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Post by seashell on Jan 19, 2011 22:38:37 GMT -5
I have a huge ugly scar on my abdomen from last spring's laparotomy and my first ever surgery. Will I really have to pay for this the rest of my life? It's turned into a keloid scar and I wonder how I will ever be able to have a sexual relationship with anyone. Someone wants to help me financially with possible laser surgery, but some people are telling me that the scar will never go away. Is this true??? Need to hear others' experiences...
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Post by painttheseconds on Jan 20, 2011 2:55:27 GMT -5
I had my surgery this past Aug. and my scars are still noticeable, but small. I heard from a friend that rubbing vitamin E on scars can help them heal and disappear. I have yet to try this though. I'm actually curious to hear other responses because I'm not sure if the scars will go away or not. I like to hope that with time they will.
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Post by JC on Jan 20, 2011 6:28:19 GMT -5
My doctor prescribed a cream called Triamcinolone Acetonide Cream 0.1 % to help prevent a keloid scar from forming in the first place. I'm not quite sure if it treats a keloid once it forms though but maybe there's something out there that does. It would be a good question to ask your doc if you get to see him/her anytime soon.
You're saying you had a laparotomy which means your scar is probably a lot bigger than my little lap scars which may be why you feel so uncomfortable with it. I'm not sure how effective lasers are on keloids but it may be something worth looking into to see if it can help. We have a thread on here where we shared pictures of our scars. Maybe you can see what we all look like compared to yours. I'll try and do a search for the thread but I totally suck at the search function. You should see some of the pictures! Most of our lap scars are small but there are some women who shared their laparotomy pictures.
And if you are worried over having a sexual relationship, I can really only say from experience is that guys really don't care about the things we are insecure over. We care more about them than they do. They aren't nearly as picky as we give them credit for. I personally think scars are kinda cool. If it's really bothering you though, then maybe there are some ways to reduce its appearance like the cream I mentioned or the possibility of having it lasered off.
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Post by Karen on Jan 20, 2011 7:20:13 GMT -5
Some women swear by Mederma (sp?) and Bio-Oil, might be worth looking into!
As for the sexual experiences, I've been a bit more aware of my scars when I'm intimate with someone for the first time, and I only had a laporoscopy! But, funny thing, the last guy I dated recently had a hernia operation and funny enough, we had very similar scars in very similar places and were able to laugh about it. Other than that, no one else has even mentioned a thing about them!
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Post by cherry on Jan 20, 2011 8:24:34 GMT -5
My sister uses an oil by palmers for acne scarring etc, she's lighter skinned than me but scars very dark. I use bio-oil, for my lap scars and my acne scars and the burns I get from using hot water bottles. it works best if you use it frequently, a little oil a couple of times each day, and rub it in til your skin feels warm. It used to do nothing but now I rub a small amount in vigorously and it works well. Good luck with that!
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Post by JC on Jan 20, 2011 8:40:57 GMT -5
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Post by JC on Jan 20, 2011 9:41:14 GMT -5
It's probably worth mentioning that all of the suggestions above take quite a bit of time to work. Scars do fade over time. But having a keloid may be worth getting checked out before depending on our suggestions to fix it. I hope you're alright!
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Post by chicagogal2 on Jan 20, 2011 14:32:49 GMT -5
I found this online:
A keloid is a scar that is caused by increased tissue formation after some type of trauma to the skin has occurred. Keloid scar treatment can be extremely difficult, as there is no single treatment that works in all cases. Methods of keloid scar treatment a doctor may attempt include steroids and surgery. When the skin becomes traumatized and attempts to heal, there can be an overproduction of collagen to cover the injured area. Eventually the excess of collagen piles up into a mass, which results in a keloid scar. Keloid scarring is a hereditary issue, and those who have family members with keloids are more susceptible to having their tissue scar in a similar manner. Almost half of all people who experience keloid scarring do so on the earlobes, and an overwhelming majority are female and nonwhite.
One way that keloids are treated is through steroids. In this case, doctors will inject steroid drugs into the skin around the keloid. Keloid scar treatment using steroids requires the patient to visit a doctor multiple times for the injections. Although steroids have been successful, it should be noted that patients with darker skin can suffer from tissue atrophy or hypopigmentation, the loss of skin color. Patients who choose to treat their scars through steroids are often given shots of the steroid hydrocortizone every two to three weeks. Excision is also a viable alternative method of keloid scar treatment. An excision requires the surgical removal of all the scar tissue. Excisions are not always successful, and in some cases the keloid reoccurs after the tissue has been removed and begins to heal again. In order to increase the success of excision, radiation can be used as a last resort. Radiation is only used in cases where the keloid
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Post by omaklackey on Jan 20, 2011 14:32:56 GMT -5
Hi, My lap scars (both of them) have slowly faded in the year and a half. I did use Bio oil for about six months. They are ugly and pull the skin in different directions but the scars themselves are getting better all the time. I know how frustrating it can be having those huge lines. My surgeon gave me a lovely line that now makes my belly hang like a belly bum. I have to admit I hate it so much but the overall color has faded. Hang in there!
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Post by JC on Jan 20, 2011 18:30:42 GMT -5
Thanks for the info omak! I vaguely remember the steroid shot thing but couldn't remember for sure. Thanks for looking that up. I remember your scars healing so fast! But I'm sorry your scar turned out to not be as nice as you would want it
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Post by loveshoes on Apr 17, 2012 11:21:18 GMT -5
I know I posted this in another thread for recovery but wanted to cover it here as well – I recently had 2 sets of stitches for a dermatology punch and they told me about these silicone scar sheets to use. They are sticky on one side and I also apply a gauze over that and then the cotton medical tape to help to keep it in place. The 1st time I used the gel sheet it rolled up my back so this trick has helped to keep it in place. It can be used on new or old scars and helps a lot with color, and also prevents them from keloiding ( sp ). There are many brands, they are a little pricey but keep in mind you can cut them smaller for whatever area, and 1 is good for around 3 weeks. I have been using the same one now for 2 weeks, I just wash it under cold water, and stick it back on the adhesive backing and it’s ready for me the next day.
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