A Question for sisters who had abdominal incision

Just wondering if you put anything (like lotion, coconut oil, etc) on your incision scar and how soon can you do that? I had my surgery on 12/13 and my doctor said not to put anything for a few more weeks when I saw him 2 weeks post-op but didn't specify how many weeks. Scab is forming on my incision (expected) and I am wondering do I just let it dry out or should I put something to soften it? I am afraid it will crack and bleed if it gets too dry. Would love your input. Thank you!

Happy and healthy 2013 to everyone!

The only thing that I found that was scientifically proven to reduce the scar or at least produce the best scar possible is a silicone scar sheet. They are available at drug stores under different brand names but be aware that they are rather expensive. I used to cut the ones I got into strips that just fit the incision due to the cost.

It would be great if you could start as soon as your incision is healed as I waited too long while I fooled around with scar lotions like Bio-oil. I have horrible skin that scars badly and I didn't find out about the sheets until I was 3 or 4 months post-op. The scar sheets did help but like I said, I should have started them as soon as my incision was healed. Keeping your incision well moisturized and gentle massage will also help your skin heal the best it can.

I hope this helps.

Thank you for the great advice Danni! Do you have to wait until the scab fell off to moisturize the scar, or you can do it on the scab?

I still have significant scaring from my surgery on 11/9 then again on 11/21. My doctor only told me to put neosporin on it until it is healed. It is supposed to reduce scarring as it heals.

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Originally Posted by dstn2bthn I still have significant scaring from my surgery on 11/9 then again on 11/21. My doctor only told me to put neosporin on it until it is healed. It is supposed to reduce scarring as it heals.

I think that is good advice as that is what my dermatologist suggested when I had a mole removed recently. Although, I strongly recommend you check with your doctor first to make sure Neosporin is okay.

I just had my two week check up with my suture removal. My Gyn advised nothing on the incision until my next check up in 4 weeks because I have scabs she wants the incision to fully heal before I put any lotions etc. on there.

Miccs,
Our surgery was on the same day! My staples are out but I still have suchures that haven't fallen off yet. My last surgery I used vitamine E on the scar and it helped but I scar really badly so I'm also looking for a good remedy.

I started using Bio Oil at week 12, used it for about a month now, seems to be softening the scar tissue - it says use for minimum 3 months, so we'll see how it goes!

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Originally Posted by CGCorpus I just had my two week check up with my suture removal. My Gyn advised nothing on the incision until my next check up in 4 weeks because I have scabs she wants the incision to fully heal before I put any lotions etc. on there.

That's what my doctor said too! Though not as specific. Good to know there are other doctors order the same. Thank you!

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Originally Posted by midlife2 Miccs, Our surgery was on the same day! My staples are out but I still have suchures that haven't fallen off yet. My last surgery I used vitamine E on the scar and it helped but I scar really badly so I'm also looking for a good remedy.

Hey midlife2, good to have someone who shares the same date! How is your recovery? I feel heaviness down there when I move, and weird pain here and there. Look forward to making the 6 weeks mark at the end of January!