Let's talk skin...excess skin and scarring

[xoxococojay 842]

So my vsg incisions are still visible, and it's almost bikini season, what do you guys use to fade your scars???

Also has anyone ever tried collagen pills, did it help with loose skin? I really don't have any excess skin that needs to be removed, i'm just trying to prevent saggy skin later once i am at my goal. I just want to keep everything tight, but i'm not sure if it really works or if it's a gimmick.

[fruitandveggies 456]

I personally have no experience with scar fading treatments as I don't usually have visible scars.

But I can tell you that collagen pills are a scam. Your body just breaks it down like any other animal Protein, it doesn't contribute to your own collagen. The best thing to do is maintain and support your own collagen. Vitamin C and Biotin are especially good for this. Avoiding sugar makes sure your skin cells are healthy and hydrated (so does lots of Water of course)!

Also, dry brushing for exfoliation and circulation as well as weight training will help minimize saggy skin.

[Berry78 4,259]

I know you hate to hear it, but the first summer after surgery it's a good idea to keep those scars covered. That will give them the best chance at fading for future summers. The sun can darken the scars, making them more visible permanently.

At the very least, use plenty of sunscreen on them.

Congrats on getting your bikini body, that's awesome!

[glitter eyes 1,398]

I have never taken collagen pills, but I have taken marine collagen powder that I add to my Water. It has been an amazing help to my hair and stopped the Hair loss I was having from the surgery. However, I never saw any change in my skin. I think with the skin it varies from person to person and depends a lot on age, genetics, starting weight, and other factors. I have been very diligent about my Vitamin levels, Protein, Fluid intake. I use good quality lotions and oils on my skin. I dry brush before showering everyday. For me nothing has made a difference in my saggy skin. I think for me it's because of my age and the fact that I have lost weight in the past (my skin went completely back to normal then, I was in my early 30's) then I gained my weight back. So my skin had already been stretched and then re stretched again.
However, I say try everything you never know what might work for you!!! Some people never have saggy skin.

[xoxococojay 842]

Thank you all!!! I learned a lot from your responses. And i learned that i don't need to waste money on collagen pills.< br>

[MarinaGirl 609]

The saggy skin issue was caused by weight gain not the speed or frequency of weight loss, so aside from plastic surgery once you reach goal weight, there's not much you can do to reverse it.

Edited May 25, 2017 by MarinaGirl

[TeahTeah 22]

My doctor said not to expose incision sites for 1 year after surgery. I haven't tried it but heard that lavender oil helps heal and fade the scars.

[OutsideMatchInside 10,166]

The best thing to fade your scar is just time. I used Vitamin E and Bio Oil. You can still see them but its more like I see them because I know where they are, they are not really that noticeable.

Last year before I lost enough for the skin on my stomach to get loose I had some 2 piece top and skirt combos that showed a little skin I used Dermablend on my scars and stretch marks. It lasts and doesn't rub off if you set it with a powder.

http://www.dermablend.com/leg_and_body_makeup.html?dwvar_leg__and__body__makeup_color=FAIR NUDE 0N&cgid=makeup#prefn1=category&prefv1=Cover&start=1&cgid=makeup

i found someone on ebay selling sample sizes and I purchsed 2 to get the right color and the samples were more than enough to wear that outfit like 2 times before it go too big

Increasing your Protein period will make your hair and everything else better. Long before surgery when my goals were not even about weight loss but growing my hair as fast as possible, I would supplement an extra 30 grams of protein each day. It made my hair grow like wild fire and a lot of my other friends were doing the same. So the best thing to do is to exceed your protein goals, either with regular protein or adding something like collagen.

Also @Berry78 is right, if you really want them to fade, don't expose them to the sun.

[Stella S 612]

I second cover them with sunscreen Better yet sunblock and a shirt with SPF. Next year show off - healthcare professionals indicate son worsens scars and increases risk of skin cancer.

[Newme17 3,444]

20 hours ago, TeahTeah said:

My doctor said not to expose incision sites for 1 year after surgery. I haven't tried it but heard that lavender oil helps heal and fade the scars.

That's what I'll be using, carried with Vit E oil or almond, or even coconut. I have it ready to go just as soon as my doc says I can rub stuff on my sites.

[CazzS 0]

The newest treatment for scars is Dermascar. Unlike Vit E, it has been proven to improve their appearance. I used it the scar on my neck after a thyroidectomy and within 2 weeks it was paler and flatter. It is a transparent silicon gel.

Sent from my SM-G930F using BariatricPal mobile app

[CStoned 155]

After every shower I (hella-hella) moisturize while still wet & air dry....scars fading great!
...my skin still sagging like a mf though. Scars almost gone - but stomach hanging half way 2 my knees. Oh well, win one - loose one... Lololol!

[higher 966]

Sunscreen, silicone gels, Mederma. A dermatologist can laser your scar away if it really bugs you.

[Molly23 275]

After showering I use Palmer's firming coca butter. I'm hoping that it will help limit any sagging skin but I'm not sure it will actually work for that. At least it's moisturizing. I also use Mederma at least 3 nights a week before bed. My scars have faded significantly and I'm 4 months out. Hopefully by the 1 year mark they won't be noticeable. My NP highly recommended using Mederma. She also said it is more efficient on new scars so it's best to start using it as soon as you get cleared to put something on your scars.