After my gallbladder and hernia operations in 2001 and 2004, respectively, the scars healed quickly with only a hairline remaining. But the open-heart surgery left scars which were not typical for my skin. Between September 5 and September 23 the sternum scar was healing nicely, before taking a turn for the worse with ‘keloid-like’ appearance in the next photo taken on October 14, 2010.

So what changed between these dates?

I applied Bio-Oil to the scars. Urged by my girlfriend to promote healing, I frivolously applied the Bio-Oil and ever since have been regretting the decision. The bottle read ‘Contains the breakthrough ingredient PurCellin Oil’ that was supposed to accelerate my healing process. Instead, it had an adverse effect. It’s as if the skin became malleable, allowing it to stretch and form the ‘keloid-like’ scar at the incision. Need more proof? Look just above my belly button where you can see a faint horizontal line several inches long. This was a mark left when the tape keeping my three drain tubes in place was removed — no incision, just tape. After applying Bio-Oil to that as well, eight months later, a red mark remains. How do you explain that?

Like I said, I know my body and how it heals, and this was NOT normal. My suggestion for others is to NEVER use anything on their scars — no ointments, no Vitamin E, and especially no Bio-Oil. Mother-nature does a great job by herself when it comes to healing. If you still don’t believe me, look at my sternum scar after my second open-heart surgery where I didn’t use Bio-Oil. I rest my case ...