Wolf200's Guide To Improving Scars (Acne and Surgical)

[DMR4494]

What about dark spots left behind from a scar?

[jake24]

Also this is not well known but another good thing to reduce scars is castor oil + heating pad... Just google castor oil and scar removal or something... People have used this approach with great results.

[Wolf200]

What about dark spots left behind from a scar?

I gave some advice on hyperpigmentation to someone on page 1. I have a couple of dark spots myself, but never done too much for them. Tried silicone sheets on them for a couple of weeks - definitely helped (not worth the cost if you don't already have them though). I tried cortisone cream (prescription) on them, definitely helped. But overall I wouldn't say I'm an expert on it.

Though someone else recommended a at home skin peel. Will update the OP with as much info as I can, and will try to include something on hyperpigmentation.

[diplodocus]

Is it a new scar? If so, there is a good chance the skin is still pretty tight around it and will loosen over time. However if they pulled the skin too tight and it is quite deep then there isn't much you can do about it (that I know of) other than getting it revised. But if the skin is already tight, it'll just become tighter.

It's quite funny being able to refer to myself for all different types of scars, but I just had my appendix out, so have 3 keyhole surgery scars in my stomach. 2 are hardly noticeable, but one is a line running down my belly button and is a little indented as well. The skin around is still quite firm (1 month later) but gets a little less firm each day. I can't say it's ever going to be back to how it was before but it doesn't worry me that much anyway because it is a nice scar (compared to my others)

Though if I was going to recommend something it would be the silicone patches. I have indents in my keloid from the cortisone shots, and the patches were the only thing to "pull" them up and even it out. This is probably slightly different to what you have, but is the best advice, other than giving it time, I can offer.

Although there is something called scar massaging (never tried myself, will update OP with info) that breaks up the scar tissue around it. No idea if it works or not, but something to look into maybe.


deadfingers - very helpful post, will update the OP with that as a potential option.

its like 19 years old.

[Wolf200]

its like 19 years old.

Again, hard to say without seeing it, but probably not much you can do for it then if it's that old and hasn't come right. Surgical procedures could help, but depending on how bad it is it may not be worth it.

[Yoopwat]

I gave some advice on hyperpigmentation to someone on page 1. I have a couple of dark spots myself, but never done too much for them. Tried silicone sheets on them for a couple of weeks - definitely helped (not worth the cost if you don't already have them though). I tried cortisone cream (prescription) on them, definitely helped. But overall I wouldn't say I'm an expert on it.

Though someone else recommended a at home skin peel. Will update the OP with as much info as I can, and will try to include something on hyperpigmentation.

Silicone gel >>> Silicone sheets. Cost a fortune though.

[diplodocus]

Again, hard to say without seeing it, but probably not much you can do for it then if it's that old and hasn't come right. Surgical procedures could help, but depending on how bad it is it may not be worth it.

should also mention its right next to my eye and goes right into my eyebrow

[Wolf200]

Silicone gel >>> Silicone sheets. Cost a fortune though.

Sheets are proven to be so much more effective than the gel, and I will vouch for that. The gels helped, but there is no comparison to the sheets.

[ExplorerSPL]

I have some faded purpleish acne scars on my cheek op, wat do?

I finished a 4 month accutane run last january so its been a year, they have faded a TON since then, but I want these fukers gone or to at least speed up the process.

thanks for making this thread, this is going to help a lot of people

[SensationalOne]

Great thread OP, I have 3 scars, 1 from surgery on a broken femur (car accident), 1 from hernia surgery down there and 1 on my wrist from a glass cut. Used Bio Oil twice per day on my leg scar as that is the only one that really bothers me, had very good results and wondering if it would be worth doing another cycle? Didn't bother with the other two as they are not that noticeable. Measly reps on recharge to you.

[Yoopwat]

Sheets are proven to be so much more effective than the gel, and I will vouch for that. The gels helped, but there is no comparison to the sheets.

I've honestly never heard that before and got way better results from the gel.

[Keravnos]

best solution for surgery scars guys?Any solution?

