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Frequently asked questions
General
When can I start using Myscar caesarean silicone strips?
Myscar silicone strips can be used from as early as 6 weeks post caesarean / operation. For use only when signed off by your doctor/specialist that the incision area has healed, which is usually around 6-8 weeks post caesarean / operation. Sutures must have been removed before applying. Do not use on broken skin, open wounds or on oozing and crusting skin surfaces. If irritation does occur, discontinue use immediately. For further information on mild adverse effects and use on older scars, see below. For external use only.
What are the directions for use?
Clean and dry the scar and surrounding skin (including if possible removing any hair around the scar site). Remove silicone strip from clear packet. Peel silicone strip off plastic liner. Place the adhesive (sticky) side of the silicone strip directly over the scar. The silicone strip should be worn for 4-8 hours per day for the first few days, and gradually up to 12-24 hours a day. Build up the wearing time slowly so your skin can get accustomed to the silicone. They are designed to be worn 24 hours a day. For optimal results, we recommend wearing for a minimum of 12 hours a day for at least 3-6 months; but optionally up to 12 months+ for further aesthetic healing / best results. Remove before bathing, showering, and swimming.
How long does each silicone strip last?
Myscar silicone strips can be worn for up to 2 weeks. Reuse each silicone strip until adhesiveness has deteriorated or has gone. Note, length of wear will vary from person to person depending on their body’s natural oiliness. They are designed to be worn 24 hours a day. Remove before bathing, showering, and swimming and then reapply.
What is the difference between *The Active* Caesarean silicone strips and *The Original* Caesarean silicone strips?
To put it simply, *The Active* are washable version of *The Original*. As a result, *The Active* are slightly thicker and more durable.
If you still can't decide between the two:
*The Original* are preferred by mothers who - +want the thinnest strip and as a result appreciate this strip is more delicate, +only intend on taking it off once a day, +don't have particularly sensitive skin.
*The Active* are preferred by mothers who - +intend on exercising with silicone strip on, +want to wash their strip, +intend on taking their strip off more than once a day, +want a more durable strip, + have slightly or more sensitive skin.
All Myscar products must be removed before bathing, showering and swimming.
All Myscar products offer the gold standard in scar rehabilitation, the choice is mostly dependent on personal preference and lifestyle.
How do I clean the silicone strips?
*The Active* Caesarean silicone strips can be washed gently using your finger tips with non perfumed soap and/or warm water. Air dry or dry with a cool hair dryer (from a distance). Make sure they are fully dry before reapplying. We recommend washing your *The Active* Caesarean silicone strips every 1-2 days.
*The Original* Caesarean silicone strips are not designed to be washed.
Reuse each silicone strip until adhesiveness has deteriorated or has gone. Discard 2 weeks after opening.
Where do I store the silicone strip when not wearing?
If storing them briefly, replace silicone strip back onto the plastic liner it originally came on. Store inside an airtight container or ziplock bag (for up to 2 weeks). Store all silicone strips in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight.
Are silicone strips safe?
Myscar silicone strips are Medsafe NZ registered, listed on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods, EU certified and are a FDA-approved treatment for scars. They are a safe, non-toxic, non-invasive, drug free way to improve the appearance of scars. Silicone strips have a low risk of adverse events compared to more invasive scar reduction treatments on the market. Safe for breastfeeding mothers. Suitable for all skin types.
CAUTION: For external use only. For use only when signed off by your doctor/specialist that the incision area has healed, which is usually 6-8 weeks post operation. Sutures must have been removed before applying. Do not use on broken skin, open wounds or on oozing and crusting skin surfaces. Keep out of reach of children. If irritation does occur, discontinue use immediately. For further information, see question on adverse effects below.
What are silicone strips and how do they work?
They are an ultra-thin, breathable, flexible, durable, soft sheet of 100% medical grade silicone. Made with advanced patented silicone technology, used and recommended by plastic surgeons, dermatologists, and doctors, to improve the appearance of scars.
Put simply, silicone strips reduce moisture loss from the scar. They help prevent the outermost skin layer from getting dehydrated. They retain water levels in the skin, thus providing adequate hydration to the newly formed underdeveloped outermost skin layer. Silicone strips essentially create a level of occlusion that is very similar to normal healthy skin therefore providing favourable conditions for the scar to rehabilitate in the best way possible. The increased hydration ensures that the scar recovers quicker, reducing the scar's appearance and restoring skin to a more natural colour and texture.
