Pregnant women are often advised by other women to use vitamin E or Mederma, a product created with onion extract, to diminish surgery or stretch mark scars on the stomach. Clinical trials, however, as noted in the February 2006 issue of "Dermatologic Surgery" indicate that neither product proves any more effective than applying petrolatum-based topical agents, such as Vaseline, to scars. Your best option for diminishing the look of a stomach scar is to use some type of silicon therapy product; this therapy is clinically proven to enhance healing and improve the appearance of scars, according to the Dow Corning website.
Step 1
Clean the scar area and dry well once the wound has healed to the point that it is no longer open or oozing fluids.
Step 2
Apply a silicone scar gel to enhance healing and diminish the appearance of small scars. After drying the scarred area, squeeze a small amount of the scar gel onto your finger and apply a very light layer to the scar. Allow the gel to dry for 3 to 4 minutes or as recommended by the manufacturer.
Step 3
Apply the scar gel 1 to 2 times daily. For the best results, keep a thin layer of scar gel on the scar continuously. Most manufacturers recommend continued use for a minimum of 60 to 90 days.
Step 4
Apply silicone scar sheets to larger stomach scars for the best results. For large wound areas, purchase reusable silicone sheets and cut to size. Clean the scar area and dry well before applying. Place the silicone sheet over your scar so that it completely covers it. Tape the sheet in place using surgical tape or the tape included by the manufacturer.
Step 5
Wear the silicone scar sheet for a minimum of eight hours each day before changing the sheet. Change the sheet according to manufacturer's directions; some sheets must be discarded while others can be rinsed clean with soap and water and air dried for reuse. Wear the sheet as many continual hours as possible up to the manufacturer's maximum recommended time. Expect to see the best results between 30 to 90 days.
Tips and Warnings
- If the scar gel does not dry within 3 to 4 minutes, this indicates you've probably used too much. Remove a small amount using a tissue.
- Silicone gel or sheeting should never be applied to open wounds. Allow the scar gel to dry completely before putting on clothing; the gel may stain clothing if wet.
Things You'll Need
- Silicone scar sheets
- Surgical tape
- Silicone scar gel
References
- "Dermatologic Surgery"; The effects of topical vitamin E on the cosmetic appearance of scars; Baumann LS; April 1999
- "Dermatologic Surgery"; Onion extract gel versus petrolatum emollient on new surgical scars; Chung VQ, et. al; February 2006
- DowCorning.com: New Silicone Technologies for Applications in Scar Therapy
- Rejuveness.com: Silicone Scar Sheets Directions
- Strataderm.com: Consumer Information
Member Comments