How do you manage your scars?

Chorlie

Has someone who has so many scars I've lost count, scars on top of scars etc. there are only really two things that help:-

1) Bi-Oil, this can help a little.
2) Time.

It's the second one that really work, I'm sorry I know it's not what you wanted to hear and doesn't help you, but it's the truth.

Careful_with_that_Axe

I'm afraid I second what Chorlie says, although I also subscribe to Vitamin E being helpful. I understand that rubbing the cream in also helps to break down the scarring. Have you looked into Homeopathy stuff to see if there's anything else that might assist?

I understand your frustration (all my scars "go" keloid too), but it is early days yet and maybe can be addressed once all the healing is complete? Maybe once everything is more settled if you speak to your Consultant, he may have some suggestions or maybe refer you to a Dermatologist or whoever is appropriate? There's also the long-term make up you could use - the sortta thing that's used for port wine stains, but would that just be a faff?

PlasticMoose

Hiya,
Glad to hear you're doing so well, but sorry about the scarring issue. I second things like Vit E and Bio Oil as they've helped with some scars that I have, although not with others.
I can't really speak from personal experience as all of mine have been fairly minor but I do have a friend who decided to have some tattoo work done over some of their's once they were fully healed and the work looks good with no obvious sign of the scarring, *but* they weren't very raised, and clearly tattoos are not something everyone wants.

In regards to what your boyfriend might think, I would say to not worry. From your other posts, he knows the score and I would think that even if he did pay attention to them, it would be from the perspective of them a) being part of the you he cares about and b) part of the very reason you're alive and well.

Careful with that Axe mentioned makeup - Dermablend is meant to be excellent (but a bit pricey) if you did want to go down that route.

I don't want to come across as being blase - I really do understand your concerns, but I don't think you have anything to worry about. Yes, your fella may well be apprehensive/nervous, but only from the pov of not wanting to hurt you if they're sensitive.

Best Wishes,

Moose.

bedpotato_2

I have a huge scar from having heart surgery as a small child. All of it is very raised up and most of it turned white but the top part is red and has some criss-crossing lines and is probably quite noticable to strangers meeting me for the first time, but it never crosses my mind to wonder if they're noticing it. I've had it for so many years that it just seems like a familiar part of me and doesn't bother me at all. I don't have a problem with it and most of the time I don't even remember it's there. To me, it's just like any other one of my imperfections, but that's because I had the surgery when I was a child, so I've grown up with this scar and am used to it. It would be weird to me NOT to have it. I wouldn't feel like "me." I don't know the OP's history but if you were previously un-scarred and suddenly required surgery as an adult, I can see how it would be traumatic to adjust to your new appearance. I certainly wouldn't like to suddenly acquire another huge scar somewhere else on my body!

To stay positive, my philosophy on scars (assuming we're talking about scars caused by life-saving surgery, not by self-harm, abuse, or accidents) is the following:

Would you rather be dead with no scar, or alive with a scar?

That's why I'm happy I've got my scar. It means I'm alive. :j

sairy2010

I had heart surgery 5 years ago and was horrified when I saw the scars, (I have a pacemaker as well).
When I went back to the hospital they remarked on how neat the scar was! I thought "heaven knows what a bad one looks like then"
I used Bio-oil for a while and then decided that every one would just have to put up with it.
It has improved no end but it did take about two years. Mine is from the top of my chest to just under my boobs. Plus the pacemaker scar and a few others where lines were inserted etc.
I am now 65 so it doesnt matter quite so much to me although I was scar free before. My husband doesnt seem to notice. My friends know it is there so I dont think they notice so much. Strangers look at it but I think that is more curiosity than any thing.
Believe me you will learn to deal with it and I suspect your boyfriend thinks what a brave girlfriend he has. He is probably very proud of you.
If he isnt "the one" there will be others. Tell tham before they see it you will be surprised how tolerant people are.

babymoo

Ive had scars all over me from multiple surgeries since 11 months old. I am now 24, I can honestly say i've learnt to love my scars, each one tells a story and has helped shape me into the person I am today.

Ive never found anyone who is bothered by them, most lads are fascinated. Wear your scars with pride hunny. Ive never used oils or anything on mine, I have normal and keloid scars and neither bother me. Majority just fade with time, some may take longer than others. If you are really bothered by them you can get make up which will cover them but I honestly think the best way is to learn to love them

GlasweJen

I've seen a dermatologist and he said that it's a mess! Lol. There's a lot of cutting, uneven stitch healing, I've managed to burst a few stitches in the horizontal scar so it looks like its about to burst open and turn my left boob inside out (that might be tmi lol).

Got them out for my mum today and she started crying! That's been pretty much a recurring theme for her for the past 8 or 9 months though so trying not to make anything of that.

It just doesn't look like the pictures of transplant scars you get when you google. I know my skin hates being cut but I didn't expect this. It looks like a really bad illustration of a rail map complete with bumpy mountains.

Derma said tape only until they're sure they wont cut me up again but even then there isn't much.

Id like to give the injections a shot but it will cost a small fortune to do it and the NHS dont seem to want to stump it up.

minnie123

Hi - google Kela-Cote people seem to have got good results with this xx

zzzLazyDaisy

@ Heater - please stop making duplicate posts. While I share your concern about the cuts in benefits, I don't believe that hijacking multiple threads is the right approach. Thanks.

@ Jen - I have an abdomen that looks like I've been attacked by a deranged axe-man, due to multiple operations in my 20's, 30's and 40's. Owing to an auto-immune illness my skin always gets inflamed at the scar site and the result is that, sadly, my page three days are probably over

Seriously, over time the scars have faded. Yes they are still noticeable but as someone else has said, without them I would be dead, so they are just part of who I am. And to be honest, I have never been in a relationship where my body's imperfections has been even a slight issue (though I agree it is always something that is high on my radar when starting a new relationship).

Once the initial inflammation has calmed down - and it is early days yet - it is worth trying bio oil (you can get it for a good price on amazon with free delivery). I used it on a red scar on my face and it has definitely faded so it might work.

Other than that.... time and patience.....

Hugs xxx

Doula

Hi
Try using Palmers Cocoa Butter, I had spinal surgery in July and use it 3 times a day starting when my stitches were out and my scar it looking really good. Its much cheaper than Bio-Oil. My daughter has a horrific Keloid scar on and above her knee (about 5-6" long) since she was 10 years old but it doesnt bother her and she has always worn short skirts etc in the summertime.