Patients are always asking me what products they should use to get the best outcome from their surgery. Here I have selected a range of my preferred supplements, moisturisers, tapes and silicone scar treatments that I think give you the best recovery with the least scarring. To help get these to you as easily as possible, all products are available on Amazon.
I do not benefit in any way from recommending these products.
Vitamin C is essential for wound healing. It is required to make collagen, a key protein in wound healing. It has anti-oxidant properties which protect cells from free radical damage caused by inflammation and it helps cell proliferation in skin, required to heal wounds. We recommend 500mg per day starting a week before surgery and continuing for 2 weeks after.
Zinc and magnesium work together to facilitate collagen production, re-vascularisation and re-epithelialisation key elements of wound healing. They also boost the immune response and reduce inflammation. Vitamin D increases fat survival after lipofilling. Recommended dose for surgical recovery is Zinc 15-30mg daily, Magnesium 200-400mg daily, D3 1000iu daily. 1 week before until 2 weeks after surgery.
Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant. It protects cells from free radicals produced by surgery and inflammation and has been shown to improve fat survival after lipofilling (fat grafting). It also supports detoxification by binding to toxins, heavy metals and other pollutants which helps the body eliminate them. Dose for surgical recovery is 1000mg daily. 1 week before and 2 weeks after surgery.
After your surgery you will have brown micropore tape on your wounds. It prevents micro-movement at the suture line which reduces inflammation and also the production of scar tissue. It is important to maintain this support for a full month after surgery, to get the best scar possible. You can shower with it in place. After 1 month, you should start moisturising.
Adhesive from the micropore tape can be very hard to remove and can cause irritation. This adhesive remover makes it easy to remove.
Adhesive from the micropore tape can be very hard to remove and can cause irritation. This adhesive remover makes it easy to remove.
After your wound tape is stopped at 1 month it’s time to moisturise the scar. This helps condition the new skin and the massage helps to reduce swelling and encourages the scar tissue to soften and remodel. Aveeno is recommended by my nurses as it’s non perfumed and a rich natural moisturiser. Continue daily up to 8 weeks from surgery.
After your wound tape is stopped at 1 month it’s time to moisturise the scar. This helps condition the new skin and the massage helps to reduce swelling and encourages the scar tissue to soften and remodel. Solution for scars has been developed by a team of Plastic Surgeons in the UK to help improve scarring. Use daily until 8 weeks after surgery.
After your wound tape is stopped at 1 month it’s time to moisturise the scar. This helps condition the new skin and the massage helps to reduce swelling and encourages the scar tissue to soften and remodel. Bio-oil is formulated to help improve scars however the evidence suggests it’s no better than other moisturisers, however it has become very popular.
Silicone gel helps to soften, flatten and fade scars. It is only needed from about 8 weeks after surgery when the body starts to make more scar tissue as it becomes red and raised. Massage into the scar daily and let it dry. May be needed for up to 6 months. Not as effective as tape but easier to use.
Silicone tape helps to soften, flatten and fade scars. It is only needed from about 8 weeks after surgery when the body starts to make more scar tissue as it becomes red and raised. Apply strips to the scar and keep in place 24/7, remove to shower and re-apply. Replace as needed. May be needed for up to 6 months.