[Wolf200]

WHAT OTHERS RECOMMEND

-This is a list of what other posters in this thread have recommended. Will try to keep it updated. I have NOT used any of these methods, so do your own research, ask the person who posted it, and use at your own risk.

deadfingers recommends:
Skin Culture Home Skin Peel Kit
I did get good results with it, although I used the 3000. Basically you use it for 6 days for about an hour or a little more each day. You put this cream on your face that basically burns the outer layer, then on the last few days you add this cream (reminds me of Noxema) that basically cleans off the dead skin flaking off of your face.
To see his post click here
For more information go here:
http://www.skinculture.com/category_s/33.htm


Yoopwat recommends:
Exoderm
Exoderm is supposed to be the best thing available for scars, but can remove your skin pigmentation.
To see his post click here
For more information go here:
http://www.peeling.co.il/test/indexen1.html


jake24 recommends:
Castor oil + Heating pad
Also this is not well known but another good thing to reduce scars is castor oil + heating pad... Just google castor oil and scar removal or something... People have used this approach with great results.
To see his post click here
For more information go here:
http://www.livestrong.com/article/24...e-scar-tissue/


dopamine72 recommends:
Vitamin E
If I ever get a big wound, I put vitamin E oil on it so it wont scar as bad. I also take a lot of different antioxidants to keep skin clear and healthy, they do prevent acne, srs. And I take vitamin E pills.
Retin A Micro
Can supposedly be used for fading scars. Its way different taking it externally than internally. I've heard good reviews on it so I guess it works for some. I would not use Retin A if taking accutane.
Microdermabrasion
Supposedly it will fade scars and make the skin look really good/healthy/young. I guess you can go to a spa, strong no homo, and get them done there too. Or you can buy kits and do it yourself.
To see his post click here
For more information go here:
Vitamin E - http://www.squidoo.com/vitamin-e-scar
Retin A Micro - http://www.retinamicro.com/
Microdermabrasion - http://spas.about.com/od/medicalspat.../microderm.htm

[Wolf200]

THREAD UPDATED

Hit my maximum character limit in the first post, so had to put other recommendations in a separate post. Added some more info as well.

Great thread OP, I have 3 scars, 1 from surgery on a broken femur (car accident), 1 from hernia surgery down there and 1 on my wrist from a glass cut. Used Bio Oil twice per day on my leg scar as that is the only one that really bothers me, had very good results and wondering if it would be worth doing another cycle? Didn't bother with the other two as they are not that noticeable. Measly reps on recharge to you.

If you had really good results with it, then I'd say go for it. The stuff is cheap enough as it is, and is one of those things that need to be used for a long time to get good results.

I have some faded purpleish acne scars on my cheek op, wat do?

I finished a 4 month accutane run last january so its been a year, they have faded a TON since then, but I want these fukers gone or to at least speed up the process.

thanks for making this thread, this is going to help a lot of people

If they are just acne scars, something in the OP should be able to help. If it's hyperpigmentation, a face peel might be a good option. As I am no expert on hyperpigmentation I can't give a definite answer, but will try to find more information.

edit: see below post

best solution for surgery scars guys?Any solution?

Read OP.

[Wolf200]

Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation

-I am no expert on this, so any advice given is just from research on the net. I do have the odd dark spot from acne, but they don't bother me that much. I have tried a cortisone cream with some success, I have done a couple of weeks using the silicone sheets with surprisingly decent results. Other than that I have just pretty much left them because they generally just need time to fade.

What is Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation?
Post Inflammatory hyperpigmentation, or PIH, is the medical term given to discoloration of the skin that follows an inflammatory wound. It is the skin's natural response to inflammation. PIH presents itself as a flat area of discoloration on the skin (macule) ranging from pink to red, purple, brown or black, depending on your skin tone and depth of the discoloration.

PIH develops when a wound, rash, pimple, or other stimuli causes skin inflammation, which triggers the skin to produce too much melanin. Melanin is the protein in the skin that gives the skin its color. The excess melanin darkens and discolors the wounded area. This discoloration remains even after the wound or rash has healed.

PIH is very common among acne sufferers. It can occur in all skin types, although it is more common in darker skin tones. It affects both men and women equally. Luckily, PIH is not a true scar.


Time
Most acne sufferers are relieved to learn that post inflammatory hyperpigmentation is not scarring. PIH will fade away over time, even without treatment. It can take three to 24 months for PIH to fully fade, although in some cases it may take longer. The length of time it takes for PIH to fade depends on how dark the PIH macule is compared to your skin tone. The bigger the contrast between the macule and your natural skin tone, the longer it will take to fade.

Over-the-Counter Treatments
Mild cases of post inflammatory hyperpigmentation may respond well to over-the-counter products. There is a plethora of "brightening" treatment products on the market today. Many use a combination of alpha and beta hydroxy acids (including glycolic acid), vitamin A, vitamin C, and other ingredients to exfoliate the skin. Others, such as M.D. Forte Skin Bleaching Gel, use lightening agents to fade discolorations.

Hydroquinone
Hydroquinone is a widely used treatment for post inflammatory hyperpigmentation. It is available over-the-counter at 1% to 2% strength, and in 3% to 4% prescription creams. Hydroquinone works by blocking the enzyme responsible for melanin production, thereby lightening the skin.

