Q: I just read your article on scar treatment. I have a 9-inch vertical scar on my chest from open heart surgery. The top five inches of my scar (the part that extends above my bra line) is only about 1/8 of an inch wide. It looks pretty good. But the lower four inches or so is a keloid scar (about ¼-inch wide). I’m not sure why. My heart surgeon did a great job (I’m here!), but I would like to find some way to minimize my scar as much as possible. Do you think the alpha lipoic acid-DMAE lotion would be effective on a chest scar? I belong to a group called WomenHeart and I would love to give this information to my other “bypass buddies.”
A: Massage Phosphatidyl-E creams with tocotrienols into the scar twice daily. At night, after applying the cream to the scar, cover the area with silicone pressure bandages that are made expressly for scars (you can buy these at your neighborhood pharmacy). You do not need to wear the pressure bandage during the day, but do remember to apply the cream.
I have lots of scars from acne and I would like to know what you would recommend for me, or if there is anything I can do to get rid of them. I had the most beautiful face but I think stress took over while I was out of a job.
Hi Louise. Products rich in alpha lipoic acid can really help to reduce the appearance of acne scarring. We recommend pairing Advanced Face Firming Activator with HP Evening Repair. Both treatments will help to refine the appearance of your skin and fight the signs of aging.
Hi, i have similar problem with Louise above but my scars vary: icepicks and boxcar scares (the deepest would be around 1.5mm) and keloids on my chest. Can the combination of Advanced Face Firming Activator and HP Evening Repaid help as well?
My scars have been there for almost 8 yrs now. What are the products you would recommend and how long does it take to see results?
Thanks.
Hi Joe. Dr. Perricone recommends applying products containing Alpha Lipoic Acid to scars for healing. Both of those treatments do contain ALA but you should probably seek out a dermatologist’s opinion that can see the scars in person.