Hey all. I had top surgery a little while back and have been trying a few different options for scar treatment. I started off with a sample of Scarguard, and while it did help prevent most issues with my scarring, it was inconvenient and messy to use. According to the directions, you're supposed to touch it up throughout the day, and unfortunately, my job does not allow enough time to do as such. The treatment would just flake off and leave a huge mess on my undershirt.

I tried Mederma for a while, and while it's given me the best results overall, I recently had a bad reaction to it. Basically, my scars dried out and a rash developed around them. So I've stopped scar treatment altogether while my skin heals, which is kind of a pain to be honest. My scars have stretched slightly, but that's normal, really. I'm more interested in preventing raised/bright red scars, and would really appreciate any suggestions. I've heard of the silicone strips that you apply to your skin, but I wonder if they'll be convenient to wear and use for someone who works 9-12 hours a day on average? :x

Seriously. I'm open to ideas here. Thanks to anyone who can help!

I tried all of the over the counter stuff with varying success. I ended up making myself a scar ointment with some cocoa butter,  coconut oil, vitamin E, Tanamu Oil, Rosehip Oil, Arnica and a smidge of DMSO. Works way better at least for me - I have been using it in the am and before bed and after a shower. Hope that helps.

Some stuff called 'Bio-Oil'. It works wonders! I used it on my chest scars twice a day after surgery, and it was awesome. No mess, a little goes a long way, and it's easy to get your hands on because damn-near everywhere sells it.

Zerro, try dermefface....I got some online.  I had skin cancer removed from my arm this past year and the scar was just over 3 inches.  I used the dermefface for a couple of weeks and noticed a significant difference...but after 5 weeks it was no longer red at all and the skin wasn't raised.  You can find it for around $40....but it does work.  Hope this helps & wish you well!

I second the vote on Bio-Oil.
I haven't had surgery yet, but I do use it on my acne scars.
I know that there's a big difference, but still, it's still scar tissue.

I'll second the bio-oil just as a treatment for any scar in general- I've seen the stuff work wonders before.
Good luck, man!

Edit: Damn, got sniped by a matter of seconds! Well...I'll third the bio-oil, then. 

Pawpaw cream works well.

I think I'll have to give the bio oil a try, since it's a little more easily accessible to me at the moment. Plus I have some acne scars I can test it on too. Thanks for the suggestions! I'll see if it's an improvement on the previous treatments I've used.