Practical questions about using silicone scar gel strips

[Vestyn]

Hi everyone,

I'm 4 weeks post-op and would like to start scar-care. I have two packages of (EXPENSIVE! ) 12cm x 3cm CICA-CARE gel sheets that I bought at a pharmacy in Singapore (looking at the package, it appears that they were imported from the U.K.) Once these packages are out though, I'm kinda SOL because I can't buy these in the developing country where I live, so I'm kinda nervous about doing something wrong and ruining them before their already short 2-4 week lifespan. 

So here are my questions:

1. The strips are 12 cm long each and my incisions are probably about 14 cm long. They're only 3 cm wide, so do you think it'd be okay to cut them in half, length-wise to run the entire length of the scars? (And perhaps save the extra for a second application?) Or too risky? The package says you can cut them, but I'm afraid to take my scissors to them if they turn out to be difficult to cut.

2. I've been storing them (unopened) in the refrigerator because the package says to keep them at less than 25 degrees and it rarely gets that cold here. I'm hoping I can keep them cleaner if I only wear them at night, so is it okay if I continue to store them in the refrigerator during the day, do you think?

3. ...and when I DO store them, do I put them back in the box, or...? They don't seem to come with a case or anything. Just packaging you peel off and throw away? How exactly do you store them? 

4. The package says you're supposed to wash them before and after every use but in that case, how do they remain sticky?

5. How do you know when they're not good anymore? If they won't stick to my skin anymore, can I use surgical tape?

Thanks for your help, guys.

[Bimmer Guy]

Vestyn,

I can tell you what I did.

What I used was this product:  http://www.americanscreeningcorp.com/ScarAway-LONG-Silicone-Scar-Treatment-Sheets-P25363.aspx?utm_source=GoogleShopping&utm_medium=organic&gclid=CJLz5PTi2cECFc1Z7Aod0isAGQ

To answer your questions:

1) yes, cut them lengthways as long as they will cover the whole scar.  Just make sure there is a little room on either side of the incision line.  If so, yes, you can do it.
2) Use two sets and rotate them, wearing them for 24 hours.  Here how it goes.  Shower, put on clean strips.  24 hours later, take off strips, wash them, and hang them to dry.  Shower, put on the other set, that have been hanging drying from the day before.  So, each 24 hour period you will be putting on a clean set you washed 24 hours previously.  Use a clear pump like soap, if you can.  Otherwise, find a soap that isn't of the "moisturizing" type.

I just used a metal towel rack to hang the edge of the strips on to dry overnight.

Scar Away brand says you can use the strips for one week and then throw away.  I bet you can get away with using them longer.

I didn't "store" them in any way since they were hanging to dry and reused.  Since they were hanging sticky part down, it is not like even dust got onto them.

Washing the strips actually keeps them sticky.

Let me know if you understand the above.

[aleon515]

Ideally you'd have two sets (each set lasts a month hopefully), so this way you get 2 months. It makes sense. I gave up on them due to not liking that they "curled". Brett says the brand name do not.  (Don't recall the 1 week thing but perhaps there is enough in the package to last a month. Can't imagine the generic have different instructions.)

But odd stuff they get less sticky during the day. You hang them out (I used a plastic cup, which worked but wasn't ideal). Then when wet they are incredibly sticky and slippery. They work better after their bath.

Reminds me of the song about socks that you put in the water and they don't get wet.
But this is science. 


--Jay

I didn't "store" them in any way since they were hanging to dry and reused.  Since they were hanging sticky part down, it is not like even dust got onto them.

Washing the strips actually keeps them sticky.

Let me know if you understand the above.

[Vestyn]

Thanks, Jay and Brett.

Okay, so you don't *store* them when they're not in use, you *hang* them...I'm a little bit concerned about the extreme amount of dust and heat here reducing their lifespan. :/ And hanging them upside down doesn't reduce their stickiness?

"Clear pump"...umm....pretty sure the only soap I have is moisturizing. Could I use alcohol-based antibacterial gel-stuff? Or is soap really necessary - what if I just used water?

Rotating between sets makes sense but I don't have two sets...though if I successfully manage to cut down these strips length-wise, I'll probably have 1 and 3/4 sets. 

What about my plan to only wear them for 12 hours instead of 24 to lengthen their lifespan? Is it a good idea?

[Bimmer Guy]

Thanks, Jay and Brett.

Okay, so you don't *store* them when they're not in use, you *hang* them...I'm a little bit concerned about the extreme amount of dust and heat here reducing their lifespan. :/ And hanging them upside down doesn't reduce their stickiness?

Up to you, but they will only be hanging for 24 hours, face down.

"Clear pump"...umm....pretty sure the only soap I have is moisturizing. Could I use alcohol-based antibacterial gel-stuff? Or is soap really necessary - what if I just used water?

Go with whatever soap you have.  The soap's point is to kill off the dead skin cells, so no to just water.

Rotating between sets makes sense but I don't have two sets...though if I successfully manage to cut down these strips length-wise, I'll probably have 1 and 3/4 sets. 

Right, cut them lengthwise

What about my plan to only wear them for 12 hours instead of 24 to lengthen their lifespan? Is it a good idea?

Nope, the package I have says the longer you wear them the quicker they will work.  Mine specifically stated to try to use them 24/7.  I don't really understand why you feel 12 hours would be a better choice?  You aren't "using them up", by keeping them on for the full 24 hours.

Jay - yes, the name brand, Scar Away did not lift or curl up at all.  "Stayed put", no problem.

[aleon515]

I live in the desert where it dusty! I have dust in closed cabinets. I didn't have a problem. I don't consider that for a 1-2 month item that they have a "lifespan". No drying them makes them sticky again. NO problems-- never had one.

I know you're a guy and all but you need to use real soap. LOL  I have no idea what alcohol would do for them to them. I think the wetting them is part of the "magic", I mean science. I suppose you could use a bit of dish soap. I just used regular hand soap which is about $1.00 for a generic bottle.

You don't have to rotate. I think it's a good idea but I didn't do it. I took them off a little bit before I took a shower, washed them, and hung them up. I might have to wait to put them on. But that generally worked. I said it was a bit of a bother, but it's not really extreme in anyway.

Well you could wear them 12 hours but you just had $$$ surgery, but then again, I know guys who used nothing whatsover and still look great.

--Jay

Thanks, Jay and Brett.

Okay, so you don't *store* them when they're not in use, you *hang* them...I'm a little bit concerned about the extreme amount of dust and heat here reducing their lifespan. :/ And hanging them upside down doesn't reduce their stickiness?

"Clear pump"...umm....pretty sure the only soap I have is moisturizing. Could I use alcohol-based antibacterial gel-stuff? Or is soap really necessary - what if I just used water?

Rotating between sets makes sense but I don't have two sets...though if I successfully manage to cut down these strips length-wise, I'll probably have 1 and 3/4 sets. 

What about my plan to only wear them for 12 hours instead of 24 to lengthen their lifespan? Is it a good idea?

[Bimmer Guy]

I live in the desert where it dusty! I have dust in closed cabinets. I didn't have a problem. I don't consider that for a 1-2 month item that they have a "lifespan". No drying them makes them sticky again. NO problems-- never had one.

I know you're a guy and all but you need to use real soap. LOL  I have no idea what alcohol would do for them to them. I think the wetting them is part of the "magic", I mean science. I suppose you could use a bit of dish soap. I just used regular hand soap which is about $1.00 for a generic bottle.

You don't have to rotate. I think it's a good idea but I didn't do it. I took them off a little bit before I took a shower, washed them, and hung them up. I might have to wait to put them on. But that generally worked. I said it was a bit of a bother, but it's not really extreme in anyway.

Well you could wear them 12 hours but you just had $$$ surgery, but then again, I know guys who used nothing whatsover and still look great.

--Jay

Yes, if you won't mind waiting for them to dry it is no big deal.  I tend to be the type who doesn't shower until the last minute before needing to leave, so that didn't work for me.  I tried one set for a while, even with holding a air dryer on them.  lol  Just easier to have two sets running.  You will figure out what works for you.