Kelo-cote silicone c-section gel, tester review thread - Final feedback. NOW CLOSED

[TheOtherHelenMumsnet]

This thread is for the 250 Mumsnetters who are trying out the new silicone c-section gel from Kelo-cote.

Below are the first set of feedback questions, more will be added at a later date. Please answer the questions below and add any other comments you may have.

Everyone who adds their feedback to this thread will be entered into a prize draw where one winner will receive a £200 John Lewis voucher.

Q1 How easy or difficult did you find Kelo-cote to apply?

Q2. On average how long did you find it took Kelo-cote to dry? Was this a longer or shorter time than you expected?

Q3. How did you find the feel of the gel? e.g. texture, stickiness etc

Q4. Before taking part in this product test, had you ever tried Kelo-cote or any other scar reducing product before? If so, which one(s)?

The next set of feedback questions will be added around the first week of February.

Thanks,
MNHQ

[iclaudius]

1 application is easy once we worked out how to get the gel out of the tube!

1. Drying time for me seems slow - at least two mins but I got used to it .
   
2. Once dry it does stay as a noticeable entity on the skin - slightly sticky as others say but not unpleasant - just a reminder .
   
3. Used clarins and bio oil in all pregnancies and post partum .

[aerynsun]

Q1 - easy to apply but I needed more than a "grain of rice"
Q2 - It dried quicker than I expected, it felt comfortably dry within a minute or two
Q3 - it just seemed like any other gel texture to me, no more sticky or thick than expected
Q4 - I did not try anything previously as my scar is prone to flare ups

[MumtoF]

Q1 Very easy

Q2. As per instructions if I put too much on it didn't seem to dry but otherwise a few minutes

Q3. It was about right as could apply the right amount, squeezing the right amount out of the tube was more of an issue

Q4. I tried Kelo-cote as soon as my scar healed (it is now two years old) to prevent it going Keloid. It still went Keloid at a later date (was no longer using Kelocote) just as my previous C-section did. On my previous scar I had sterioid injections and steroid tape which did work in some bits but made my scar sink in. I also used bio-oil. I am hoping that Kelo-cote might work this time

[shoeprincess2]

1. Reasonably easy to apply, though not particularly easy to spread across the scar.
   
2. About 5 minutes to dry properly, so longer than the guidance states
   
3. I found it quite thick and sticky, so made it quite difficult to apply to the scar without the feel of it dragging.
   
4. I have never used Kel-cote or scar reducing product prior to this trial.
   

I find it easier to apply and allow to dry at night, than in a morning. I tend to be rushing in a morning, and 5 minutes of hovering about, waiting for it to dry is a little difficult. However, the feel of the scar is improving already, so a small price to pay.

[Faunanflora]

How easy or difficult did you find Kelo-cote to apply?

It is relatively easy although using the rice grain amount means that I run out by the end of the scar whilst having a thicker layer at the start so I alternate the side that I start from.

Q2. On average how long did you find it took Kelo-cote to dry? Was this a longer or shorter time than you expected?

3-4 minutes which is as I expected.

Q3. How did you find the feel of the gel? e.g. texture, stickiness etc

it is thick and gelatinous and is not unpleasant.

Q4. Before taking part in this product test, had you ever tried Kelo-cote or any other scar reducing product before? If so, which one(s)?

No.

[titan]

1. Easy
   
2. A couple of minutes - as expected as I have used a similar product
   
3. Nice. Thinner and less sticky than expected.
   
4. Silicone gel sheets (various brands), Heal Gel and Dermatix gel which was the most similar to kelo-cote but is more sticky.

[Snorkmaiden75]

Q1 Application is a bit tricky as my scar is quite long. Need a couple of fingertip blobs usually to cover the scar. I have found it best to wax/shave as the product didn't really seem to reach the scar otherwise!

Q2 Usually 3-4 mins which is fine at night but can be a rush in the morning with showers, school run and sandwiches to fit in! I expected the gel to be a bit thinner and quicker drying. However it is already improving the redness and irritation from my 2 year old scar.

Q3 The feel of the gel is quite thick and sticky, more so than I expected. Fine once dry.

Q4 Had tried Bio Oil before on chicken pox scars and stretch marks but not tried any product on my c-section scar as would have worried about fragrance and irritation.

[gasbird]

I am ten months post section. My scar has been itchy, dark red and raised. I have noticed that it is slightly less red and much less itchy since starting the test.

A1 The gel is easy to apply, I started by using a fair amount as the scar was raised, it is getting easier to use the amount recommended now.

A2. I find it takes a couple of minutes, I put it on before getting dressed and by the time I've brushed my teeth and hair it is dry ready to get dressed.

A3. The gel is quite sticky, so you need to get it on the scar quickly, but as it also dries quickly this is not a problem.

A4. I had been looking into scar reduction products and had ascertained that silicon based products were good, but hadn't yet tried anything.

