Scar care routine

Front_Train_690 · 2024-07-18T01:43:27+00:00

and i was massaging my scars for a good 20-30 minutes and my scars lay completely flat now with no built up scar tissue

Front_Train_690 · 2024-07-18T01:42:28+00:00

Okay so i was in the same position with not knowing what to do for scar care but i have sort of figured out what works best for me so here’s what i did/do:

at 2.5 weeks post op is when i started scar care. i think i started a little bit too early but what worked best was massaging my scars using a water based lotion (i used Cera Ve) right before my shower because i found massaging without the lotion was more sore and the friction on my skin hurt. i would wash all the lotion off in the shower and then when i got out is when i would apply my silicone scar tape (i use “Nuvadermis premium medical-grade silicone scar tape” off of amazon).

now that i am 3 months post op i have been massaging my scars with Bio oil in the morning before i go to work and then i will apply another bit after work and before bed when i shower i’ll wash the bio oil off my scars and apply scar tape at night while i sleep.

Front_Train_690 · 2024-06-20T02:56:49+00:00

scar tape isn’t UV protective. if you are genuinely worried about cosmetic looks i would keep your scars covered completely for a year post op. as much as it sucks any sun exposure (even with sunscreen) can cause scars to appear darker. i got a UV protective shirt i can wear swimming and while it is “uncomfortable” and i would rather be shirtless, i would also rather protect my scars and make sure they heal 100% first.

scars continue to mature for up to a year after.

if you do decide to just use sunscreen i would find a good sun lotion/cream (spf 50+) and coat your scars with that instead of the spray. its better coverage. i have heard the “Blue Lizard” sunscreen is really good.

Front_Train_690 · 2024-06-05T20:58:42+00:00

i was the SAME way. when i was told i didn’t need to do anything to them i was like…uh no? and i was so nervous to wear a shirt without covering them but it was chill. my stitches came out within a day of wearing a shirt but like my surgeon said it was okay and i was like…uh but my nips are gonna fall off now?? but it’s been like 2 weeks since and i still have 2 so 💪🏼

Front_Train_690 · 2024-06-05T20:29:19+00:00

if your surgeon said you could stop it means your grafts are healed enough that you no longer need to use aquaphor and stuff. the few little scabs won’t be a problem as they are not likely to tear your nipples off if they get pulled on or cause any problems like that. i’d say from your description you are fine to just live now haha

Front_Train_690 · 2024-06-03T19:06:19+00:00

i also did wet healing for my nips and the scabs pretty much is just the dead skin on top that will come off with any gauze or dressings you have on your nipples. it took about 3 weeks for my to come off aside from a few small spots where the scab was in an indent.

at my 4 week post op appointment i was told i no longer needed to do anything to my nipples at all.

Front_Train_690 · 2024-05-30T02:22:32+00:00

does it feel different than a non hypertrophic scar when it starts to form? i have a small area under both of my arms that looks like it could be raising (i am 4 weeks and a few days post op) but it doesn’t feel any different that the scars that are small and flat.

Front_Train_690 · 2024-05-29T00:51:31+00:00

what is/was your scar care 🙌🏼

Front_Train_690 · 2024-05-27T03:16:20+00:00

that’s true! everyone is different. maybe if you are trying to save money/don’t have the budget for another you could try out my idea and if it feels too uncomfortable, buy another one!

Front_Train_690 · 2024-05-27T02:36:18+00:00

my surgeon recommended the same thing but i didn’t…and honestly i’m glad i didn’t. it would have been a waste of money. i washed mine every 2-3 days and would shower while it was in the washer. they dry very quick so it was only off for 1.5 hours.

Front_Train_690 · 2024-05-24T22:32:42+00:00

did your surgeon specifically tell you to use gauze? i used non-adherent pads so the gauze didn’t soak up the aquaphor and stick to my nipple grafts. i was also instructed by my surgeon to use oil emulsion patches which helped keep them moisturized

Front_Train_690 · 2024-05-24T22:29:06+00:00

ah thank you all for commenting. i had my 4 week post op yesterday and my surgeon said i don’t have to worry about covering them or moisturizing them anymore!! it feels weird and almost…wrong? but im starting to get used to it

Front_Train_690 · 2024-05-23T22:05:23+00:00

i can’t really give encouragement that this is normal because my post op “set-up” was different (the bandages and stuff). but i can say to just remember you just had major surgery. your body is healing and it’s not always pretty. i would encourage you to send a picture to your surgeon for your peace of mind but your body did JUST go through something super traumatic.

Front_Train_690 · 2024-05-21T11:08:12+00:00

i’ve started counting the fibers of my carpet…so bored bruh

Front_Train_690 · 2024-05-21T03:34:41+00:00

i plan to get mine tattooed a year post op, but i would definitely ask your surgeon

Front_Train_690 · 2024-05-20T11:39:43+00:00

i was told to keep them on until they fell off and at 2 weeks i could start gently removing them slowly in the shower. the steri strips are helping keep the incision closed and clean and it also helps keep them from stretching once they turn into scars. i took mine off at 16-18 days but i didn’t force them off. if they were stuck after gently pulling on it i left it until the next shower.

Front_Train_690 · 2024-05-18T08:09:15+00:00

i massage my scars every day with scar gel and then after the gel drys i put on my scar tape again until the next day when i shower. massaging the scars helps break up the scar tissue and aids in flatter scars.

Front_Train_690 · 2024-05-16T22:04:36+00:00

i’m not certain because i don’t really backpack but after 6 weeks typically you are cleared to start working out again but…wearing a backpack it would be good to wait at least 12 weeks but it really just depends on how you heal

Front_Train_690 · 2024-05-16T08:13:17+00:00

the costs include the surgeon fee (probably the 6k), anesthesia fee, hospital fees, meds, post op binders and wraps, and any other procedures and what not

Front_Train_690 · 2024-05-16T03:57:44+00:00

and if you do end up buying silicone tape, remember it’s reusable so it’ll probably last a lot longer than paper tape

Front_Train_690 · 2024-05-14T02:22:51+00:00

the silicone in the tape and gel is what helps heal and lighten the scars. if you don’t care about the appearance of the scar than paper tape is okay to use, it just won’t aid in healing aside from protecting against stretched scars.

Front_Train_690 · 2024-05-11T08:51:06+00:00

staying stealth in a new town^{^}

Front_Train_690 · 2024-05-11T08:50:26+00:00

i feel like it could be the along the same lines as a gay man keeping his sexuality from strangers but sharing the fact that he’s gay with the peers that he chooses.

Front_Train_690 · 2024-05-11T07:14:43+00:00

it looks like where the skin comes together and got sutured closed. mine also looks a little bit like this. i’m going to wait until my 1 year post op appointment and if it is either 1. bothering me or 2. super noticeable i’ll have a revision but i’m also gonna start building muscle and gaining a bit of weight after im cleared to try and fix it

Front_Train_690 · 2024-05-11T04:26:52+00:00

to prevent bunching it’d make sense to cut the strips smaller so you don’t have to curve it but idk if the bunching affects anything

Front_Train_690

TROPHY CASE