Scar management is essential for anyone looking to minimize the appearance of scars, whether they're post-surgical, traumatic, or hypertrophic. Silicone-based products have become a leading non-invasive treatment for scars, backed by clinical studies and recommended by dermatologists and plastic surgeons. Here’s what you need to know about silicone products, including how they work and which types are best suited for various scar types.
The Science Behind Silicone Products for Scar Healing
How Silicone Influences Scar Maturation
Silicone products, whether in gel, sheet, or tape form, primarily work by creating a protective layer over the scar, promoting hydration and reducing collagen production. This helps in flattening and softening scars, making them less prominent. Silicone is especially effective during the early stages of scar healing—known as the remodeling phase—when the skin is still inflamed and prone to excessive collagen buildup.
In some cases, even for mature scars, silicone can offer benefits when combined with laser treatments. While clinical evidence is limited in this area, many clinicians suggest that as the scar tissue remodels, silicone can help improve the healing process in much the same way it does for fresh scars.
Types of Scars Silicone Can Treat
Silicone products are versatile and effective for a wide range of scar types, including:
- Hypertrophic scars: Raised, red scars that can benefit from silicone sheets due to their ability to apply gentle pressure and maintain hydration.
- Keloid scars: Excessive scar tissue that extends beyond the original wound site. Silicone sheets are the first line of defense against keloids and are a valuable adjunct therapy in their management.
- Post-surgical scars: For scars after any surgeries like breast surgery, abdominoplasty, rhinoplasty, trauma repair or C-sections, silicone products help reduce redness and flatten the raised scar tissue.
- Symptomatic scars (itching, neuropathic pain): Some scars cause persistent symptoms such as itching, burning, or nerve-related pain. By maintaining hydration, modulating collagen production, and providing a protective barrier, silicone products may help reduce irritation and discomfort, while also improving the overall scar appearance.
Silicone Sheets vs. Silicone Gels: Which Is Better?
Silicone Gel Sheets
Silicone sheets are the gold standard for scar management. They provide continuous pressure and a moisture-locking barrier over the scar, which is ideal for hypertrophic and keloid scars. They also offer the added benefit of being reusable and cost-effective in the long run. Good-quality sheets, like Scarban can be washed and reused, making them a sustainable option despite their slightly higher upfront cost. These products are durable and efficient.
Beyond hydration, silicone sheets also:
- Apply gentle continuous pressure, which can help flatten raised scars.
- Provide a protective barrier against friction, clothing irritation, and UV exposure.
- Ensure longer, more consistent contact time than gels or tape, as they stay in place for hours.
- Reduce transepidermal water loss (TEWL) more effectively than gels.
Silicone sheets are particularly beneficial for larger or more challenging scars that require sustained pressure, such as burn and trauma scars, or post-operative scars from C-sections or breast surgeries.
Silicone Tape
Silicone tape offers many of the benefits of silicone sheets but in a more flexible and easy-to-use form. It’s ideal for scars in areas where sheets may not adhere well, such as along joints, or for patients who prefer a more discreet option. Silicone tape, like Nokori, is also particularly useful in the early post-operative period for fresh surgical scars, as it combines the advantages of continuous silicone contact with the convenience of being cut to size and worn comfortably under clothing.
It is breathable, reusable, and can be easily reapplied after showering, making it a practical option for day-to-day use. Silicone tape is also ideal for sports and active lifestyles, as it stays in place during movement — with some products (like Nokori) designed to remain secure even during swimming or showering.
Silicone Gels
Silicone gels, on the other hand, are more suitable for areas where applying a sheet or tape might be difficult, such as the face (for example for rhinoplasty scars). Gels can be less effective than sheets due to the lack of pressure, but they are still highly effective for smaller scars where a sheet might not stay in place. Popular silicone gel brands like BapScaCare or Scarban Velvet Touch or Strataderm offer non-sticky formulas that can be applied easily and discretely, even while on the go.
Silicone Scar Therapy Options – At a Glance
Take-Home Tip
For best results, silicone should be worn continuously until the scar has matured (when the redness has settled). Whenever possible, we recommend sheets or tape over gels, as they provide more pressure and consistent coverage — but the key is daily, long-term use.
When and How to Use Silicone Products for Scar Healing
Timing is Key
The best time to start using silicone products is as soon as the wound is fully healed and epithelialized. Silicone should be applied during the active remodeling phase of scar formation, which can last up to a year after the wound has closed.
Daily Use and Maintenance
For optimal results, silicone sheets should be worn for 12-24 hours daily, for at least 3-6months. It's important to clean both the scar and the silicone product to maintain adhesion and hygiene. Best Practices for Application
- Silicone Sheets/Tapes: Clean the area, ensure it's dry, and apply the sheet over the scar. Silicone sheets should overlap the scar by about 1/2 inch on all sides. If the scar is large, the sheet can be cut to fit with less overlap
- Silicone Gels: Apply/massage a thin layer to the clean, dry scar and repeat regularly.
- Combination with Moisturizers: Scars often become dehydrated and lose the skin's natural oils, which are essential for healing. To help restore moisture, it’s beneficial to combine silicone-based products with a high-quality moisturizer, scar balm, and/or nourishing oil. However, for best results, make sure to apply the silicone sheet to clean, dry skin to ensure optimal adhesion and effectiveness.
Cost Efficiency and Reusability
While silicone sheets can seem pricey upfront, their reusability makes them a cost-effective option over time. High-quality medical-grade silicone sheets, like Scarban, can be washed and reused for several weeks before needing replacement, unlike many other scar treatments that require frequent reapplication or purchase.
Silicone Products as Part of a Comprehensive Scar Management Plan
Silicone-based products, including sheets, gels, and tapes, are key to effective scar management, but their benefits are maximized when used as part of a broader treatment plan. At our clinic, we offer a range of silicone products that can be purchased without a consultation, as well as scar moisturizers and balms we recommend to complement your healing process. Whether you're addressing a fresh surgical scar or a more mature one, we can guide you in selecting the right products for your needs.
Book a consultation to take your scar healing to the next level with expert advice and tailored treatment options, or simply visit us to explore our selection of silicone products and scar care solutions.