wishingstar Posted August 9, 2016 Posted August 9, 2016 I just had a fat graft performed (with fat taken from my upper thighs) and would like to prevent keloids or darker scars from forming. (The last 2 times I had fat taken for a fat graft, I ended up with a large raised, bumpy scar on my belly button and 2 brown scars on my thighs!) However, I'm having trouble getting info on when it is safe or advisable to begin using scar gels / creams / silicone sheets on the wounds (ex: Kelocote). I tried asking a few people at the clinic, but no one seems to know or gives different answers. How long did you wait after stitch removal to start using scar gel / silicone sheets, etc.? (Is it safe to use it right after stitch removal? Before stitch removal?) Advice would be very much appreciated!
gats Posted August 9, 2016 Posted August 9, 2016 I've heard some docs recommend that keeping the wound site moist by applying vaseline or similar product and using a hydrogel dressing which helps keep it moist as soon as possible can help prevent scar formation. Like you though, I've heard opinions vary on this. Given it scarred last time, I'd try a new approach compared to what you did before. BTW how did the fat graft go? Where did you get it done and how much was it if you don't mind me asking? How long ago did you have the first and second grafts and was it the same clinic? Did all that fat from the original surgeries die so you performed it again? Did they give you a discount since the original fat died?
wishingstar Posted August 9, 2016 Author Posted August 9, 2016 Hey Gats, thanks for your suggestion regarding the scars. Great point - last time, I was told to wait a few weeks before applying to scar gel by one person at the clinic... but I ended up with keloids (I regret listening to the clinic coordinator). Great idea about the vaseline... I may try that. I may also try to apply scar gel earlier this time. I noticed Kelocote's Australian site's FAQs say it's OK to apply the gel right after stitches come out... but then another brand for silicone sheets say to wait 1-2 weeks after surgery. Hmm.... My first fat graft with PRP went OK. I was mostly happy with the results in the middle of my forehead 1 year later, but the fat completely disappeared from my smile lines (due to more motion there) and from the sides of my forehead / temples. Usually, fat graft involves 2 times. When you pay for the first time, they factor in that you will come in again for a 2nd time (you only need to pay the anesthesia fee the 2nd time). I did it at Dream both times. I can't seem to remember the price from the first time off the top of my head (Since I did it with some other surgeries), but the anethesia fee for the 2nd injection should be ~300,000 KRW. I want to say it was around 1,000,000 KRW or 900,000 KRW the first time, but I am not sure I am 100% remembering correctly. I have some pretty ugly and obvious scars from the sites where the fat was taken from though (thighs, stomach). Hoping for better results on the scars this time. I'm a bit nervous right now because my forehead is huge right now, though. I'm hoping most of it is due to swelling... otherwise, I may need to get some of it removed if it doesn't go down. It did go down a lot last time after I requested laser therapy to help with swelling at the clinic last year, so I'm hoping to be able to do the laser therapy again this time.
gats Posted August 10, 2016 Posted August 10, 2016 Thanks for all those details wishingstar! Given this is your third time getting a fat graft, it seems like it's acting more like temporary filler does? Rather than get more potential lipo scars and have to go under anesthesia which I personally find scary, have you considered just getting filler instead of fat graft? If this is something you'll have to do every year, I'd see if you can get the same result with filler. I'd ask the clinic if they can provide you with any hydrogel dressings for your wound sites. The key with silicone sheets and hydrogels are they keep the healing environment moist unlike a dry bandage which pulls moisture away, so I'd slap one on as soon as you can and use vaseline or scar gel, remember to apply frequently throughout the day and night to keep it moist. If you do see a keloid forming, I'd see a derm right away to get steroid injection to reduce the size of the keloid and prevent it from getting bigger, it works best for fresh scar so do see a derm early. Good luck!
k-couture Posted August 10, 2016 Posted August 10, 2016 ohhhh here's where you mentioned it lol. Anyways I had to wait around 2 weeks before I was allowed to use kelocote on my scars. It can cause infection if you do it prematurely. You can also try kenacort injections. That one can be done like 4-5 days post op as a preventative measure. My concentric malar lift Dr Mendelson did my years ago was from incisions from the lower eyelid. 4 days post op he injected kenacort to prevent scar formation and it worked. I dunno why Korean surgeons don't seem to follow that princicple /shrugs Also it seems the forehead side doesnt retain nearly as much as the mid top forehead region. If you remmeber Unji who used to work there, you me and her have nice mid top foreheads lol. The fg retains best there because muscle movement is in the lower and side region.
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