Hi there 
I had my single flat mastectomy 17 days ago - my scar is healing well but it now feels really tight and is getting lumpier than when the dressing was first taken off when it looked really flat and neat 
From research it sounds like silicone strips might be the best solution for flattening and healing the scar well - just wondering whether any of you girls have been recommended a particular brand or tried any out?
My team didn’t have any thoughts on it and even dr Google hasn’t proved that helpful! And as some of them are pretty expensive I thought I’d check with the wonderful community here 
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Used to work in plastic surgery in nhs, surgeons only recommended Dermatix. Not the cheapest but good.
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Hi binky1
Sorry to jump in, but can you tell me if Dermatix can still be effective 4 years down the road. I believe what I developed was keloid scarring (bumpy, pink, surface) at the margins between chest and armpits (after a double mastectomy) and I only got to work on them recently with silicone gel. I fear I have left it too late to improve/lose this disappointing secondary scarring. Thanks.
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Hi @MistyK Yes. Dermatix gel or strips can still help soften and flatten a keloid even if it’s several years old, although I think the improvements tend to be gradual and the partial. So it can take a few months to see a difference. If your keloid is large and/or bothering you, it’s worth seeing a dermatologist, there are treatments they can offer that may be more effective. Hope that helps.
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Thanks binky1 - that’s very helpful info. 
x
@binky1 i was wondering about this too as I have surgery coming up. I had a quick look online - is it the silicone gel that’s recommended or the clear sheet? Thank you.
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For new scars, both silicone gel and silicone sheets will work well. I don’t think there evidence shows that one is better than the other.
The key thing is to not start until the wound is fully healed (no scabs or open areas) and use it consistently for a few months (2–3 months). I’m 12 weeks post surgery and just going to start.
I think gel is often easier on awkward areas, sheets for longer, flatter scars.
Hope your surgery goes well 
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I’m coming up to three weeks out and still have some tiny scabs and slight inflammation so I have to wait a bit longer..
It’s hard coz it was looking lovely and flat when they took the dressing off after 10 days but has got tight and raised since then and it really feels like it needs moisturising! But my team haven’t given me the go ahead yet.
Feels like the silicone strip advise is still a bit new within the NHS. I’m hoping I can get the strips or gel on prescription though 
Thank you, that’s very helpful.
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