"Need Advice on Scarring After Stitches"

Updated on February 20, 2008
S.A. asks from Silverdale, WA
13 answers

Does anyone have any ideas on how to keep scarring to aminimum or none after stiches. My husband removed them himself and I have been using neosporin everyday, but I just thought I would ask around too. He is only 4.

What can I do next?

  • Add yourAnswer own comment
  • Ask your own question Add Question
  • Join the Mamapedia community Mamapedia
  • as inappropriate
  • this with your friends

Featured Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

D.M.

answers from Anchorage on

Earthmamaangelbaby.com has a C-section salve that is great for reducing scaring. It is kind of spendy though!

More Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.L.

answers from Portland on

Hi there. I had surgery in November, and my doctor recommended Mederma. It's sold over the counter at most drug stores. It's a little spendy, though. A small tube is about $16 and the large tube is about $25. It's a water-based gel. It does seem to be minimizing my scars.

Good luck!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.M.

answers from Seattle on

Vitamin E works great. I used it on my C-section scar and several other surgical scars.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

V.D.

answers from Seattle on

several years ago, my mom had an extensive surgery for carpal tunnel on her wrist. they cut from the middle of her palm to almost halfway down her forearm. She used vitamin e cream 3 times a day for a couple weeks while it was healing. You can barely see the scar now and really wouldn't even notice if you didn't already know it should be there.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.R.

answers from Seattle on

I just had total knee replacement. I use Lavender body lotion 4 times a day for a rub. Vitamin E capsules burst with hole is also good as a rub. Mary Ellen R.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.P.

answers from Portland on

Often, after a few years you can hardly see the scars. My cousin was accidentally hit with a shovel and had a cut next to his eye. There is a faint line that isn't noticable unless you know it's there. I've had several surgeries and the scars heal and recede in a couple of years time.

What counts the most when reducing scarring is the way it's stitched up. Pulling out the stitches shouldn't affect it if they were easy to pull and pulling didn't pucker the skin.

There are some who recommend Vit E oil. I've treated scars both with and without and I haven't noticed a difference.

Also keep him from scratching it which may be difficult with a 4 yo.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.H.

answers from Spokane on

Hi S....yeah, I've got some great news for you. There's
something called MELAGEL that is super healing and prevents
scars. Ask Sarah about it at ____@____.com
:>) J.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.H.

answers from Seattle on

Best thing I have found is vitamin E. Just pop one of the vitamins with a pin and goop it on the scar. If you keep it on pretty faithfully for eve a few days it helps. Longer is better of course...it even helps old scars!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.B.

answers from Seattle on

cocoa butter and shea butter are really good for scars when healing.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.G.

answers from Seattle on

Hi, My oldest daughter and I both have had to had stitches (on our faces:)). I bought Vitamin E oil ( I think it was) to help reduce the scars. Mine wasn't so bad. It was on the bottom of my chin, but my daughter got bit by a big dog in the face. Now, she has no signs of the scars. You actually have to look pretty hard to see them. It worked GREAT! Good luck!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

D.D.

answers from Seattle on

Hello S. -

Since your son is so young, his skin is going to stretch as he grows and he scar will grow larger, though also more faint, so good for you for thinking about minimizing this!

First, neosporin is in a petroleum base, so please stop using it as it interrupts the skins natural healing cycle. As many have told you, rubbing in a bit of Vitamin E oil (after it is completely closed up) helps to reduce the scarring. I would also recommend getting a jar of Balm of Gilead from Heidi at Earth Pharmaceuticals ###-###-#### in Denver. It contains only three ingredients (Organic extra virgin olive oil, Balm of Gilead buds, and natural beeswax), but it is phenominal for supporting the healing process. Very inexpensive (~$8) and the ideal salve to have around for cuts, burns, scrapes, infections...

Be well-
D.

M.B.

answers from Seattle on

S.,

I have heard that vitamin E oil is supposed to help. But a bigger question I have is WHY did your husband remove the stitches instead of your pediatrician? And, WHY are you worried about the scarring if your child is only 4? I have a scar on my foot from when I was around 4 or 5 that is barely noticeable unless you know what you're looking at. That was also one that needed stitches. My husband didn't even notice it until about a year after we'd been together, and he'd given me several foot massages as well.

I wouldn't worry too much about it.

Hope this helps,
Melissa

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

T.J.

answers from Seattle on

I haven't used it but have seen the commercials for Mederma for Kids. My OB also recommended mederma for my c-section scar.

For Updates and Special Promotions
Follow Us

Related Questions

Related Searches