Is there a good product for scars – especially on the chest?

Dr. Irwin
June 23, 2014
On 4/1/14 I had open heart surgery. What is the best product for the scar? I love your advice and website. Laverne

Laverne –  thank you for writing!!   It’s a good chance to remind all women that we are at risk for heart disease.   Women’s symptoms are often “not classic”  so if you have odd pains in your chest, jaw or down your arm especially with shortness of breath, please see your doctor.   The American Heart Association has a good website.

As for scars, they take a full year to evolve and really aren’t at their final point until then.  During that year, you can help the scar along.  Get your surgeon’s permission if the scar is less than 8 weeks old.  They may not want anything done for the first 8 weeks or so.

All these products need to be used for 6-9 months to make the most difference.  One good product is Kelocote which can be applied once or twice a day and massaged in.   Plastic surgeons and dermatologists often use just flesh colored paper surgical tape.  It can be applied to the scar, and just left there for 3-4 days until it falls off on it’s own.   Gentle massage of the area once a day for a minute or so, can help keep the scar soft and flat.  Again……you must check with your surgeon first.

Hope this helps,  Dr. I

Dr. Brandith Irwin, MD

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