|
Post-operative
Scar Treatment For Extra-oral incisions / Scars
Many people believe that
Topical Vitamin E will help with their scars, and that is fine for some,
it very well may. However, a study published in Dermatologic Surgery
(04/99) reported that topical Vitamin E had no
effect and even worsened the appearance of incision lines/scars in 90% of
cases. An additional finding showed an increase in cases of
contact dermatitis (1/3 of the cases in the study). Some cases even
showed an excess production of collagen which increased the vertical
height of the scar. The New York Times later reported these findings
several months later in a June 8th issue. Read More Below.
I am not saying that all cases will exhibit worsened scars
with the use of Topical Vitamin E - but some
very well may. I personally believe it is better to be safe than
sorry and have always chosen a regimen of surgical paper tape for the
first initial healing phase and then have switched over to silicone
sheeting. However, Vitamin E does have free radical eradication
properties and may be very effective. Be sure that you wait long enough
after your surgery to take Vitamin E because of its anti-platelet
properties. BE SURE to ask your surgeon before resuming any
anti-platelet inducing medications such as Vitamin E and aspirin, or
aspirin-containing products. Failure to do so can prohibit clot formation and
cause hemorrhaging.
Silicone sheeting is becoming
more popular for flattening and fading of scars. It is unknown if the
Topical Gels are as effective as the sheeting although some doctors believe
it is more the pressure of the sheeting rather than the substance it is made
from. I personally do not like topical gels but do find them effective
and less of a hassle than the sheeting for visible facial applications or small,
discolored flat scars or scrapes.
Many surgeons are beginning to
use surgical paper tapes such as Steri-Strips by 3M Corp. These
paper tapes have shown considerable flattening and fading in patients who
were given paper tape over no scar therapy directly post-op.
Some surgeons even suggest
that you apply Retin A to the incision line (once it has healed closed)
and cover the scar with paper tape. Wait several days and repeat
until the scar has faded. Incidentally, many liposuction scars are treated
this way, and very effectively I might add.
The bottom line is, not all
therapies will work for every patient, however please discuss your options
with your surgeon, he or she may not suggest any or only a few of the
above therapies. Please do not go against your surgeon's
instructions.
More
Information On Vitamin E
Visit our very own Cosmetic Surgery
Recovery Store for products targeted for Jaw Augmentation patients...
home |
about
jaw augmentation | your options & more | plastic
surgeon info | consultation info
surgery preparation | the
surgery | recovery | photos
| message
board | chat room | links
| about us
Are you lost? Site
Index
All About Jaw Augmentation
- A Jaw Implants & Jaw Augmentation Patient Education & Support Network
Copyright © 2006-2007 newimage.com - Jaw Augmentation - All rights reserved. All rights reserved.
Please read our Usage Agreement
This page was last updated: 08/24/2005
|