Topical Retinoids
Retinoids, such as tretinoin and tazarotene, are often prescribed to acne patients. Retinoids help clear acne by speeding up cell turnover rates. It is this rapid exfoliation that can also help clear PIH. Retinoid creams include Retin-A, Tazorac, and Differin. The fact that they lessen post inflammatory hyperpigmentation as they treat acne breakouts is an added benefit for many people.

Glycolic Acid
Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid found in many skin care products. It effectively exfoliates the skin, helping to lighten post inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Available in cleansers, creams, and gels, glycolic acid not only helps improve postinflammatory hyperpigmentation, but also leaves your skin smooth and soft.

Azelaic Acid
Azelaic acid is used to treat acne as well as PIH. Available by prescription only, azelaic acid works by decreasing inflammation and speeding up cell turnover rates. Some studies have shown azelaic acid to be as effective as hydroquinone at treating hyperpigmentation. It is a good alternative for those who may be unable to use hydroquinone.

Procedural Treatments
More persistent cases of post inflammatory hyperpigmentation can be treated professionally at skin spas, medi-spas, or your dermatologist's office. Procedural treatments include various chemical peels and microdermabrasion. A series of treatments is needed to adequately fade PIH. Your doctor can help determine which of these treatments, if any, would be right for you.

from
http://acne.about.com/od/acnesymptoms/a/pih.htm

Or for more information go here:
http://www.acne.org/messageboard/ind...rpigmentation/

[SuperShamou]

can you suggest anything to help softening them... i have a huge keyloid scar on my left bicep... which will be an issue if my arms get much bigger (no ebrag, its big fukin scar) i just rub some jergens in from time to time, but dont think it will do much.

[Wolf200]

can you suggest anything to help softening them... i have a huge keyloid scar on my left bicep... which will be an issue if my arms get much bigger (no ebrag, its big fukin scar) i just rub some jergens in from time to time, but dont think it will do much.

In terms of "smoothing" the scar, I'd recommend a combination of Mederma and Cica Care Silicone Patches (what I currently use)

My keloid isn't super hard, but it's not soft either. If you look at the before/after pic on the 1st page you can see it now looks a **** load smoother however.

Otherwise you could just try keeping it moisturized if you don't want to get surgical treatment or other creams. Try some vaseline on it if you have some handy.

[BBCcartier86]

which worked best for your acne scars? you listed mederma etc but none really mentioned the acne scars, could you clarify please? Thanks

[Wolf200]

which worked best for your acne scars? you listed mederma etc but none really mentioned the acne scars, could you clarify please? Thanks

Everything I have used I have also used on my acne scars.

Honestly, what worked best for my acne scars is what worked best for my surgical. The Silicone Sheets (yes I used the Mederma as well, but have tried with and without and can honestly say the patches are doing more than the gel)

The Silicone sheets specifically say they can be used on acne scars as well.

[Crease1234]

Just bought the Circa Care silicon sheets and some silicon gel. I have very bad acne scar pits on my cheeks and nose...hopefully this will help. Rep op

[Wolf200]

Just bought the Circa Care silicon sheets and some silicon gel. I have very bad acne scar pits on my cheeks and nose...hopefully this will help. Rep op

Thanks and good luck.

Remember to wash the silicone gel off before using the silicone sheets (I have a shower first) and then apply.

Remember to give it some time too. For older scars it says from memory 2 - 4 months. Newer scars is a little less. All the best with it.

[724hp]

any of this stuff work well for really old scars?

i have a few acne scars (crater type) in the temple region of my face from 10 years ago.

[mcdojo]

Just bought the Circa Care silicon sheets and some silicon gel. I have very bad acne scar pits on my cheeks and nose...hopefully this will help. Rep op

Silicon doesn't work for pitted scars, besides silicon base fillers. Sheets are designed for raised scars.

[Wolf200]

any of this stuff work well for really old scars?

i have a few acne scars (crater type) in the temple region of my face from 10 years ago.

Some claim to work for scars up to 20 years old. As I said in the OP, they are more effective the sooner you use them. You may get some results from some of the creams/patches but possibly not as much as if you'd used it straight away. In saying that, I wouldn't say nothing will work for a 10 year old scar, but I can only talk for my 2 year old scars.

edit:

Cica-Care* is effective on scars up to 20 years old.

Quinn 1987.

This study was probably one of the most extensive of its kind, involving 125 people who had red, dark or raised scars up to 20 years old.

The results proved 81% of patients who continued with the trial showed improvements in the condition of their scars, even those with scars that were up to 20 years old.

http://wound.smith-nephew.com/nz/node.asp?NodeId=3185

It does list a study, but it's listed on their site, so may just be marketing.

