Surgery will cause scar tissue to form, it is a normal repair mechanism of the body.

Many people believe that Topical Vitamin E will help with their scars. However, a study published in Dermatologic Surgery (04/99) reported that topical Vitamin E had no effect and even worsened the appearance of incision lines/scars in 90% of cases. An additional finding showed an increase in cases of contact dermatitis (1/3 of the cases in the study). Some cases even showed an excess production of collagen which increased the vertical height of the scar. The New York Times later reported these findings several months later in a June 8th issue.

Silicone sheeting is becoming more popular for flattening and fading of scars. It is unknown if the Topical Gels are as effective as the sheeting although some doctors believe it is more the pressure of the sheeting rather than the substance it is made from.

Many surgeons are beginning to use surgical paper tapes such as Steri-Strips by 3M Corp. These paper tapes have shown considerable flattening and fading in patients who were given paper tape over no scar therapy directly post-op. Some surgeons even suggest that you apply Retin A to the incision line (once it has healed closed) and cover the scar with paper tape. Wait several days and repeat until the scar has faded. Many liposuction scars are treated this way, and very effectively I might add.