Keloids after mastectomy and reconstruction

Starlight7

Does anybody else have a problem with keloids? My last surgery for reconstruction was on February 28th 2017 and again my scars are in full bloom. Not only are they ugly but they hurt too. The plastic surgeon recommended silicone strips, which I have worn for 2 months now. Does it work? Do I need to be more patient? I would love to hear some success stories about how you guys got rid of ugly scars

Moderators

Hi starlight7, and welcome to Breastcancer.org!

We're sorry you're here and dealing with this undesirable side effect, but you've come to the best place for support, advice, and answers. Someone will surely be by soon to weigh in with their thoughts and experiences.

We look forward to hearing more from you soon! Please let us know if there's anything we can do to help.

--The Mods

rk85

Hi Starlight,

I had terrible keloids from reconstruction. I had fat grafting reconstruction which left many round scars on my chest. Tried the silicone strips, didn't work at all. The only thing that worked were steroid injections into the scars. This will flatten the scars over a few days. Some went away after first shot, others went away then came back and needed repeat shots 3,4 or 5 times. My plastic surgeon gave me the shots, as well as a dermatologist and finally my gp.

Now I only have one stubborn scar that refuses to go quietly.

dreaming

I also have this problem, they scars are now symptomatic , red, itchy , painful .

In the UK they have this new cream Solution for scars, but they can not sell in the USA yet because of FDA approval, the results of the trials are excellent , I had a friend buy it for me and mail it , it has improved by scars from my mastectomy, also I use it for the scar left from my basal cell carcinoma Moh surgery in my face.

If many call or contact the FDA , this wonderful cream to treat keloid scars can be approved.

I tried silicone sheets, the injections that were painful, nothing worked, except Solutions for scars.

I found it trough an article in the Daily Mail UK.

MTwoman

I got pretty significant keloids too. The silicon sheeting worked wonders for me. It not only knocked down the raised scars, but lightened their color until they're almost the same tone as my regular skin. It did take awhile, but sorry I don't really remember how long.

Starlight7

Thank you Ladies for replying. My husband and my surgeon both think the silicone strips are working. I'm not sure I see a difference. Each of you had a different solution. I will wait and see what happens. My left side, the one without cancer seems to be more angry. I just ordered more strips and I will use them for the rest of the year. If there is no improvement, i will try the steroid shots next.

Stef