I’m a doctor – here are two ways to help reduce scarring

A doctor has shared his simple advice on how to reduce scars after surgery.

Dr. Michael, a Scottish doctor currently practicing in Australia, uploaded a TikTok video to his 389,000 followers on his medical and health-focused account on July 4.

The doctor – known on the social site as @drmichaelsays – has master’s and bachelor’s degrees in medicine and surgery and regularly uploads surgical advice and health warnings on everyday products, such as sunscreen, vitamins and vapors.

The video has garnered over 7,000 likes and 225 comments since its upload, with many planning to take Michael’s advice. Some describe their own results from using the products, and others refer to similar items that can do the same job.

In the video, Michael highlighted two specific items that can help improve the appearance of scar tissue: silicone tape and scar treatment gel.

He said, “Is there anything that works for scars?” This is a question I get all the time.

“In Australia, I’ve had a lot of skin cancers cut out, so we’re dealing with scars all the time, and there’s a lot of things you can do – some very easy, some more difficult, like lasers and invasive treatments.”

‘But I actually thought this was really good, as long as you did it consistently. The first thing you can get from Boots is a silicone gel – very easy to use.

“You just have to be consistent about it. Wear it every day.’

While recommending another product, Michael says, “The product that I think works a little better is the silicone tape.

“You may have to order this online, but basically it comes as a roller.

You cut it to the size of your scar, apply it and leave it on until it falls off. It stays on when you’re in the shower; it can stay on for days or weeks. Just leave it there and replace it after about two weeks.

After removing it, you will see a slight difference; it certainly helps against redness.’

Responses poured in from users voicing the recommended products, while some shared their own personal experiences with scar care.

One person wrote, “Just got it on Amazon this week. I was attacked by dogs in March, so I have a lot of scars. Pray it works. It was very easy to apply for.’

Two other individuals shared positive reviews of both the gel and the silicone tape, with one saying, “I used the Keli-Cote gel a few years ago for a large scar after surgery and the healing was really good. The skin is so smooth.’

The other wrote, “I used that tape on my midline open scar from bowel resection. Works well!’

Some users suggested other personally helpful products, one of which said “Castor oil pure.”

Another wrote, “I heard Bio-Oil would be helpful in helping scars appear.”

A third said: ‘We were recommended Dermatix Ultra by a pediatric surgeon, it really reduced the angry scars.

A small group of people claimed that the products Michael recommended—particularly the tape—hadn’t worked for them before, with one writing, “Silicone tape widened my scars.”

Another wrote, “I used that tape for months after my appendectomy and there was minimal progress.”

There are many different treatments to help fade scars that are now available in the market:

Some suggestions from Dr. Michael – as well as other creams, gels and tapes – may be a better option for those on a budget or unprepared for hours of painful laser sessions.

An Australian woman who took the plunge and attended a pigmentation laser session in March 2023 was left with horrific scars – after the settings on the machine were ‘set too high’.