I’ve read a lot about incision care here and wanted to share my recent experience.
Last week my PT highly recommended Cica-Care silicone sheets- I have no idea how they compare to others but she was adamant about this brand. They’re expensive - $25 for a 5x6” piece but if you wash them with soapy water and let air dry, you can reuse them. I understand this way, the strip will last about a month.
I have been wearing a strip exclusively since last Thursday and I’m impressed at how my scar has softened and flattened in that short time (mind you I began using about 7 weeks post op). I had a “kink” in the incision that is now gone.
Just passing info…may be something for others to look into for their aftercare
Thank you so much for this info! I had surgery in April for something else so will be looking into these for that and also will have this knowledge for my ES surgery now! Truly appreciate you , you know this already! Hope you are doing okay otherwise and been continuing to heal and feel better. Gentle hugs!!!
Funny thing, I just bought a sheet of silicone for scar healing (dermatologic incision) but had no idea what to get. I haven’t opened it yet so will see if I can return it & try Cica-Care! Thx for the great tip!!
Does anyone have anything new to add to this list?
Planning to go shopping later today, to prepare for the big event!
NOTE: already put the items from the shopping list from a few years ago on my list.
Also - did anyone have any trouble with stairs post-op? I currently live in a split-level and I’m wondering if I should sleep downstairs, with just a half bathroom and bed, or if I should take over the guest bedroom on the main level.
Didn’t have any trouble with stairs personally, I found the off-balance feeling I had almost permanently went pretty quickly after surgery, but as you have worse vertigo issues you may find you’re a bit wobbly still…
Thinking of you & praying all goes well for you
I didn’t have troubles with stairs (split level home) but I was a tad uneasy on my feet general for a couple weeks. Consider Instacart if you find you need items and do t have someone to run an errand for you- it’s worth the few extra dollars
Sending you many good vibes and prayers for a smooth surgery and easy, uneventful recovery! Can’t wait to hear from you when you have this behind you!
My derm recommended the strips and then my surgeon recommended something called BioCorneum. It’s silicon based and has SPF. I like the gel because it’s easier to just put it on and go. It’s expensive but one bottle has lasted me over 6 months now.
I’ll take it off before I shower and wash it then. I’ve also found it sticks pretty well if you apply it and give it a shot with the warm setting on a hair dryer…seems to help it stay longer. I’ve been wearing them all day that way. They aren’t bullet proof and can fall off…especially when you sleep. And given the cost, I’ll go on that treasure hunt if I lose it!
I would agree that the gel is far more convenient and easier to use! I’d been using Maderma since about 2 1/2 weeks but got noticeable results when I went to the strips. I’m certain that either will work great based on individual demands - maybe a combo of both. Most of the healing I tend to believe falls down to mostly genetics
