Scar Prevention
Part 2- Vitamin E

Immediately after I explain the role and alternatives to silicone-based scar preparations, many patients ask about the use of topical Vitamin E.  Afterall, most grandmothers swear by it (atleast mine does).  Vitamin E is a tocopherol with antioxidant properties.  It is theroized to act by inhibiting collagen formation, inflammation, and fibroblast proliferation (all of which are needed in normal wound healing).  Only a few studies have demonstrated any benefit, and only in conjunction with other therapies.  Most studies have shown no improvement and a high prevalence of contact dermatitis (rash).  Nevertheless, the placebo effect is real- some patients feel improvement, just by doing something.  So in the end, I generally do not recommend the use of Vitamin E for scar treatment or prevention.  However, I am not one to argue with grandmothers.  More to come...

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21856542
www.LittlePlasticSurgery.com