2 questions:can i now start using neosporin on my scar?what do you think of trying to conceive 6 months after open heartsurgery? i am 24 years old and i had open heart surgery called the ross procedure on november 2nd, 2011 due to my bicuspid aortic valve

Congratulations : Congratulations on your successful surgery - now without a murmur! there's no reason you can't use an ointment on your scar, though i doubt neosporin would be of any significant benefit. Some people use vitamin E ointments on their scars, but there is no real evidence of it being of long term benefit. My biggest recommendation is to avoid any lateral tension on the incision to prevent the scar from spreading. For this you should have a well fitted brassiere. There is no reason you shouldn't be ready to try and conceive six months after your surgery as long as the healing and recovery processes are proceeding normally.

I SEE NO PROBLEM.: Many heart conditions require antibiotic prophylaxis. Neosporin is a topical antibiotic that unless your heart doctor prohibits, will protec your wound of being infected and speed up the healilng process.

2 answers: There is no real benefit to applying neosporin, vitamin e, mederma, etc to your scar. It is advisable to use sun block when outside. Pregnancy is certainly possible after a ross procedure but should be carefully monitored by your cardiologist and obstetrician. Remember, even after successful heart surgery, you require lifelong monitoring by a cardiologist.