Scar Treatments/Silicon for scars - products and tips

When it comes to scar treatment, silicone-based solutions have gained widespread recognition for their effectiveness in preventing and treating scarring. Whether scars are from surgery or injury, silicone products create a protective barrier, helping to reduce redness and flatten raised scars. With consistent use, many people experience noticeable improvements in the texture and colour of their scars. Silicone products are viewed both as a treatment for scars (to improve existing symptoms) and as a prophylactic treatment i.e. to prevent problematic scarring.

Close-up of a woman’s lower abdomen showing a healed C-section scar covered with a transparent silicone scar sheet, with hands gently resting on either side.

Why is silicone used for scars?

Silicone for scars has been used for several decades, there is a good evidence base behind the use of silicone to improve scars. Patients with silicone sheets, gels or other products applied to their scars often notice improvements like reductions in size and visibility and the flattening of raised scars. It also works on various types of scars, like surgery, acne, and keloid scars.

The effectiveness of silicone gel for scars and similar products is due to silicone’s ability to lock in moisture and boost hydration in the epidermis – the top layer of skin. It may also help regulate collagen production while providing a breathable yet protective barrier over the skin.

What are the benefits of silicone gel for scar treatment?

The benefits of silicone products – like silicone cream for scars and scar silicone gel – are:

  • Reducing redness and itching of scars
  • Making scars less visible over time
  • Flattening and smoothing scars
  • Improving the pliability (flexibility) of scar
  • Easing discomfort associated with scar symptoms

Silicone for scars – treatment overview

The sections below will look at how to use silicone gel for scars to enjoy optimal results safely and effectively.

When and how should you start silicone scar treatment?

As with many forms of scar treatment, silicone products are most effective when utilised promptly. Once a wound has healed, you can apply silicone products for scars.

It is best to consult with your doctor, therapist, or specialist first. They will be able to advise on the most useful products for your scars, considering their size, nature, and location, and let you know the best ways to use these products.

Always apply to clean, dry skin to make the most of any silicone scar treatment. Follow the recommended instructions, start with a limited wear time e.g. 1 hour and progress daily by 4 hours until you are wearing the silicone up to 24 hours per day. Building up the wearing time is to ensure that your scar is not irritated by the silicone (rare). If you are using a gel or spray you reapply the product after washing, if you are using a silicone sheet you will wash the sheet daily as per instructions, dry and reapply.

What types of silicone products are applied for scar treatment?

Silicone scar treatments come in various forms. Below, we will take a look at the most common options.

Close-up of a raised and healing surgical scar on the shoulder area, showing signs of keloid or hypertrophic scarring with textured skin.

Silicone gels for scars

Gel silicone for scars is a colourless gel you can apply in a thin layer over scarred skin sections. The gel will dry on its own within a matter of minutes. It then forms a barrier over the scar, which improves the hydration of the scar and reduces further scar production. A benefit of working with gel is that it is not visible and will stay in place, unlike gel sheets which tend to fall off depending on the location where they are worn. Some silicone gels have SPF included; others do not.

Silicone sheets for scars

Silicone gel sheets for scars are almost like plasters. They are thin sheets of silicone (clear or coloured) which stick to the skin. You must place them over the scarred areas with a slight overlap to surrounding skin and gently push them into position. Reusing these sheets is possible – the user can simply remove the sheet (such as before bathing), wash the sheet in soapy water, dry and then reapply. Different brands are re-usable for different duration, but one sheet well looked after may last around 4 weeks. It may be necessary to wear a pressure garment or other type of fitting to keep silicone sheets from falling off. Sheets are not appropriate for young children who may attempt to eat or swallow the sheet.

Woman is applying patch with a silicone sheeting on her scar after C-section surgery

Silicone spray for scars

Silicone spray comes in pressurised bottles. The user sprays out the silicone in clear, self-drying form on to the scar. Only a thin layer is necessary. Once the layer is applied, it works like sheets and gels, forming a protective and hydrating barrier over the scarred skin to promote healing.

Inserts

For certain scars, for example scar that are in a contoured area or have got very stuck and a mould or device made of silicone material may be necessary, your therapist can make this for you.

How often do you need to use silicone products?

Theoretically silicone may be indicated for use for the duration of the scar maturation phase, which can be a 2 year journey. However, silicone is most effective for red or vascular scars, scars tend to be in this phase for up to 9 months post-surgery / injury. If you do not see an improvement from wearing a silicone product for up to 6 months, it is unlikely that the product is offering you benefit.

Take care when using silicone on scars

All forms of silicone scar treatment should only be applied on the recommendation of a doctor or specialist. Patients should read the usage instructions carefully to understand the safe and correct way to use each product and to ensure it is appropriate for their particular type of scars. If you have any doubts, consult your specialist.

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