[pod3030]

1. very easy once i worked out you only needed a tiny amount
   

2.about 2 mins, again because of the extremely thin veil of product i used.

1. more of a greasy feel than sticky, but not unpleasantly so, and doesnt stick to underwear/clothes.
   

4.i've used the c section gel strips, but as others have found , was rubbish and annoying when you wanted a quick loo visit and would forget it was there and it would fall into the loo.

been using the gel on a 12 month old scar which was lumpy and sore/sensitive and tight/painful. there has really been a difference in soreness, the scar is less prone to irritation and is almost un-sensitive (be careful when shaving, i nicked myself quite badly as i couldn't feel the razor, no pain at all) i will defo be continuing with this, it's great .

[Squiglettsmummy2bx]

Q1: I found it very easy to apply the kelo-cote.
Q2: It took 2-3 minutes to dry, not long at all.
Q3: I found the texture fine, not too thick or sticky.
Q4: I have never used any scar reducing products before.
I am 11 months post my 3rd c-section.

[SalagadooLamagicaboo]

Q1 How easy or difficult did you find Kelo-cote to apply?
Easy to apply, but getting in the routine to apply it twice a day was a bit hard at first

Q2. On average how long did you find it took Kelo-cote to dry? Was this a longer or shorter time than you expected?
It took about 5mins to apply, which can be tricky when dd is asking to be picked up (very demanding dd)

Q3. How did you find the feel of the gel? e.g. texture, stickiness etc
Gel is ok, a bit sticky but fine

Q4. Before taking part in this product test, had you ever tried Kelo-cote or any other scar reducing product before? If so, which one(s)?
No

[Sweetiepanda]

Q1 How easy or difficult did you find Kelo-cote to apply?

Easy.

Q2. On average how long did you find it took Kelo-cote to dry? Was this a longer or shorter time than you expected?

Shorter than I expected. I don't have the time or patience to wait 5 mins for it to dry anyway!

Q3. How did you find the feel of the gel? e.g. texture, stickiness etc

Feels fine, I am used to using various sticky eczema creams so it's nothing too unusual for me.

Q4. Before taking part in this product test, had you ever tried Kelo-cote or any other scar reducing product before? If so, which one(s)?

No none.

[baileyslover]

Q1 fairly easy to apply, but like other posters needed to apply slightly more than recommended amount as long scar and would run out half way along.

Q2 it takes a couple of minutes to dry, though have to admit in the mornings not sure if totally dry before need to get dressed! Probably slightly longer than I thought

Q3 feel was fine, slightly sticky as drying but once dry just felt like a smooth coat over scar and hardly noticeable

Q4 Bio oil on my stretch marks and aloe vera on healing scar

[dogrilla]

Q1 How easy or difficult did you find Kelo-cote to apply?

Quite easy

Q2. On average how long did you find it took Kelo-cote to dry? Was this a longer or shorter time than you expected?

As expected - just like any other gel or cream

Q3. How did you find the feel of the gel? e.g. texture, stickiness etc

Quite thick texture and felt almost like a membrane when I applied it. LIke to think this is what makes it work though. Quite sticky on my fingers afterwards.

Q4. Before taking part in this product test, had you ever tried Kelo-cote or any other scar reducing product before? If so, which one(s)?

Bio Oil but only sporadically, so not ever noticed a difference.

Am already noticing a difference with this. Am using it on my c-section scar, which has now faded considerably compared with the scar next to it of a grim abcess I got a week after the c-sec. Interesting to compare as they both looked the same to begin with.

[elizadofuckall]

1. Easy to apply, you literally just put it on!!
   

1. The first time that i applied it i used to much and it seemed to take about 10 minutes to dry.
   

1. The texture of the gel is fine and i didn't find it sticky.
   

1. My c section scar is 8 months old and was itchy so i hadnt put anything on it in case of irritation. V happy to say that the itching has already stopped!!

[Mimisrevenge]

Q1. It's very easy to apply, probably because of the nozzle shaped applicator. I found that I'm using a lot more than a grain of rice though. I'm 9weeks post my second c section which is quite a long and wonky scar so that may have something to do with it.
Q2. Quick to dry but I do find that walking around while its on and doing other parts of my daily routine help!
Q3. Texture is exactly as I would expect f rom a gel.
Q4. I used bio oil last pregnancy, it didn't seem to make any difference to be honest so I couldn't justify the cost. I've also used palmers stretch mark cream. I quite like that but it's not specifically for scars.

The packaging is quite bland. Is this to make it fit in with more "medical" type products? So far my itching has subsided but no visible difference to the scar.

[Mimisrevenge]

Oh I should mention I've used the name brucecat before on mumsnet.

[pinkem]

Q1 How easy or difficult did you find Kelo-cote to apply?

Easy; it is part of my morning and evening routine and glides on smoothly.

Q2. On average how long did you find it took Kelo-cote to dry? Was this a longer or shorter time than you expected?

