Scar on chest

[Gussy121]

hi everyone I’m hoping to go on holiday within the next couple weeks I’m 16 weeks post op for valve repair and just concerned about the scars and sunburn .should I be using any particular cream etc or do you think it’s better to keep a shirt on .thanks .just so many things to consider now or maybe not

[Hidden]

Hello

Lucky you going on holiday

I would use a good cream even though I don't have one to recommend I am sure others will though and keep a light weight shirt on

Even now over a year when we had the heat wave here I found my scar started hurting if I did not protect it in the heat

Have a lovely holiday x

[Gussy121 in reply to Hidden]

thanks for your kindness

[Hidden in reply to Gussy121]

x

[Ageingfast]

reading this very helpful forum, I have noted variations to peoples scars. I had no problem with scarring . In fact I struggle to see where I was opened up. Others have nasty after effects. So you will not get a definitive reply. We are all different.

My stitches came out with great ease whereas this is not always the case.

Best wishes

Sooty

[Jako999]

scars are different from person to person, I’m 18 weeks to day and mine hasn’t seen any sun yet, I’ve never had a problem with any of my small scars but then as soon as I see even a bit of sun I go brown. If it were me I would take it easy with just short bursts of sun then cover up, if you use factor 50 or child block you should ok as well the problem then is you’ll have a stripe down the centre of your chest😳😳

I may only be 18 weeks post CABG but my scar is getting less visible to the point I’ve said to my wife I’m going to get them to re do just the scar, I’m not going through all this with with nothing to show off😁😁

Have a great holiday and relax🙏

[Gussy121]

ha ha I’ll maybe pass on getting it done again thanks for the reply I appreciate it

[Hidden]

I think it comes down to how well you tan, my current scar is a Mk3, and my favourite version. I tan well, but, the first time on holiday after my last surgery, the scar had some redness at first. These days, nine years on, it just blends in without any problems.

Don't worry about it, just enjoy yourself.

[Gussy121 in reply to Hidden]

thanks just a wee bit worried just don’t want any problems .and thanks for replying

[Becksagogo]

Scar or no scar, please be sensible in the sun . Take high factor sun cream and if you feel you are burning 🔥 get out of the sun and into the shade. Please don't fall asleep in the sun 😫

I've had 2 melanomas removed and you wouldn't want that on top of your heart ♥ issues.

Have a great relaxing holiday, you deserve it.

[Gussy121 in reply to Becksagogo]

thanks for the advice much appreciated

[RevRog]

hi Rogers wife here Roger had triple heart op 2 may went majorca late aug & in Tenerife at mo so heres what we did first use high (50 ) sun cream on scar at least even under clothes Have used both Boots make & aldi/ lidel both good also bought sleveless T shirts with high round neck ( sports direct ) and a bandana style “scarf” to tie around neck with point hanging down over scar use parosol a sun cap keeps some sun of chest ( worn on head😂) Be careful lifting cases etc Enjoy 😎Rog did uncover is scar on beach etc for short time more so here in Tenerife ( 5 months since op ) with no probs God Bless 🌴

[Gussy121 in reply to RevRog]

thanks for answering my question much appreciated

[Anon2023]

hi. I’ve been putting silicone gel on my scar for months to keep it soft although it’s still very visible. I’ve kept it out of the sun so far but I’m off to South Africa next Friday. I’m going to use factor 50 on it and just keep it moisturised. Hope you have a good holiday. X

[Gussy121 in reply to Anon2023]

thanks for getting back to me much appreciated

[MountainGoat52]

I decided to keep covered up for the first year and I used factor 50 thereafter. Even though my chest is quite hairy, I do find people (especially children) staring at my scar. I'm sure not many realise why it's there.

[Gussy121 in reply to MountainGoat52]

factor 50 it is then just hoping I’m not going to be the talk of the poolside the man with the scar lol

[MountainGoat52 in reply to Gussy121]

Just tell them you had an encounter with a guy wielding a Samurai sword.... and watch their faces. 😂

[Letsallhope1]

hello

Try to cover it with a total block of a good brand like Roche Posay or Avene and re-apply regularly.

Like that it won’t stay dark once time heals it completely.

Have a great holiday!!

[Gussy121]

thanks for getting back to me much appreciated

[Adhtz21]

Hi, SF50+

I have a keloid scar. Keep tabs on your scar. Should be flat. Manipulation for 5 mins 4 times per day if not. Steroid jabs (4th lot) have flattened it abit but still a mess.

Well done on holiday after 4 months, I cancelled mine.

Best regards,

Andy

[Gussy121]

thanks Andy

[Grayjay]

My GP recommended Aqueus cream for the scar tissue. If I had the chance again I'd tape the scar up, or better still wear a T shirt. Don't get it burned like I did. Enjoy your holiday.

[Gussy121]

thanks for getting back to me much appreciated I think it’s going to be factor 50 and a t shirt just to be safe

[fishonabike]

the advice for scar tissue is to treat it in the same way as the skin of a baby - no exposure to direct sun for at least 6 months - for the rest of you body it is always advisable to use protection: nhs.uk/live-well/seasonal-h...

[Partner20]

Any scar tissue is like delicate new skin, and should be protected by high-factor sunscreen, preferably factor 50, plus a layer of clothing. Most of us should be protecting ourselves in a similar way all over, regardless of scars. I wish I had known that when I was younger. Take care of yourself and enjoy your holiday!

[Gussy121]

thanks for answering my questions it certainly looks like it’s factor 50 and t shirts I just don’t want to take any chance .this site has been fantastic .

[Jetcat]

Just depends on where you going and the sun strength.? Just take care when out in the sun with or without scars.👍