Not only for the scar on the back of my head from the strip procedure, but I have some other old surgical scars. Is there anything you recommend that actually makes a noticalbe improvement?

I know Neosporin is conventionally recommended to induce faster healing/prevent excessive scab build-up in wounds, but I've also used it successfully to help fade older scars in the past.

I cut myself pretty badly across the face back in high school, which resulted in the formation of a deep crimson mark. I had further aggravated the area by foolishly picking at the scab before it finally closed up, so I assumed it was too late to begin using any kind of ointment. However, I was later advised by a local dermatologist to start applying Neosporin daily, even though it seemed kind of futile at the time since the scrape had already technically "healed". By that point, the purpose wasn't to "treat" the wound; I was simply trying to reduce the redness.

After several months of regular use, the area was virtually indistinguishable from the rest of my skin. I've used it on my donor scar with success, too. Can't guarantee it will do anything for a scar with abnormal texture, but if you're looking to diminish some discoloration, it might be worth a shot. Mederma is another pretty popular choice.

__________________
-------

All opinions are my own and my advice should not constitute as medical advice.

View my My Hair Loss Website

So you're saying that Neosporin, can reduce the red discoloration, but not reduce the amount of scar tissue from fibrosis, right?

I.e., your stretched scar will remain stretched?

__________________
take care...

Has anybody ever used Mederma? I read many comments on another forum about how great it worked by many people, but after going through a whole tube, I don't really see a difference. I think the only effective way is through lasers.

Right. I think it mainly accelerated the fading process in my case, which dramatically improved the cosmetic appearance of the scar.

__________________
-------

All opinions are my own and my advice should not constitute as medical advice.

View my My Hair Loss Website

Be careful of who you go to if you choose laser!
I had some veins on my nose I wanted removed so I went to a dermeatologist who did laser on my nose & left me with deep scars!
Mederma did not work for me to get rid of the scars.

I am NOT a fan of neosporin at all. In fact I tell my patients not to get near it after I do anything to them....facelift/hair/mole; or my kids when they get abraided. Lots of folks have allergies to it. It is hard to beat vaseline for wound care.

For later scar treatment, I like vitamin E oil and mederma; and if one has a history of really bad scars, kelocote is pretty good. But nothing beats gentle massage and followup at the office at the first sign of trouble.

Dr. Lindsey McLean VA

__________________
William H. Lindsey, MD, FACS
McLean, VA

Dr. William Lindsey is a member of the Coalition of Independent Hair Restoration Physicians

Dr. Lindsey,

If a patient had used Neosporin in the past with positive results, would it be ok to use it on the donor area?

Proceed at your own risk. I do not use it on my patients.

Dr. Lindsey McLean VA

__________________
William H. Lindsey, MD, FACS
McLean, VA

Dr. William Lindsey is a member of the Coalition of Independent Hair Restoration Physicians

That's interesting. I never knew Neosporin could help diminish scars. I have also heard good things about Mederma through online research but I don't know anyone who has used it.