Most of the products are reusable and will continue to work for six to eight weeks. You may need to carry on using silicone for several months, depending on how quickly your scars respond to the treatment. Your therapist will continue to assess you and give advice.
After 6 months, researchers found that the silicone gel produced an 86% reduction in texture, 84% in color, and 68% in height of scars.
How long should I continue to use a silicone gel sheet on my scar? 90 days is the recommended initial treatment period. However, you may be advised to continue to use it for longer than this by your therapist depending on the appearance and age of the scar.
Silicone can help reduce the appearance of new scars, though it may not improve the appearance of old scars. Doctors have used silicone sheeting for over 35 years , and silicone gel is also now in use. Evidence seems to suggest that these options are effective at reducing scars and improving their appearance.
Generally it should be applied 2-3 times daily in a thin layer. Make-up and sun protection cream can be applied over the top of the silicone.
It really comes down to personal choice! Both products are very similar in terms of overall effectiveness. In other words, if both products are consistently used as directed, both should perform the same.
Moisturiser should not be applied to the scar prior to the use of gel. It creates a layer between your skin and the silicone, reducing the effect. Moisturiser can be applied after the gel is removed.
Normal fine-line scars
A minor wound like a cut will usually heal to leave a raised line, which will gradually fade and flatten over time. This process can take up to 2 years. The scar will not disappear completely and you'll be left with a visible mark or line.
Bio-Oil helps to improve the appearance of new or old scars; whether from surgery, accidents, burns, insect bites, scratches or conditions such as acne or chickenpox. Although younger scars will have a greater chance of improvement, studies have shown that older scars also benefit from regular use of Bio-Oil.
Skin reactions: Some individuals may experience skin irritation, redness, or itching under the silicone sheet. If this occurs, discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional. Infection: Do not use silicone scar sheets on open wounds or broken skin, as this can increase the risk of infection.
When a person uses it on a new scar, they may see effects after about 8 weeks. For older scars, a person may need to regularly apply the gel for up to 6 months before seeing any results.
When properly applied, silicone is a multipurpose adhesive and sealant that creates a waterproof, protective seal, and can last up to 20 years.
Many factors can slow down the healing of your scars. These include: Your age – Older skin is often more lax than younger skin, so scars often settle much quicker. Skin condition – Moisturized, well cared for skin will often heal faster and better.
Dermatologist research in scar reduction has shown that silicone is the most effective ingredient in helping to reduce the appearance of scars. This is because silicone can reduce collagen overgrowth, which leads to scarring. Silicone also works to flatten and fade scars by hydrating the tissue.
Bio-Oil Skincare Oil should be massaged in a circular motion into the scar, twice daily, for a minimum of 3 months. On new scars, Bio-Oil Skincare Oil should be applied only once the wound has healed, and should not be used on broken skin.
Scars and skin creams
Vitamin E cream is sometimes recommended for managing scars, but there's no medical evidence to suggest it has an effect. But massaging a moisturiser like E45 into the scar will stop it becoming dry and help make it supple.
Bio-oil is popular with many patients and may improve the appearance of a scar by keeping the skin hydrated however I am unaware of any scientific evidence that it reduces scarring. The only products that do seem to reduce scarring are silicone gels such, as Kelo-coat or Dermatix.
The scar will appear to become more lumpy and redder at first. This process will take between two and six weeks. Between approximately four and eight weeks the scar will look much wider and redder than it did initially. This is usually the worst the scar will look, and this is a natural part of the healing process.
It can take up to 12-18 months after your injury or operation for a scar to heal. A normal scar will become darker initially and after a period of time this will start to fade. Dark scars can remain for years or indefinitely in people with darker skin.
Scar massage is a way of softening and flattening scars. It can stop scar tissue build up and help make scars less noticeable. Your scar or scars will continue to grow and change for about twelve to eighteen months, so the earlier and more regularly you massage your scar, the less the chance of long-term problems.
It is important not to apply sheeting if you plan on swimming, sweating, or bathing. Remove the strips before working out and showering.
You can use a silicone tape and massage directly over the tape. You can also choose as silicone gel and do your massage with the gel.
We suggest applying the product at least twice a day. Throughout the course of the day it will wear off due to contact with clothing, washing of the skin, etc.