Member

Posts: 43
From:
Registered: May 2003

posted 05-30-2003 04:08 PM            

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Just had neck surgery about 11 days ago. It was ACDF. I understand that the steri-strips will fall off in about 14 days from surgery.

Is it safe to immediately start applying VitE or Mederma to the scar... or do I risk infecting or inflaming the wound?

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Member

Posts: 65
From:prattville, alabama, usa
Registered: Mar 2003

posted 05-31-2003 12:46 AM            

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My steri strips were removed after seven days. I started applying vitamin e cream at about 14 days along with massage the incision.

It's been ten weeks and unless I point my incision out to someone, they don't even see it.

Connie in Alabama

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ACDF C6 & C 7 with plating and donor bone 3/20/03

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Senior Member

Posts: 187
From:Canada
Registered: Mar 2003

posted 05-31-2003 01:53 AM            

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I didn't put anything on my scar or start massageing it for 7 weeks. However I think that was late to start massaging it. I just used lubriderm lotion.
bdb

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Veteran

Posts: 349
From:Arkansas
Registered: Jan 2003

posted 06-01-2003 09:35 PM            

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I started using Neosporin right away as it also helps reduce scarring. Mederma shouldn't be used until the incision is well healed.

Hope that helps. I am almost 3 wks postop and just started using the Mederma at 2 wks.

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God bless,

Lea

C4-5 noncompressive disc displacement
C5-6 compressive disc displacement
C6-7 broad based disc protrusion encroaching on the anterioposterior aspect of the spinal canal.
DDD
ACDF C6-7 5/13/03 with titanium plate,4 screws, and no collar postop.

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Senior Veteran

Posts: 612
From:Raleigh, NC, USA
Registered: May 2003

posted 06-01-2003 10:24 PM            

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I agree with Lea. I told my surgeon on my 1 month follow up that I wanted to start with Mederma, expensive but very effective, and he said it was OK at that time.

One other thing I'll suggest since I had an ACDF. About 2 months after surgery, my NS suggested massage. Best idea I was ever given. Make sure they know about your surgery. I have my massages at a healthcare club in the same building where I do my PT. My PT met with the massage therapist just before I went in. It was great. I still do it.

jdog

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Senior Member

Posts: 225
From:Brick NJ USA
Registered: Sep 2002

posted 06-02-2003 09:46 AM            

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YES do the Vit e and the Curad scar pad strips about 5 days after surgery I am still doing it 8 months post Op and my scar ia about an 1/2 big and you can barely see it, same on my hip!!! Of course if I go in for a second surgery who knows-- but baby that scar and it will shrink down to nothing!!!!!!!

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Double fusionC5-7 with own bone and plate Oct3,2002

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