What has helped Reduce your Scar Tissue?

sm627
sm627 Member Posts: 298
edited July 2018 in Surgery - Before, During, and After

Hi Everyone,


Happy holidays to all. I need some help I have a lot of scar tissue from my mastectomy back in June. My BS has told me to use Silicone pads and I am wondering which ones work well? When I went to CVS they told me that most of the Silicone pads they have don't work well. I have called my BS for her recommendation, but I wanted to ask you ladies what has worked for you to reduce scar tissue?

Thank you for any help you can provide. I am 33 and these last few months have been so overwhelming, but coming to this site and getting support from all of you has helped me feel so much better and less scared.

Hugs,

Sara

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Comments

  • ravzari
    ravzari Member Posts: 277
    edited December 2017

    I used NewGel+ on mine, though I had a reaction to the adhesive and switched to the NewGel+E gel instead after about a week.

    Keep in mind even when using silicone products, it takes about a year for the scar to fully mature and turn to its lightest color (for most people white or a very pale pink) and the first 6-8 months they tend to look 'angry' and red no matter what you do, as it's just part of the healing/maturation process.

    If you have raised/keloid type scars, however, silicone sheeting isn't likely to provide much of a reduction or improvement; keloid or raised scarring usually has to be treated either with laser treatments or sometimes with scar revision surgery, though if you're prone to keloids there's no guarantee they won't come back after a revision surgery.

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  • Sara536
    Sara536 Member Posts: 7,032
    edited December 2017

    I don't know how many different kinds of scar tissue there are but I had a band across my chest under the visable scars beneath my breasts (double lift after lumpectomy) It kept getting tighter and tighter. I've heard this referred to as the "iron bra syndrome". Three sessions of heavy massage and stretching by a specially trained physical therapist took care of it completely. The first time I actually felt a snapping sensation (not painful) like she was breaking it up. It was such a relief! It went all the way accross my chest. I had total breast radiation on only one side.

    PS: I see you are from the SF Bay Area. I'd be happy to recommend my PT if you send me a private message.:)

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  • MTwoman
    MTwoman Member Posts: 2,704
    edited December 2017

    ravzari, I had keloid scars that did, in fact, resolve with silicone sheeting. After 4 surgeries (lx, mx, TE placement, exchange surgery) where they tried to reduce the number of scars by cutting through the same tissue over and over again, I had some pretty nasty ones. Honestly, you can't really see them very well now. I initially had a reaction to the tape, but got a tape intended for latex allergy and was able to use the sheeting effectively.

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  • sm627
    sm627 Member Posts: 298
    edited December 2017

    Thank you all for your sharing your experiences and advice for what worked for you.

    Ravzari: Thank you for letting me know about how long it might take for scars to fully heal. I have been having to learn to be patient and wait for things to heal. I guess I will just have to get used to letting nature take its course. My skin is raised with a pink/redish color and I am not sure if the silicone pads will help with that or not. My BS told me that if things don't look any better in February she will give me a Kenalog injection.

    Sara536: So glad that your PT was able to help you with the tightness and your scar tissue as well. I would love to get your recommendation for a PT. I will send you a PM for more info. Thank you so much for offering.

    MTwoman: I am glad to hear that the Silicone sheets worked for you. I picked some up today so I hope they work a little. I see that you had your battle with BC in 2002. Do things get better with time both physically and emotional? I am wondering if I will have to live with nerve pain forever. How long does it take to stop thinking about BC.

    Thank you all again for you help I appreciate you all very much.

    Hugs,

    Sara

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  • FranFlamini
    FranFlamini Member Posts: 3
    edited July 2018

    I had my lumpectomy in May of 2017 followed by 2 re-excisions in June and August, 2017. I completed radiation in October 2017 and now have been having tenderness at the incision. BC and Radiation Oncologist said it is common and should massage the area. Is there a lotion that would also be good for me to use to add relief?

    Thanks,

    Fran

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