Post-op care help

[Matthiu]

Hi everyone!~

I had DI on May 10th with Mr Andrew Yelland in the UK. I'm about 2.5 weeks post op, scars are sealing nicely, only a few scabs now and nipple scabs have started going. Just a bit concerned about the aftercare for when I get to it.

I was told to use Bio Oil after 4 weeks and massage, but been put off after reading a few guys experiences and research of it, and now looking into Bio Oil more myself. Some guys have said it works great, but I'm unsure whether to listen to use it or not.

I'm now planning on buying some simple silicone gel (ScarAway Repair Gel with Kelo-Cote) and silicone sheets (something like Mepiform) to cut into strips, is this a good idea for me? And can I start using both of these treatments at 4 weeks post-op? I was thinking to use the gel first and switch to strips if anything gets worse.

I've found some good Youtube videos that document aftercare too, so I will try tamanu and rosehip seed oils for massage.

Also can I apply silicone gel/sheets to the areola/nipple after they aren't scabbed? My surgeon said not to apply the Bio Oil to the areola/nipple, but don't know why.

Any treatment recommendations and products would be super helpful!

Thank you

-Matthiu

[invisiblemonsters]

anything with silicone is the best way to go. i personally used kelo-cote. you didn't need much of it (a pea size) and it worked great. i don't remember what was said about bio oil but i was told to keep away from it. i think it was because it was an oil and can dry out the skin? not sure though. i tried using the strips but i was constantly moving around and they never stayed on. as for using it on nipples, it is because your nipples don't need it. 4 weeks is usually a good time to apply the gel, strip, whatever but generally it is just when your scars are healed/closed that you can start using it.

[Wolfy]

My dr suggested using mepitac which you can get a 3 yard sheet of it in a roll for about 15usd. It's already pre siced and its silicone. I've been using it since fresh out of surgery. It's a pretty good multitude tape too.
I've heard good things about maderma too. I've also heard great things about bio oil but I'm not sure when exactly it can start to be used. A lot of people use some type a gel and then use the scar strips over it.

Don't buy any of these items at stores though. They jack up their prices. I saw maderma at a pharmacy for 38 dollars and for the same thing on Amazon it was 18 dollars.

[Effervescent_elegy]

Hey Matthiu!

I'm only 1 day post-op (vest and binder still on) but there is SO much information and linked research about Bio Oil, silicone strips, and scar care over on the sticked post-surgery updates thread. Those guys really know their stuff, and you can see people's different regimes at many different points in time. I'd spend some time cruising through those pages to get some good info!