Scar cream

[Coffeesnob11]

I have just had emergency bowel surgery and they had to convert from keyhole to do a large incision so I am like a sieve. I don't really care about how it looks but I would like it to be as soft and unlumpy as possible. Does anyone have any suggestions for scar cream/scar management that would help?

I know Bio oil is supposed to be good for this. Sorry you had to go through all that, hope you are recovering now.

Lanolin was recommended to me for an eight inch scar on my stomach. I didn’t use it as religiously as I could have but my scar was virtually flat after a couple of years and pretty well invisible after five.

When DS7 fell face first in to some concrete steps earlier this year, the nurse that glued his forehead back together recommended kelo-cote. It is still a bit lumpy, but has got better - I can't say whether that's just natural healing or down to the kelo-cote though.

I have a new and large scar on my leg from recent surgery and was advised to rub Vaseline into it regularly. It is helping. I use it morning and night and make sure the skin around the scar is well moisturised too. I think it’s the combined action of massaging the scar and moisturising it that is helping.

My aim has just been to prevent it being so raised and lumpy, and it is now only slightly raised and not lumpy at all. I had the operation in August, and started the Vaseline as soon as it had healed enough.

sorry you’re going through this and hope you recover quickly from your surgery.

Silicone gel is the only one with an evidence base that it works.

https://nhsuk-cms-fde-prod-uks-dybwftgwcqgsdmfh.a03.azurefd.net/conditions/scars/#:~:text=111%20online.-,Treatment%20for%20scars,-You%20cannot%20get

My surgeon recommended Dermatix Gel twice a day for 3 months.

I heard silicone gel was the best too.

My DH used Dermatix on shingles scars on his forehead (not invisible but not as noticeable as they were really deep).

I think kelocote is another silicon gel.

Silicone gel, then silicone tape, the only treatment evidence based.

Another vote for Kelo-cote! It’s expensive, but you only need a little bit. I can’t really see my scar (on the back of my neck), but it feels pretty flat after 10months.
Re: Bio oil - nurse who changed by packing/dressings every day for two weeks after the neck surgery said Bio oil is useless with scars and to get Kelo-cote.

Wishing you a speedy recovery! ❤️‍🩹

Thanks all, kelo cote is on order. Some are still covered so I will only start as and when the dressings fall off. I have to potentially have follow up surgery so I should find out next Monday but at least I can start on the parts I can access.

I never find over-the-counter ointments particularly effective. It may be worth trying a prescription option with tretinoin. It does tend to noticeably fade scars and stretch marks. I get mine from Monderma for £18.

Bio oil. My son had bad acne scars and it was great.

Having had a few operations it's more down to actually massaging the area, once the scabs have fallen off/the skin has heald in order to break down any scar tissue that may form as scar tissue build up can be painful.

I used potters herbal comfy oil but olive oil is just as good, although having said that a small mortgage is needed to purchase it these days.