmo C250, Gigawhite, Lemon Juice Extract, Emblica Extract). Animal cruelty free and made in the USA. $49.99 1.7 fl oz.
Topical Scar Care Products and Ingredients to Avoid
Lavender Oil: This essential oil has skin rejuvenating and healing properties and reportedly helps with all forms of scarring. However, both lavender and tea tree oils have also been linked to gynecomastia in young boys. It reportedly suppresses male hormones and activates female hormones. This could have unwanted effects for trans men, particularly those who are not on testosterone or who have not had a hysterectomy. Note that both the organic homeopathic Scar Control and the popular Bio-Oil products contains lavender.
ScarFade: This gel is made from silicone diluted with ethylene copolymer and octyl palmitate, an emollient. These fillers do not increase the efficacy of silicone, and you’d be better off choosing a product with a higher concentration of silicone. $25.50 15g / $44.95 30g. www.scarfade.com
Scar Zone: This is marketed as a scar treatment cream with green tea extract, but it’s actually a sunscreen with 4% silicone. While sun protection is important to scar management, it’s unclear what benefit sun screen offers as an ingredient in topical scar treatment creams and gels. $10 1 fl oz. www.scarzone.com/scar-zone.shtml
Squalene: While squalene can be extracted naturally from rice or wheat, the cosmetics industry tends to use squalene derived from shark liver oil, and there are serious ethical and environmental problems with harvesting biomaterials from a threatened oceanic species. Avoid these products that contain shark liver-derived squalene:
- Rejuvasil Scar Gel (ScarHeal also makes Scar Esthetique Scar Cream and Scar FX silicone sheeting. Speak with your dollars and avoid these products too.)
- Rejuvasil & ScarSil – Same manufacturer.
- Palmer’s Scar Serum
For more information about shark squalene, please see Oceana.org. Also, Take the No Shark Fin Pledge by signing this petition.
Verseo Scar Gone: The manufacturer website provides only vague information about this product’s ingredients, noting only vitamin E and mandelic acid. $9.95 15ml / 0.5 fl oz. www.verseo.com/verseo-scar-gone.html
D) Beyond Topical Scar Treatments
Stimulating Collagen Production: The Derma Roller is a device that can be used to improve the appearance of atrophic scars but not hypertrophic and keloid scars. The Derma Roller creates a painless microscopic trauma to the the affected area of skin, promoting collagen growth and reversing the formation of scars. The area may remain be void of hair follicles and sweat glands, but the skin will be thicker, have less pronounced discoloration and improved appearance. £55 each.
Compression Garments to Reduce Scarring: Post-op compression garments can be uncomfortable but there’s a fair body of evidence supporting their use. Compression garments help prevent problematic scars by applying pressure and protecting the tissue from overstretching, widening and thickening. Furthermore, pressure may help break up excessive scar tissue (collagen bundles) and soften the scar. However, treatment is slow: compression garments must be worn almost all day for 6 months or more before significant results can be achieved.
Steroid Injections for Hypertrophic and Keloid Scars: Steroid injections inhibits fibroblast growth, reducing the amount of collagen deposited into the scar, and have thus been a mainstay in therapy for keloids and hypertrophic scars. Potential side effects include hypopigmentation (less than normal pigmentation compared to the surrounding skin), atrophy, and telangiectasias (small dilated blood vessels near the surface of the skin.) Studies have shown that scar recurrence is common but steroid injection is generally considered effective for reduction of hypertrophic and keloid scars.
Laser Scar Removal and Revision: Laser technology offers promising treatment for the cosmetic and functional improvement of scars, including laser assisted scar healing (LASH) and Pulsed Dye Laser. Fractional laser technology delivers rapid, reliable scar revision and removal and is associated with less risk, pain and downtime compared to surgical solutions.
Surgical Treatment of Scars: Most scars won’t require surgery, but for some aggressive hypertrophic and keloid scars surgical excision or cryosurgery are indicated.
E) My Experience With Top Surgery Scar Care
When I had top surgery, I didn’t have the information that I do now about scar treatment and healing. Minimal scarring was important to me, so I got a second opinion when the first surgeon I consulted with recommended double incision as the best surgical choice for me. Despite a higher revision rate, I went with the peri-areolar procedure instead since it offered me less visible scarring. After my incisions healed, I started gently massaging aloe vera gel and cocoa or shea butter on my scars a couple of times daily. This seemed to help considerably with softening the pleated scars around the areola. I wore a compression vest for 6 weeks post-op.
I had a revision surgery 10 months later which included sizing down my areola. I wore a compression vest again, for 4 weeks this time, and my surgeon also suggested taping my incisions to help prevent them from stretching out as I healed. He recommended a wide Elastoplast tape but I developed a painful allergic reaction to the adhesive and we quickly switched me over to paper tape. I still found that my skin was too sensitive to tape regularly though, and I regret this because one of my scars did stretch out and it makes my areola look larger than it is. I continued using aloe vera gel, cocoa or shea butter, as well as castor oil, on my scars after the revision.
I was mostly going on instinct: There’s only a slim amount of medical literature that has demonstrated the effectiveness of aloe vera in relation to scar healing (see: Influence of Aloe vera on collagen characteristics in healing dermal wounds in rats.) Plus, the gel I buy has a small amount of alcohol in it, which could have been counter-productive given the drying effect it has. Also, vitamin E is hotly debated as an effective treatment, and cocoa and shea butters are both rich in vitamin E. Nevertheless, I’ve continued to use these, assuming that any effectiveness is coming from the hydration they offer, plus the massage from their application.
Recommendations (To My Past Self)
If I could go back in time and do it all over again, I would have chosen the same top surgery procedure, and stuck with the (annoying) compression vest, but I would have replaced the aloe vera gel with 100% silicone lube, and the cocoa and shea butters with a custom massage oil containing arnica, rosehip seed oil, seaweed extract and tanamu oil. I would have also been more persistent with the scar taping.
I’d like to further improve the look of my scars and even after a few years I still have some very good options, namely massage and acupuncture. I’m also intrigued by polyurethane’s potential at treating older scars and may look into this further. I would entertain the idea of surgical scar treatment, but only if this second revision was combined with another surgery.
F) 5 Final Tips
- Don’t over do it post-op, especially if you’re prone to hypertrophic scarring.
- Follow your surgeon’s recommendations with regards to scar healing. Know that if you choose to work outside those recommendations you could nullify your surgeon’s policies regarding revisions and liability.
- Delay all post-op treatment until your wounds have completely closed. After that, proceed slowly.
- Massage scars to break down scar tissue, and keep them “hyper-hydrated.”
- Keep your scars out of the sun for at least a year post-op.
G) Further Reading
- Clinical Insights – Topical scar modification: Hype or help? [PDF]
Mary H . McGrath, MD, a board-certified plastic surgeon and an ASAPS member, and David S. Chang, MD. - Topical treatments for hypertrophic scars. [PDF]
Zurada JM, Kriegel D, Davis IC (2006). Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology 55 (6): 1024–1031. - Journal references on the topical treatment of hypertrophic scars
Your Thoughts
Have you tried any of the solutions included in this article, and did you get good results? Or, have you used other scar healing treatments that worked well for you? Please leave your comments below to share your experience with scar healing.
All prices are approximate and in USD unless otherwise noted.
Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional. All of the information contained herein is provided “as is” without warranty of any kind, whether express or implied. See full disclaimer.
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