Yes, silicone therapy (gels or sheets) effectively reduces scar thickness, flattening and softening raised scars like hypertrophic scars and keloids by hydrating the skin, improving texture, reducing redness, and minimizing itching, with consistent, long-term use (months) often needed for best results.
Scar Treatment Options
Compression garments apply pressure and reduce blood flow to the scarred area, which can reduce the thickness and minimize the appearance of your scar. Garments also can relieve the itching, burning and pain. Silicone sheets act like an extra layer of healthy skin on your scar.
Silicone may hydrate the scar tissue and reduce the production of collagen fibres (see scar massage information sheet). It has also been shown to reduce redness and to make the scar flatter, softer and paler. How do I use the silicon? Your therapist will give you instructions for how to use the silicone.
Tips to Minimize Scars During and After Pregnancy
Start early – Apply silicone gel or scar cream as soon as your incision is healed or stretch marks begin to form. Keep skin moisturized – Hydrated skin is more resilient and less prone to tearing.
The science-backed benefits of silicone gel make RejûvaSil a smart choice for parents looking for effective scar care that's also safe for children.
10 Reasons Why Silicone Is Bad for Your Skin
The sheets should extend beyond the scar area on all sides by at least 1/2.” How long should I wear each ScarAway Silicone Scar Sheet? Each ScarAway Reusable Silicone Scar Sheet should be worn for a minimum of 12 and up to 23 hours per day, provided it is removed and the scar area and sheet are washed daily.
Bepanthen Scar Treatment Gel. Bepanthen Scar Treatment has been developed using scientific recommendations for optimal scar treatment. Its silicone gel formula combined with the inbuilt massage roller helps smooth, soften and flatten the scar reducing its overall appearance.
Mederma Scar Gel is specifically designed for scar reduction and is known for its powerful, clinically proven ingredients. Regular application can make a world of difference, making Mederma Scar Gel a consistent and reliable stitch mark removal solution at home with no downtime required.
Silicone creates a protective barrier over the scar, helping to lock in moisture and prevent excessive collagen production. Over time, this can result in softer, flatter, and less noticeable C-section scars.
Apply a very small amount of Silagen Gel to the area being treated, creating a thin layer covering the scar. Gently massage. Once dry (typically 1 to 2 minutes), Silagen Gel can be covered by clothing, cosmetics, sunblock and bandages. Apply Silagen Gel two to three times daily.
While Vaseline can be helpful for initial wound protection, silicone-based scar gels offer superior benefits for scar reduction over the long term. Clinical research consistently supports their ability to improve scar appearance, especially in patients prone to abnormal healing.
Some of the most common side effects of silicone strips include:
Collagen is thicker than the rest of your skin. This thicker, less flexible tissue becomes a scar. Most scars are flat. However, sometimes your body makes extra collagen that results in a raised scar.
The commonly known ingredients that help with scar reduction include silicone, retinoids, and onion extract. Gel or silicone sheets are dermatologists' favorites for both new and old scars. These gels hydrate scar tissue and modulate collagen production so the raised scars become soft and flat.
The Science Behind Silicone
Hydrates the scar tissue, preventing excessive collagen production that can cause raised scars. Reduces tension on the scar site, which is important for minimizing scar elevation. Acts as a semi-occlusive layer, allowing oxygen in while keeping water in, promoting a healing environment.
However, some stitch marks may never disappear even after the time period. Some stitch marks will never completely vanish, no matter what treatments you try, but significant improvement almost always is. Deep surgical incisions, genetic predisposition, and certain skin types can result in permanent scarring.
If your scar is from a recent accident and the skin has fully healed, using Mederma could be beneficial. However, if the scar is very old or raised (like a keloid), you might want to consult a dermatologist for other treatment options.
Silicone therapy can help hydrate the scar. This will help it flatten and soften and reduce discomfort. This can be done with silicone gels. You can buy these over the counter in pharmacies.
#1 SURGEON RECOMMENDED - BIOCORNEUM silicone gel for scars after surgery is the top choice for U.S. plastic surgeons. Trusted for effective scar reduction, our scar treatment formula uses professional-grade silicone, proven in scar management.
Bepanthen Scar Treatment contains pro-vitamin B5, which helps to moisturise the scar. After regular application of Bepanthen Scar Treatment, redness, itching and inflammation will be reduced, and the scar may become less visible.
Silicone hydrates the scar and softens the scar tissue, which may help minimize its appearance. Silicone is available as an ointment, cream, or gel; or in sheets, pads, or strips that you place over your incision. The sheets, pads, or strips are applied to the scar starting at about two weeks after your C-section.
Anecdotal reports claim that vitamin E speeds wound healing and improves the cosmetic outcome of burns and other wounds. Many lay people use vitamin E on a regular basis to improve the outcome of scars and several physicians recommend topical vitamin E after skin surgery or resurfacing.
Are silicone scar sheets reusable? Yes, silicone scar sheets are reusable. They can be washed daily with mild soap and water, then allowed to air dry before reapplying. Most silicone scar sheets can be used for several weeks before needing replacement.