Dr. Koch’s Top Scar Reduction Recommendations

Posted April 27, 2016 in Plastic Surgery

After plastic surgery, proper healing is of utmost importance. Aside from recovering so you can feel your best, you also want your incisions to heal nicely so scars are inconspicuous and you can look your best. With more than 25 years of experience achieving optimal results for his plastic surgery clients, Dr. Todd Koch is partial to certain methods of scar reduction.

Silicone Scar Treatments for Best Results

Dr. Koch cites silicone as the key ingredient in effective scar reduction methods. “The best products are silicone-based,” he says. “They’ll either come as a gel, applied twice a day topically, or as bandage-like sheets that you’ll wear for 12 hours at a time for several days in a row.” These silicone-based gels and sheets help to break up the fibrous scar tissue, softening and flattening the scar and minimizing discoloration.

Sheets are the go-to option for scar treatment, but they can lose their stickiness depending on where your incisions are on the body (especially where there is frequent movement), so gel may be a better alternative. Dr. Koch recommends the NewGel™ brand of sheets and gels to his patients. “I’m actually not a fan of Mederma®,” he says. “While most people think of that brand when they think of scar treatment, I haven’t found it to be particularly effective in reducing scars.”

Other Recommendations for Scar Reduction

In addition to NewGel™, Dr. Koch likes to use Bio-Oil™ to reduce the appearance of scars. “Bio-Oil™ is a nice, lubricating product that helps even skin tone, and it’s usually effective enough in the majority of patients.”

Another option is bioCorneum®, a silicone-based gel for those who don’t tolerate sheets as well. “This is the gel we sell in our office. After several years of research and trying various things, bioCorneum® is one of the best products we’ve found,” says Dr. Koch.

Each person’s skin is different, and some may respond more quickly than others to topical treatments. If oil- and silicone-based treatments aren’t reaching desired results, Dr. Koch can inject the scar with cortisone to help the healing process. Sometimes, laser treatments can also be effective at fading stubborn scars. “Lasers and surgery are the last resorts. Most often, we can get the desired results with other methods over time” says Dr. Koch.

Give Your Scars Ample Time to Heal

To avoid infection, it’s important to not apply any treatments until the skin has closed up entirely. Always follow your surgeon’s instructions on scar treatment. Once the incisions are closed and scars have formed post-surgery, you can begin using sheets or gel. The sooner you can begin, the more optimal the results. Again, Dr. Koch’s top choices in scar reduction products are:

• NewGel™ sheets
• Bio-Oil™ lubrication
• bioCorneum® gel

However, the real key to seeing scars fade is patience. “You’ll need to be persistent with these treatments to notice a difference. Most take at least six to eight weeks of regular application,” says Dr. Koch.

Do you have concerns about your plastic surgery scars fading correctly? Dr. Koch’s friendly office staff can help answer your questions. Contact us today or give us a call at (716) 631-1220.