bio oil for post-laparascopy scars

[MissAnnersleyismyhero]

Just that really... anyone used it? My scars are very livid and red, not the "almost invisible" ones I was promised by my surgical team

Anyone used anything else?

[krazipan]

When did you have the op? They will fade but can take months. I had my appendix out laparoscopically and I couldn't tell you where the scars are now.

[MissAnnersleyismyhero]

It was on New Year's Eve (!) one scar in particular is really bad

[lurkingaround]

You can use bio-oil. I had a laparocscopic procedure early Feb, my scars are not invisible, but are quite faint, not angry and red. What does your GP say? They will fade tho, it might take a bit longer for you.

[Grokette]

DH is a surgeon and he always tells patients that using Bio-Oil will help more than using nothing or another random moisturiser, but will not make scars disappear.

You also need to use it frequently and religiously, ie not haphazardly like I did on my laparascopy and C section scars

[MrsMarigold]

I had a laparoscopy almost 4 years ago the scar is invisible. It took about two years to fade. (I've also had two children subsequently - one by c-section - so the area has undergone lots of stress).

[Elsiequadrille]

18 mths ago and mine are now invisible. I didn't use anything, aside from ordinary body lotion.

[Leviticus]

I believe it's the massaging action that makes the real difference but I'm interested to hear that the PP's surgeon DH rates Bio oil. I'll be using mine more often.

Your op is still recent, it's not time to worry yet.

[lurkingaround]

My surgeon said 'BioOil, E45, whatever, one of those' so I think it really doesn't make a difference as long as the area is moisturised.

[MissAnnersleyismyhero]

Thanks everyone! I'll try the bio oil and hope for the best

[justasecond]

The scars will go over time. I had a laparoscopy with 2 small incisions and a 3inch one about 11 years ago. The scars were raised and hard or lumpy for a year or so. Now they can hardly be seen as my stomach is covered in a million stretch marks post 3 dc

[MrsPeacockDidIt]

Another one here who has had them. I had 3 laparoscopies in 2007 and didn't do anything with the scars at all and they faded to nothing. Not sure how long but at least a year I think.

I had a c/s in 2011 and my scar is pretty much invisible now, again without anything put on it.

It's only been a few months and they will fade in time although its hard to see them so red I know.

[DameDiazepamTheDramaQueen]

Silicone patches or gel are the only thing that works for scars.

[HazeltheMcWitch]

Really, Grockette? That is interesting!
I've had a few ops, and I have always been told what Leviticus said - that it's the massaging action.
Maybe an oil is better for massaging as it isn't absorbed as quickly, so you massage for longer? (Nb this is my theory)

[DameDiazepamTheDramaQueen]

My physio said it's the massaging action which breaks down the scar tissue and improves circulation. Only silicone will make a difference to the scar.

[PigletJohn]

the patches of white plasticcy gel really do work. I have an interesting assortment of scars, including some deep ones. Unfortunately, although the patches are tacky enough to hold on a bit, and you can use tubigrip to hold them on, say, a wrist or ankle, they are more difficult on, say, your back.

they are also surprisingly expensive, though it is possible to cut them to size, and wash and reuse several times. It takes months.

[DameDiazepamTheDramaQueen]

Elastoplast do a pack of scar therapy plasters I think there were 20 in a pack for about 20 quid. They stick on just like a plaster and I used then on my leg, they lasted 2 days each. I probably used 3 packets in total, so about 60 quid in total. The difference between my scars and a friend 's who had the same surgery as me at the same time, is like night and day. Mine are faded and hers are still livid red.