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Q: 

I have just had an operation to remove a BCC off my face and am worried about the scarring

By Anonymous May 13, 2011 - 2:01am
 
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Is there anything I can use to reduce the scar and help it heal more quickly. I just had it done Wednesday and will be having the stitches out monday so I want to start treatment. Many thanks

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that is great iformation thank you x

May 13, 2011 - 10:47am

HI Anon,

Thanks for your question.
New scars can often be unsightly and uncomfortable, leaving you feeling embarrassed. The problem with many scars is that they are exacerbated over time, and soon look inflamed and noticeable. Caring for your new scar is essential to making sure that it is as small and unnoticeable as possible. Dressing it properly, making sure to avoid future wounds in the same area and exfoliating the skin can all help your new scar look smoother and less noticeable over time.

Step 1

Clean the scar carefully so that you remove bacteria that could infect it and make it worse. The best way to cleanse a scar is to work up enough suds of an antibacterial soap on your hands that you can transfer the soap to the scar. Leave the suds on the scar for a minute, without rubbing, which can cause inflammation and make the scar worse. Then, rinse the soap away.

Step 2

Bandage the scar properly to limit the permanent scar that will be left behind. Not bandaging the scar can leave it open to a dry environment, ideal for germs to multiply and infect the wound, slowing the healing process. Instead, refresh bandages daily, applying a layer of antibacterial ointment first to kill bacteria and keep the scar moist for faster healing and less of a chance for a permanent scar.

Step 3

Take an anti-inflammatory pain reliever each day, suggests Avocet Technologies. Bringing down the swelling of a new scar helps it to heal faster, and limits the permanent scarring that may occur from the new scar. The company notes that anti-inflammatory medication also seems to slow and even prohibit scar maturation. Take a couple of ibuprofen each day to keep the swelling down until the new scar heals.

Step 4

Exfoliate the scar once it has closed completely and only the mark remains. Columbia University's "Ask Alice" advice columnist recommends using an exfoliating cream that contains alpha hydroxy acids that will help to remove the layers of dead skin to remove smoother skin in time. You can also use a paste made of olive oil and brown sugar to smooth the scar and make it less noticeable.

Step 5

Visit your dermatologist if your new scar doesn't seem to be getting better, or is still noticeable and embarrassing. Laser scar removal, microdermabrasion, or other methods can help remove the scar more permanently after it has completely healed.

Hope this helps!
Rosa

Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/88274-care-new-scar/#ixzz1MEVYZqCQ

May 13, 2011 - 5:01am
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