Why use silicone strips?
The use of 100% medical grade silicone strips is well documented internationally as being the gold standard for achieving the best aesthetic results following an operation.
Wearing these daily (between 12- 24 hours a day) will ensure that the the scar is given the best chance to heal. The longer the silicone strips are worn the more superior the results will be. We recommend wearing them for at least 3-6 months but they may be worn for up to 12+ months for the best results.
What do silicone strips feel like to wear? I have a pouch that overhangs my scar, are they suitable for me?
Myscar silicone strips are ultra-thin, soft, breathable and flexible, and they have been designed to be worn 24 hours a day. So, ideally, you shouldn't notice you are wearing them.
A pouch is common post caesarean section and they have been designed with this in mind. The silicone strip stays in place when you move, even in skin folds. Suitable for all body types.
Can silicone strips be used on older scars?
Yes! Whilst they have been proven to be most effective when applied on new, young / immature scars, they can still treat and help with older scars (up to 4 years post surgery) especially those that may be keloid, hypertrophic, raised or pigmented. Older scars may require use of silicone strips for longer to achieve the desired result. Everyone heals differently and individual results do vary, however we consider an 'older' scar to be a scar that is 1.5-2+ years old.
My silicone strips look like they have leaked inside the packet?
There is no need to worry about this. This is the nature of the product. With our silicone strips being so soft and flexible, the silicone strip may slip / touch the inside of the packet and/or some excess silicone gel may escape leaving a water like mark on the back of the packet. They are not at all faulty, it just happens sometimes.
Can silicone strips be worn underneath compression garments?
Yes, perfectly fine to do so. However, silicone strips work on their own regardless of what you choose to wear - there is no need to wear silicone strips in conjunction with compression garments for them to be effective.
Are adverse effects, such as irritation and itchiness, common?
Potential adverse effects that can occur from silicone strips are very mild. These can include itchiness and a skin rash. These symptoms can be resolved easily by a temporary break from treatment. We recommend building up wearing time steadily, so your skin can get accustomed to the silicone.
Proper hygiene, such as washing your scar and surrounding area daily and drying the area fully before reapplication, is also advised to minimise any adverse effects.
If you have purchased *The Active* Caesarean silicone strips, we recommend washing them every 1-2 days.
I have a scar that has a unique length, do you do custom sizes?
Yes! If the sizes available on our website do not meet the required size of your scar, please email us at info@myscar.co.nz and we will do our best to create a custom order.
Shipping
New Zealand
Free shipping on all orders.
Orders will be dispatched to our courier partners within 1-2 working days of an order being received (excludes wholesale orders). Please note, our courier partners may still be experiencing delays due to COVID-19.
Australia
Free shipping for orders $400 and over. Otherwise, $10 shipping per Myscar product ordered.
Orders will be dispatched within 1-2 working days to our courier partners (excludes wholesale orders). Please note, our courier partners may still be experiencing delays due to COVID-19.
We do not accept responsibility for additional duties and taxes that are incurred when shipping outside of New Zealand.
Japan, USA and UK
Free shipping for orders $400 and over. Otherwise, $15 shipping per Myscar product ordered.
Orders will be dispatched within 1-2 working days to our courier partners (excludes wholesale orders). Please note, our courier partners may still be experiencing delays due to COVID-19.
We do not accept responsibility for additional duties and taxes that are incurred when shipping outside of New Zealand.
Rest of World
We can ship many places! Please email us at info@myscar.co.nz if your country is outside the countries listed above and we can quote shipping.
We do not accept responsibility for additional duties and taxes that are incurred when shipping outside of New Zealand.
Wholesale
For all wholesale queries please email wholesale@myscar.co.nz.
Returns + Refunds
Myscar products can be returned for refund or exchange within 14 days of delivery (excludes wholesale orders). The individual silicone strips must be unopened, in their original condition and accompanied by proof of purchase. You will be responsible for the return shipping cost. Please email returns@myscar.co.nz. if you wish to arrange.
In the unlikely event you react to Myscar products, you can exchange it or request a refund. Please email returns@myscar.co.nz.
If the product is delivered damaged, please take a photo and send it to returns@myscar.co.nz. On confirmation of damage, Myscar will provide a replacement.