Approx 2-3 mins - as expected.

Q3. How did you find the feel of the gel? e.g. texture, stickiness etc

Smooth then slightly sticky as it dries.

Q4. Before taking part in this product test, had you ever tried Kelo-cote or any other scar reducing product before? If so, which one(s)?

No.

[UntamedShrew]

I'm already seeing a difference - my scar is paler and flatter. I am really impressed and have recommended it to a friend already. I have to say though you could improve packaging and also make it easier for people to recommend by giving more information... Anyway maybe I'm being overly picky due to my day job, so I'll get on with sticking to your questions now!

Q1 How easy or difficult did you find Kelo-cote to apply?
Easy - once I'd got it open.

Q2. On average how long did you find it took Kelo-cote to dry? Was this a longer or shorter time than you expected?
3 minutes or so. I make it the first thing I do after drying off post shower, so it has plenty of time to dry while I am doing my moisturisers and cleaning teeth etc.

Q3. How did you find the feel of the gel? e.g. texture, stickiness etc
Nice going on, quite sticky/tacky while drying.

Q4. Before taking part in this product test, had you ever tried Kelo-cote or any other scar reducing product before? If so, which one(s)?
Yes - Bio Oil (soothing but quite ineffective)
Also those lily pads silicon patches. Utterly useless, wouldn't stick after being used just twice.

[mumstonic]

I have two c-section scars about 2cm apart. First scar very faint now (3 yrs post c-section) the second most recent (8months post c-section) is a little longer, slightly raised and still quite itchy.

Q1 How easy or difficult did you find Kelo-cote to apply?
Easy to apply, smoothed on nicely following my morning shower.

Q2. On average how long did you find it took Kelo-cote to dry? Was this a longer or shorter time than you expected?
About 5 minutes to dry which is what i'd expect from a gel or moisturiser.

Q3. How did you find the feel of the gel? e.g. texture, stickiness etc
The gel is quite thick, though smooths on easily. Its slightly sticky as it dries but not unpleasant and once dry didnt cause any issues or mark clothes.

Q4. Before taking part in this product test, had you ever tried Kelo-cote or any other scar reducing product before? If so, which one(s)?
I've tried bio-oil but found it a little too greasy.

[BucketsnSpades]

I had my section 20 weeks ago.

1. Kelocote is easy to apply and just takes a few seconds twice a day. it does not feel greasy or linger on the hands. It is very easy to direct the gel onto the scar with precision and without waste.
   

1. It doesn't take long to dry at all, maybe a minute.
   

1. I like the texture of the gel, I put a small amount on my finger, dot it along the length of the scar then smooth it across. easy.
   

1. This was my second section, i used bio oil first time round which is very greasy. My first scar was removed during the second section but had healed very well, my second scar was also healing well but seems to be healing faster now so all in all i'm a happy tester.

[ariane5]

Q1- it was very easy to apply

Q2-it did not take long to dry, I had expected it toi take a while but it didn't take any longer than usual body creams that I use

Q3 slightly tacky/sticky feeling but not unpleasantly so

Q4 I have never used any other products on my scars

[marshmallowpies]

1. I found application easy, perhaps a bit tricky around the hairline as it's hard to tell if the gel is going in the right place with hair getting in the way. (I don't want to shave or use removal cream in case I cause any more irritation to the scar, so I can't get rid of the hair!).

1. No issues with drying, I didn't find the gel too sticky or damp when getting dressed.

1. The texture was a bit thicker than I expected, but I was relieved it wasn't too runny.

1. I hadn't tried any products before (first baby, 8 months, scar had been healing well up till now but had been quite itchy).

Many thanks for the opportunity to test Kelo-cote!

[13Iggis]

Q1 I find it easy but I keep wanting to use more than the instructions.

Q2. On average how long did you find it took Kelo-cote to dry? Afraid I just apply it and move on with day. Drying is probably inhibited by stomach overhang though

Q3. It feels very thick, which is probably why I want to use more as hard to spread along to end of scar.

Q4. I had used bio-oil a few times, but didn't stick with it.

[MatriarchalDreams]

Q1 How easy or difficult did you find Kelo-cote to apply?
Easy. Needs a small amount of attention to ensure it's spread evenly but not a problem even with baby distractions!

Q2. On average how long did you find it took Kelo-cote to dry? Was this a longer or shorter time than you expected?
3 minutes average, about as expected, although sometimes haven't had time to wait for it to dry completely before getting dressed.

Q3. How did you find the feel of the gel? e.g. texture, stickiness etc
Wouldn't exactly describe it as sticky, just has a Silicone-y texture which I quite like actually. Have caught myself stroking my scar whilst on the loo a few times! Very strange, especially as previously I hadn't wanted to touch it or think about it at all.

Q4. Before taking part in this product test, had you ever tried Kelo-cote or any other scar reducing product before? If so, which one(s)?
No.