Compression vest & scar strips

[Radar]

How tight will the compression vest be after surgery? Is it like wearing a binder or tighter? I'm just curious because I don't want to wear it too tightly.

I also saw some Dr. Blaine silicone scar strips yesterday. What I liked about these is that they were washable and reusable. Has anyone used these before? How did they work? Would you recommend silicone scar strips at all?

[M.Grimm]

The post-surgery compression is snug, although my surgeon put it on me and told me to simply not remove it at all until I came back in for my first post-op visit. It was pretty much like a binder, although not as tight.

The silicone strips I use are 'ScarAway', and I used them sporadically at first, along with some scar cream. Recently I started using them again, wearing them 24 hours (except for a break while showering) and it's making a noticeable difference on my scar healing. So even though it's kind of annoying to wear them for months I'd still recommend some kind of scar strips, it's worked so much better than just the cream/gel.

[Radar]

Thanks for the info Grimm. Since I'll be wearing the vest for 6 weeks I'll have to take it off at times. I just want to make sure I don't wear it so tight it impedes healing. Nice to know it's not as tight as a binder though.

I have heard using strips helps alot. I have some cocoa butter and vitamin E liquid to use once I can. About how long is it before the incisions heal enough to start using stuff on them?

Does the brand of silicone strips seem to matter or not? I know there's some real pricey ones out there. I liked the idea of using Dr. Blaine's strips since they're washable and reusable. It would save money and be more eco-friendly. However, if they work like crap then I don't want to get them.

[M.Grimm]

I don't think the brand matters, as long as you can keep it in place. There's something about having the silicone surface pressed to the scar that makes it heal better. I sometimes put on some vit e+shea+cocoa butter stuff before I put the strips on, which is also fine as long as it doesn't prevent the strips from staying in place. You can use the strips as soon as your incisions are healed and the scabs are off.

The compression thing you'll have is mostly to ensure your tissues adhere properly during healing, and keep fluid from building up. You'll have to sleep with it on. I think I ended up having it on for 7 weeks, as far as day and night use goes, and then an extra week after that where I wore it just for sleeping.