One of the most important things that plastic surgeons and patients focus on after an aesthetic procedure is wound care and scar management. It is imperative for surgeons to instruct the patient about which products to use to minimize scarring and avoid infection. Take a peek at some effective products currently on the market.

Bio Med Sciences
Bio Med Sciences’ Oleeva® Fabric silicone scar-management dressings line contains Scar Shapes™, precut pieces of self-adhesive silicone sheeting that are used to heal scars after caesarean sections, abdominoplasties, and brachioplasties. Scar Shapes are packaged in clear tubes, and they can be purchased individually or in boxes of 10.

Oleeva® dressings are available in the following sheet sizes: 1.5 x 5 inches, 5 x 5 inches, 5 x 10 inches, and 8 x 12 inches. The sheets can also be custom cut.

For additional information, contact Bio Med Sciences Inc, 7584 Morris Court, Suite 218, Allentown, PA 18106; (800) 25-SILON; www.silon.com.

Hanson Medical
Hanson Medical introduces Scarfade C, a new version of Scarfade Gel that contains dimethicone and polysiloxane blends and esterified vitamin C. The vitamin C accelerates scar healing by collagen and elastin synthesis, which in turn speeds up the wound-healing and scar-resolution process. A patent on Scarfade C is pending.

For additional information, contact Hanson Medical Inc, PO Box 1296, Kingston, WA 98346; (800) 771-2215; www.hansonmedical.com.

ProCyte
Complex Cu3® postprocedure skin care products by ProCyte feature patented GHK Copper Peptide Complex® technology to help heal wounds after dermabrasion, microdermabrasion, laser resurfacing, chemical peels, and hair-removal treatments. Complex Cu3 is rich in nutrients and provides a skin care regimen that ensures hydration.

For more information, contact ProCyte, 8511 154th Ave NE, Redmond, WA 98052-3557; (888) 966-1010; www.procyte.com.

Iasun
Iasun manufactures Talsyn™-CI/bid Scar Cream, an alternative to silicone-based gels. Talsyn can be used for the management of skin lacerations, burns, surgical incisions, hypertrophic scars, and keloid scars. Talsyn’s organic ingredients include healing botanicals and a peptide that improves tissue synthesis to hasten skin healing and regeneration. Its active ingredient is tamanu oil. Talsyn leaves no residue, has a pleasant smell, and does not stain clothing.

For additional information, contact MedX Inc, 279 Great Valley Pkwy, Malvern, PA 19355; (610) 971-1900; www.gotmedx.com.

Boiron
Arnica by Boiron reduces swelling, bruising, and discomfort, and decreases the recovery time after surgery. Arnica, a homeopathic medicine with no known side effects or drug interactions, is available as oral pellets for a systemic effect and as a topical for local relief. Recently introduced to the topical line is a 2.5-ounce cream formula. Arnica may be used after breast surgery, liposuction, facelift, rhinoplasty, and blepharoplasty. It may also be used after filler, collagen, and botulinum toxin injections. The cream’s soft texture makes it safe for sensitive skin.

For more information, contact Boiron, 6 Campus Blvd, Newtown Square, PA 19073; (800) 264-7668; www.boironusa.com.

3M
The 3M™ Steri-Strip™ S surgical skin closure is a noninvasive, adhesive-based primary wound-closure device for treating low-tension lacerations and surgical incisions painlessly without the use of needles. As a topical, Steri-Strip S limits tissue trauma and has less potential for infection than traditional sutures and staples. Its design allows precise wound-edge alignment. The device is constructed from soft polyurethane pads and interlaced polyester filaments to provide strong, secure skin closure on most any length of wound. The Steri-Strip S surgical skin closure can be worn for as long as 7 to 10 days, during which time patients can take brief showers without any additional covering. The closure is available in assorted sizes.

For more information, contact 3M, 3M Center, St Paul, MN 55144-1000; (800) 228-3957; www.3m.com.

AART 
AART’s Dimisil™ scar-management system is used to manage keloid and hypertrophic scars caused by trauma from surgery, burns, abrasions, or lacerations. AART also offers procedural educational support, including instructional laboratories and videos.

For additional information, contact AART Inc, 3545 Airway Dr, Suite 106, Reno, NV 89511; (866) 853-6800; www.artinc.net.

ESBA Labs
ESBA Labs offers Topicaine® 4% and 5% topical anesthetic gel in child-resistant tubes. Topicaine 4% gel is translucent and nonoily, and it is specially formulated to penetrate skin to prevent and relieve pain caused by electrolysis, waxing, laser hair removal, skin resurfacing, and tattoo removal. Topicaine 5% gel contains aloe vera gel, bisabolol, and shea butter to promote wound healing. It may also be used in the perianal area for hemorrhoidal pain.

For additional information, contact ESBA Labs Inc, 1001 Jupiter Park Dr, Suite 112, Jupiter, FL 33458; (800) 677-9299; www.topicaine.com.

Hy-Tape International
Hy-Tape® Original Pink Tape® is an adhesive tape used for extended care. It is latex-free, waterproof, and washable, and it adheres to wet or oily skin without slipping or detaching. Hy-Tape has a zinc oxide base that is soothing on delicate skin. It is available in a variety of packages and sizes.

For more information, contact Hy-Tape International, PO Box 540, Patterson, NY 12563-0540; (800) 248-0101; www.hytape.com.

Aqueduct Medical
Aqueduct Medical introduces the AqueCool™ Rapid Recovery System for aesthetic and reconstructive surgery patients. With Controlled Cooling Technology™, which delivers continuous cool-water therapy at a safe and efficacious temperature range, AqueCool reduces swelling, bruising, and pain, and minimizes discomfort. A thermoelectric device and a form-fitting AqueCool Mask delivers the cool therapy directly to the injury site, avoiding the mess and risk of skin damage associated with ice-based therapies. The system can be used for several days and nights in a row immediately after surgery. The disposable masks, including the periorbital, mandibular, and full-facial masks, are ergonomic and custom-formable for each patient and specific procedure. The company offers the system to patients as a rental and will ship it directly to and from their homes.

For more information, contact Aqueduct Medical Inc, 665 Third St, Suite 20, San Francisco, CA 94107; (877) 365-HEAL; www.aqueductmedical.com.

Care-Tech Laboratories
Care-Cream® by Care-Tech Laboratories is an antiseptic, penetrating cream that relieves redness and irritation. The cream’s broad-spectrum antimicrobial action eliminates gram-negative, gram- positive, yeast, and fungi for site-infection prevention. It also reduces the risk of cross-contamination and allows faster healing. Care-Cream contains vitamins A, D, and E, which enhance free-radical elimination. It is effective against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

For more information, contact Care-Tech Laboratories Inc, 3224 S Kingshighway Blvd, St Louis, MO 63139; (800) 325-9681; www.caretechlabs.com.