LAM FACIAL PLASTICS

Hi Dr. Lam,
As you know, I had 2 moles excised earlier in the week and will have the stitches removed on Monday. (Yay!) I read thru the post-op care sheet you sent home and see that I am to discontinue applying peroxide and ointment after the stitches come out. Would it be beneficial for me to apply some sort of cream to help with redness or scarring at that point? I did a little searching and came up with two that received good reviews (Mederma and Kelo-cote Scar Gel) and was just curious what your advice would be in regards to the application of these items? Do you have a specific recommendation? Or would you suggest nothing at all?

Thanks in advance.

Tracy

I suggest nothing at all. If you go under my FAQs section for moles you will see that most of these products are useless. Mederma in a study showed that it did nothing whatsoever. Kelocote really is intended for thicker scars like keloids with the silicone component. These probably won't hurt you if you wanted to use them. I know that you will feel "naked" after 7 days without anything on the area. The main thing is to absolutely stop peroxide. Also, I know believe not to use Vitamin E. I think that could be detrimental. If you had to pick something "fancy" to apply, I would say, use Kelocote over Mederma. Maybe it could help. I don't think so but I don't have firm science either way. Here is something you could try to help patients. Apply kelocote to half of each incision and see if it does anything. Obviously, you might not want to do that.
best,
sml

Thanks, Dr. Lam! I might try the Kelocote. After the stitches come out, I am assuming it's ok for me to use my regular face wash (I use Cetaphil or Dove) and Lubriderm to moisturize?

yes, you should be fine. mederma is a true waste of money.