Improving Appearance of Incision

[stephen1254]

While my incision has healed well without infection, it certainly looks like a zipper - attach a pull tab at the top and you could inspect all the work done inside. Is there anything in particular - other than time - that people have done to improve its appearance? I've been lightly massaging the entire area with fingers. My wife suggested Vitamin E oil. Any other ideas?

[hernanu]

Time mostly, I believe massage or some of the treatments others have mentioned (in due time) would help with scar tissue and any 'gathering' that could happen because of the adhesions.

I've definitely heard of the vitamin E benefits, was advised to do it by one of the nurses at the hospital; I think your wife is probably right.

Embrace the zippers and maybe do a fake zipper tattoo around it? Maybe twin dragons or vines? At 17 + 14 months, mine are is still visible, but much less so than at first. I told someone at the gym that they left those for quick access since I need them oiled every six months. He looked shocked.

[imgetinold]

I LOVE the tatoo idea.  I've never been a tatoo person, but would seriously consider that.

Except for the risk of infection, thing.  Maybe I'll  just have my wife draw funny pictures around it!

[Spanielsal]

Hi guys, do you get Bio oil out there?  it is supposed to be very good.  Sal

[Tin Soldier]

Just a quick word of caution, the surgeon will likely have some restrictions on topical things for a few weeks.  Probably all based on the potential for infection (ie the suture zone needs to be healed enough).  Stephen - you might want to check on that, being only 2.5 weeks or so. 

I added nothing to mine, but a little massage, when I could get it.  Mine are a bit purple and the elder one (13 months) is starting to get bits of skin tone color (aka fish belly white) between purply dashes.  The younger one (8 months) is still mostly purple.  Both are still depressions in the surface and may be for along time.  I'm not much of a tat guy, but it's already sort of a tattoo that tells one heck of story, right?   A few of us can tell that story twice, one for each cheek.  I can see it 40 years from now, sitting in the recliner with all the grandkids, "sonny, let me tell you about this cheek,......", grandma rolls her eyes ::), then about 3 hours later, "sonny, let me tell you about the other cheek" 

[mslendzion]

I've been recommended Medurma (which I'm currently using), vitamin E oil, or coconut butter.  If the scare is risen you can have your doctor or dermatologist perscribe a scar patch.  I heard they work really well but you have to have a raised scar. 

Also, you need to check with your doctor to see when you can start using scar treatments, I was not cleared around week 4.

[WTW15]

I joked about getting a train tattoo'd on mine, as my scar with staple marks look like train tracks.  maybe even a little union station with people gathering to board the train.  All Aboard the Hippy Train!  WOO-WOO! 

I've been using Wan Hau oil from my acupuncturist that I started after all was well closed up/healed.  My scar is noticeably lighter from week 4 to now, week 13.  I don't think it will ever go away.   I can't wait to put on a bathing suit and watch people try not to stare.  LOL 

Also going to try Mederma as it worked well on my son's dogbite scars on his face.  (but that's another story......) 

I like the pull-tab idea too!