OT: Scarring

I'm going in for my second knee surgery tomorrow (had ACL reconstruction a year ago) because there's some crunching and grinding and things rubbing together that shouldn't be. Nothing abnormal is showing up on the X-Ray or MRI, and it's assumed to be the overdevelopment of scar tissue. I tend to have tough, thick scars. I'm prone to keloids on my skin.

They're going to perform an 'exploratory surgery' to assess the situation, shave off any unnecessary scar tissue and, if warranted, perform a notchplasty.

Unfortunately, with notchplasties, there are cases of chronic scarring where they go in and cut out the scar tissue and the cartilage and scar tissue grow back thicker. I'd like to avoid a third surgery and get my knee functioning correctly again, so I want to do everything I can to prevent over-scarring. Are there any supplements I can take that will reduce my scarring? (This is for the inside of my knee, so I don't believe topicals will help.)

Thanks in advance.

Iodine as a first measure. If saturated, scarring becomes less likely. Also colostrum in higher than normal amounts. I healed a 1/2 inch gash on the bottom of my foot with NO SCAR WHATSOEVER (I'm prone to scarring too). I had been taking some colostrum and some IOSOL KI at the time, but bumped up the colstrum a lot and applied IOSOL and clear iodide topically daily. Basically with colostrum you're healing the wounds fast before scar tissue gets a chance to form. At least this is the way I understand the whole Iodine, colostrum, scarring thing. Hope it helps! Good luck in surgery!

Thanks. Read some great stuff about Colostrum. Am also thinking of Serrapeptase, which had been recommended to me in the past for something else. Curious if I should start taking right away or if I should wait for the healing process to start for a time and then start this stuff.

Went to the local co-op and they recommended:
- Sea Buckthorn
- Cordyceps
- Homeopathic Graphites
- Deer antler velvets

I purchased the above with the exception of deer antler velvets.

So, here's what I'm looking at taking post-opp:
- Sea Buckthorn
- Reishi/Cordyceps
- Homeopathic Graphites
- Colostrum
- Serrapeptase
- Curcumin
- Magnesium
- D3
- Vitamin C
- Probiotic
- IOSOL Iodine
- Whey Protein
- Coconut Oil
- Green Tea

We'll see...

I would start taking it now. Scarring/regeneration will begin immediately.

Iodine saturation like yanks pointed out prevents and reverse scarring. I'm currently trying high dose SSKI and regular zapping, but detox and other hindrances slow down the process. Will report back if I have success.....

Don't forget the herb Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) excellent for tissue healing and scar prevention including keloids
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21240513

Thanks all. Going to pick-up some Gotu Kola as well. Spoke with my primary after surgery and he'd like me to wait 2 days before starting any supplements.

Started my colostrum the day after surgery. However, I just read this article on HealthyFixx.com:

http://healthyfixx.com/54/fixxing-knee-and-joint-pain-osteoarthritis?utm_source=Newsletter&utm_campaign=1e427d9e71-Weekly_Fixx_11_22_2011&utm_medium=email

It talks about colostrum helping to generate bone and cartilage. This is what I don't want to do. Bone and cartilage overgrowth was why I had to get surgery. Now I'm confused. Does colostrum reduce scarring and calcification or generate bone and cartilage? Help. Don't want a 3rd surgery...

hmmm... i'm not sure about that. i would THINK that it would influence HEALTHY bone growth and not cause overgrowth, but that's a complete assumption. Maybe leave it out and rely on the others for now if you're worried. If you decide to use it then stick with low dosage.

Went over the list with my primary care physician and he all he recommended was high dose Vitamin E (complete toco). Most of the recommendations -- and supporting studies -- only concern themselves with skin scarring. I'm most worried about excess cartilage and bone overgrowth.

I'll also be taking some Cordyceps, Homeopathic 'Graphites 30c,' and Serrapeptase based on other recommendations, however, he doesn't know enough about their effect on bone to have an opinion.

What about Immortal Hair's Decalcify though? Might that help with warding off scarring and bone repair overgrowth?