We discover the cosmetic surgeon’s secret to minimising scars.
Gone are the days of ‘wind-tunnel’ facelifts and obviously augmented body parts. These days the majority of cosmetic medical consumers expect to have the clock turned back – achieving a rejuvenated appearance without any tell-tale signs.
It’s for this reason that cosmetic and plastic surgeons, dermatologists and cosmetic physicians are taking great care to minimise scarring from any procedure they perform. As well as their attention to detail and continuing refinement of expert techniques, they are paying special attention to post procedural care.
Two years ago, SciGen Australia introduced Stratamed, increasingly becoming part of the cosmetic medical industry’s post-procedure care protocol. Developed by Swiss company, Stratpharma, it is a silicone-based gel. It is recommended internationally by dermatologists and cosmetic doctors as first-line treatment in scar management. It is the first product of its kind to be approved for use on open wounds and compromised skin, which can be used just after any procedure including skin cancer.
Dr Samuel Seit has treated over 25,000 malignancies at his practice, The Skin Cancer and Cosmetic Clinic in Neutral Bay. He has been recommending Stratamed and Strataderm since it was launched in 2011. “After fractional CO2 laser resurfacing, we now ask patients to use Stratamed twice a day (morning and night) to help minimise scarring and as a prevention for hypertrophic scars,” he says.
“During the course of healing, scabs form on the skin’s surface and when these fall off Stratamed can be continued but Vaseline ointment has to be stopped as it clogs pores. Stratamed can be continued for a few weeks as it accelerates resolution of post ablative laser erythema on the face and accelerates healing. Stratamed also has calming properties so the redness dies down faster.”
He also uses Stratamed for older scars. “With long standing keloid scars, I have noticed a significant reduction in redness after this course of action.”
A scar can make people feel self-conscious. Kouki Kotsugai, one of his patients, had a problematic scar on his left jawline. Hyperpigmentation was also an issue. After he started using Strataderm, Dr Seit said it has been the best improvement on an older scar he’s seen.
Kotsugai said, “I’ve been using Strataderm for 6-7 months and the scar is now lighter than it was before – it looks a lot better and I feel more comfortable and confident. My work as a waiter means I am front of people all the time and I felt very self-conscious when my scar was more obvious. Dr Seit has treated this scar with a combination of laser treatment and cortisone injections and I use Strataderm for at-home care.The Strataderm is very effective and easy to use. I apply it every morning and evening.”
Manuela Matt, owner of Refine Cosmetic Clinic, has also had great results with the product. “We perform a range of procedures at Refine Cosmetic Clinic – breast augmentations, tummy tucks, eyelid surgery and we put every patient on Strataderm, post-op, to be used straight after the stitches come out,” he said.
“After surgery patients have to take special care – and offering Strataderm for at-home use has been a really good way of doing things as it helps to quickly get rid of the redness and scar.”
Today in Australia over 30,000 scars have been treated with Strataderm and 10,000 with Stratamed.