Best Scar Treatment Options for Uneven Skin Tone After Surgery

What should be applied to scars after trauma suturing to promote healing?

I previously fell down the stairs and sustained a skull fracture, resulting in a long scar from my forehead to the back of my head.
After being discharged, I applied Mederma gel, which helped prevent the scar from becoming raised, but the scar is still lighter in color compared to the surrounding skin, making it quite noticeable.
Recently, since I ran out of the gel, my family purchased a new tube of Mederma gel along with a gel recommended by the pharmacist called Kelo-cote.
I would like to ask a plastic surgeon which of these two gels is more effective for addressing the color inconsistency of the scar.
Do these two gels correspond to different scar conditions? At the time, the doctor mentioned that Mederma is effective for raised scars, and after applying it for about six months, it indeed did not become raised, but it seems to have had no significant effect on the color.
Should I continue using Mederma, or would switching to Kelo-cote be better for improving the color? Thank you, doctor.

Xiao Lu, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/05/05

Dr. Lu Daokuan reply Plastic Surgery

Silicone gel, such as ScarAway, provides a thin layer that can slightly reduce pressure on the wound, while Mederma contains various nutrients that help moisturize and nourish the scar during the healing process.
Both have some effectiveness, but neither can achieve a completely scar-free appearance.

Reply Date: 2022/05/05

More Info

When it comes to treating scars, especially those resulting from surgery or trauma, it’s essential to understand that the healing process can vary significantly from person to person. In your case, you have a long scar on your forehead due to a skull fracture, and you are concerned about the uneven skin tone, particularly the scar appearing whiter than the surrounding skin.
Both the products you mentioned—Bepanthen Scar Gel (倍舒痕凝膠) and Kelo-cote (喜療復凝膠)—are popular choices for scar management, but they serve slightly different purposes and may have varying effectiveness depending on the scar's characteristics.

Bepanthen Scar Gel
Bepanthen is primarily designed to help with the overall healing process of the skin. It contains ingredients that promote hydration and skin regeneration, which can be beneficial for scars. While it is effective in preventing hypertrophic scars (raised scars), it may not specifically target pigmentation issues. If your scar is flat and you are satisfied with its texture, but you are concerned about its color, Bepanthen may not be the best option for addressing pigmentation.

Kelo-cote
Kelo-cote, on the other hand, is a silicone gel that is specifically formulated to improve the appearance of scars. Silicone gels are known for their ability to flatten and soften scars, and they can also help in reducing redness and discoloration over time. Kelo-cote works by forming a protective barrier over the scar, which helps to maintain hydration and promote a more even skin tone. This product is often recommended for both hypertrophic scars and keloids, and it may be more effective in addressing the color discrepancy you are experiencing.

Recommendations
Given your situation, here are some recommendations:
1. Continue with Silicone Gel: Since you are experiencing issues with the color of your scar, switching to Kelo-cote may be beneficial. Silicone gels like Kelo-cote are often more effective in addressing pigmentation issues compared to hydrating gels like Bepanthen.

2. Sun Protection: Protecting your scar from sun exposure is crucial. UV rays can cause scars to darken, making them more noticeable. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 on the scar whenever you are outdoors.

3. Patience with Healing: Scars can take time to mature and change in appearance. It may take several months to see significant changes in color and texture. Consistency in applying your chosen product is key.

4. Consult a Dermatologist: If you do not see improvement after several months of using Kelo-cote, or if you have concerns about the scar's appearance, consider consulting a dermatologist. They may suggest additional treatments such as laser therapy, chemical peels, or microneedling, which can help improve skin tone and texture.

5. Follow-Up: Keep track of how your scar responds to the new gel. If you notice any adverse reactions or if the scar worsens, discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional.

In conclusion, while both products have their merits, Kelo-cote may be more effective for addressing the color inconsistency of your scar. Remember that scar management is a gradual process, and maintaining a consistent skincare routine, along with sun protection, will yield the best results over time.

Similar Q&A

Effective Solutions for Uneven Skin and Scarring After Liposuction

I would like to consult a physician regarding the uneven skin texture caused by my previous liposuction, which has remained unchanged for about a year. I would like to know what the most effective methods are currently available for addressing skin irregularities resulting from l...

Dr. Lu Daokuan reply Plastic Surgery
Hello: Uneven results from liposuction are often due to either being too hasty or performing the procedure too superficially. To achieve a smooth contour, a revision procedure may be necessary, which could include fat grafting. If there is excessive granulation tissue at the inci...

Effective Solutions for Scarring After Skin Tumor Removal Surgery

Hello Dr. Huang, I would like to ask about a situation where I had a tumor on my facial skin that required excision surgery. They used tissue from my thigh to reconstruct my face, but it left a large scar and resulted in uneven skin tone. What remedies are available to address th...

Dr. Huang Ruiyun reply Dermatology
It's difficult. Humans are highly differentiated organisms with poor regenerative abilities. I suggest you consult an orthopedic surgeon.

Effective Solutions for Facial Scarring After Trauma: Expert Insights

Hello Doctor: I have some questions that I wanted to ask after my visit to the hospital, as sometimes I think of them later or I may not fully understand what was discussed. Two years ago, I sustained a laceration on my face approximately 2.5 cm in size due to a car accident. Aft...

Dr. Lu Daokuan reply Plastic Surgery
The blue discoloration near the scar on the face may indicate residual foreign material from a previous injury or the color of deep sutures. There are several methods to address scar indentation, including lightning-shaped scar revision, autologous fat grafting, and collagen fill...

Improving Raised White Scars: Effective Options for Scar Treatment

The scar has been present for about 7 years, measuring 3 cm in length and 3 mm at its widest point, with only a slight elevation (not a major concern). The main issue is that it is very white (due to the destruction of melanin). I have consulted with dermatologists and aesthetic ...

Dr. Zhou Hongzhang reply Plastic Surgery
This question is difficult to answer. The aesthetic appearance of a scar can sometimes involve personal subjective views. Scar treatment can be done through laser therapy or surgical excision. Generally speaking, depressed or raised scars tend to be treated with surgical excision...