Scarring pictures

BansterNYC · July 10, 2008

This is a topic dear to me, so let me share some advice with you. I wanted to manage my scars in the best way possible, and I was initially apprehensive about scars too.

Other bandsters don't care too much about scars -- they just *hope* they heal, and maybe use some Mederma. (A weak product in my opinion, and better for small cuts, not laproscopic surgical scars).

I wanted to be real proactive about my scar treatment. The *key* time to treat scars is in the initial weeks out of surgery and the first 6 months of healing. After that, it is real tough to make significant progress. The sooner you act, the better!!!

Also, let's be clear. Surgical scars need to be treated differently than burn scars. So, please do not follow advice for burns. For your SURGICAL scars here's the best treatment. I say the "best" treatment, for a few reasons. 1. I have compared my scars to other lap-band patients (in-person) and can see a big difference in my healing.

2. Some of the best dermatologists are here in NYC, and am taking advantage of this and seeing the top rated docs in this field.

3. I have done extensive research on this topic. Not just 3 hours of internet surfing and reading some opinions, but real research into the science of how the skin heals. I also looked into the treatment on plastic surgery on breasts and face to see the treatments available there. So, based on ALL of this, here's my advice:

Dermatologist -- please see a dermatologist if you want proper scar care. My dermatologist monitored my scars and recommended the following:

Kelo-Cote -- Start using 1 week after surgery: http://www.skinstore.com/<wbr>store/product.asp?catID=8975&<wbr>prodID=8977 Also available for half the price on eBay. It is a gel you apply 2x/day daily for the first 7 months. My scars look great!
Arnica Montana -- available at GNC. I took tons of this starting 3 weeks before my surgery as it really reduces bruising and has helped heal my scars. Promotes healing. I used it for 8 weeks post surgery too.
Steroid -- 2 of my scars were raised, thus my dermatologist injected a tiny amount of steroid into the scar. Within a day, they were flat again! Regular visits to the dermatologist are necessary.
No Sun -- Stay out of the sun!!! Sun exposure will "set" the scars and make further healing and improvement difficult. My dermatologist recommended at least 1 year with no sun exposure, and 2 years if I can stand it. This was not a problem for me since I do not have a good bikini body anyway! I wear a one-piece bathing suit, and put zinc oxide or strong sun block on my scars even under my bathing suit. It is more difficult for men to keep scars out of the sun for obvious reasons.

zeama · July 10, 2008

I have 6 incisions, and they are still covered with bandaids, but I'll post some pictures later. The scars will not bother me a bit. This is part of a positive new part of a new life for me and I wear them with pride! :thumbs_down: