Using ScarAway

[AnxietyDisord3r]

I bought some ScarAway strips and also silicone in the tube from Drugstore.com. I'm wondering how do people use these products post op?

When do you start? I understand you may be in compression after surgery?

The box says you wash and reuse the strips. Soap and water? Just water? Water and cetaphil? Do they have to dry out before you reapply?

At what point do you transition from the strips to the cream?

[Alexthecat]

You don't start using those until the wound is healed so that's about a month post op. I used strips for awhile and just washed with soap and water and let them dry. I never used cream.

[invisiblemonsters]

alexthecat is right, you don't use them until your wounds are healed and closed. i tried strips but they never stuck and with my job, it was a disaster. i switched to kelo-cote gel and i loved it. it's in a small tube, but you just apply a thin layer before you sleep and when you wake up i believe it says to do it and it just stays on.

[FTMax]

I got a box of strips as a gift. I don't really care about aesthetics, so for me they were more hassle than they were worth. I was in a compression vest for 2 weeks post-op. I think for most people it is 4 weeks. Every surgeon is a little different in when they'll allow you to use scar treatment, so best to ask yours. You have to be healed before you can use them is the main thing.

I used them a month or two post-op, for a month. I cut them in half, then lined them up over the incisions. I would take them off when I showered, soak them in warm water, and put them back on. I don't think I waited for them to dry. I would get about 3-4 wears out of them before needing to apply new ones.

[RaptorChops]

The only scar tape/strips I had success with was Mepitac. It held on very well and I changed it out every few days. I now use Scar Away gel but don't use it everyday. I feel the gel is much easier to use and is giving me better results (could just be my body doing its thing too). I started doing scar treatment around a month after my surgery.

[AnxietyDisord3r]

I got a box of strips as a gift. I don't really care about aesthetics, so for me they were more hassle than they were worth. I was in a compression vest for 2 weeks post-op. I think for most people it is 4 weeks. Every surgeon is a little different in when they'll allow you to use scar treatment, so best to ask yours. You have to be healed before you can use them is the main thing.

Can you tell me about the compression vest? Where do you get it from?

[RaptorChops]

My compression vest was included with my surgery. They put me in a small and I normally wear a medium/large.. Good thing for pain meds

[anibioman]

i used cheap target brand silicone strips I recommend them. I think they do a great job of preventing stretching as they kind of hold both sides of the skin together. I'd also recommend you wear some light compression like a tight under armor shirt even after you take the compression vest off.

[AnxietyDisord3r]

How do you get a tight shirt on if you can't pick your arms up over your head--or can you?

[Meowt]

You won't be able to for a little while after surgery, most people can get a tshirt on after a week.

Baggy button up shirts are a must for surgery - you'll be bandaged up and won't have much movement in your arms

[FTMax]

I got a box of strips as a gift. I don't really care about aesthetics, so for me they were more hassle than they were worth. I was in a compression vest for 2 weeks post-op. I think for most people it is 4 weeks. Every surgeon is a little different in when they'll allow you to use scar treatment, so best to ask yours. You have to be healed before you can use them is the main thing.

Can you tell me about the compression vest? Where do you get it from?

RaptorChops and I went to the same surgeon. It was included in the price of our surgery. A nurse fit me for it on the day of surgery. I believe most surgeons provide it, but I think I have seen some that want you to buy your own, so you'll need to clarify whether they mean buy it and bring it, or it's a separate fee and they'll provide it for $XX.

How do you get a tight shirt on if you can't pick your arms up over your head--or can you?

Compression vest comes off around the 1 month mark, at which point you're encouraged to wear some kind of compressive t-shirt (think Under Armour). After drains came out at 1 week, I had no issues getting a t-shirt on. You just have to be careful and ease into it.