Silicon doesn't work for pitted scars, besides silicon base fillers. Sheets are designed for raised scars.

Not quite true.

The silicone patches claim to even out skin and even raise sunken areas of your scar. And I can certainly say it has done that for me. My keloid has raised (from where no cortisone has been injected) and sunken (too much cortisone?) areas and although the raised part is still there (although a lot better) the suken parts have been pulled back up. Not sure how easy it is to see in the photos of page 1, but I can definitely vouch for the patches raising sunken scar areas.

[Wolf200]

MY GUIDE TO THE SILICONE PATCHES

Since a lot of people are interested in the Cica Care silicone patches, I have made a little picture guide to all those interested. They come with really good instructions and aren't had to use, but to give you an idea of how I use them, here you go:

Combination of what I am currently using. Mederma cream during the day. Wash off, and then Cica Care silicone patches overnight (and leaving the ones hidden, ie on my chest, on during the day when not using the cream.)



What I currently cut them into. 2 larger ones, and 6 smaller ones. I get about 3 weeks out of this and it's only half the full sheet (ie, out of a 12cm x 6cm sheet (they make larger ones also) I get 4 large ones, and 12 small ones so a total of 6 weeks per pack. You can make these any size you want. Note they are a bit dirty as this was the end of the 3 weeks (they recommend changing them 2 - 4 weeks. 3 weeks is about right for me when they become too "dirty" however you could still keep using them, they will just be less effective)



What a brand new cut one looks like. This is for one of the acne sized scars on my chest. It's just slightly bigger than the scar, as recommended to cut a little larger than the scar.



What it looks like on my scar (on chest)



I use a small piece of paper tape on all of them to hold them on overnight. They can normally stay on by themselves (except the larger ones) but a little bit of tape is enough to keep them from falling off in your sleep.

[Wolf200]

morning bump

[dopamine72]

Didn't see microdermabrasion mentioned. Have you tried that?

Also anyone who has taken accutane. Its best to wait 6 months if you decide to get surgery of any kind. Accutane can make you scar much worse.

Looks like Mederma and Gel sheets are the way to go eh?

[Wolf200]

Didn't see microdermabrasion mentioned. Have you tried that?

Also anyone who has taken accutane. Its best to wait 6 months if you decide to get surgery of any kind. Accutane can make you scar much worse.

Looks like Mederma and Gel sheets are the way to go eh?

Have never tried microdermbrasion. Never even heard of it to be honest. Would you recommend it / have you used it? Can add it to the "what others recommended" post.

Accutane is a funny one. I was on it for 9 months. My derm said it would help with my (surgical) scars, but I'm not sure that's quite true. I found I scarred quite easily, especially from acne after being on it for a while. It seems to be a bit better now, so not sure if it was just me or what.

I had my cortisone shots while on accutane, so they're fine to have, but yeah I would agree with the no surgery for 6 months after if possible. I know you're not allowed to get a tattoo while on it or for 6 months after, if that's at all relevant.

My "combo" of choice is the Mederma and silicone sheets. However if I were to just pick one it would be the sheets. So if you're tight for money (I do feel bad recommending the sheets because they're not the cheapest) and can only get one thing, I'd say the sheets.

Also in saying that, Mederma has worked best for me out of all the creams. But I'm sure a lot of them are the same. What I've used (bio-oil, scarprin, mederma) etc are all widely recommended on the net and fairly popular.

Would be interesting to try a combination of a 100% silicone gel (scarprin) and the silicone sheets. Sadly I used all my scarprin so can't try that now.

[dopamine72]

Haven't tried microdermabrasion but I was recommended that and or chemical peels, so I think they're similar. Supposedly it will fade scars and make the skin look really good/healthy/young. I guess you can go to a spa, strong no homo, and get them done there too. Or you can buy kits and do it yourself.

Accutane is a weird one. Apparently it facilitates callogen synthesis, but at the same time, the wound might not heal normally, I guess since your skin is also very dried out. This is why accutane can cause keloids I believe, or one of the reasons.

Topical accutane, AKA Retin a micro, can supposedly be used for fading scars. Its way different taking it externally than internally. Doesn't look like you have tried that, nor have I. But I've heard good reviews on it so I guess it works for some. I would not use Retin A if taking accutane.

From what I understand. Keloids are the hardest things to make fade away. Seems your method is probably one of the best.

Oh, and if I ever get a big wound, I put vitamin E oil on it so it wont scar as bad. I also take a lot of different antioxidants to keep skin clear and healthy, they do prevent acne, srs. And I take vitamin E pills.

[Keravnos]

so would you suggest silicon sheets for long surgical scars too bro?