The scar should be completely dry and perfectly healed (usually about 3 weeks after injury assuming a well-healed scar). Ask your physician before you start silicone. You cannot use silicone on an open incision or an incision that is too recently healed.
SILAGEN® CAN HELP SOFTEN, FLATTEN, AND REDUCE THE REDNESS OF HYPERTROPHIC SCARS AND KELOIDS, EVEN WHEN OTHER TREATMENTS FAIL. Clinical studies show benefits of silicone therapy on scars up to 4 years old.
Silicone scar sheets can be used on both new and old scars. They may be more effective on newer scars, but older scars can still benefit from treatment. Results may vary depending on the age and severity of the scar.
You may begin using silicone gel/sheeting as soon as the skin is fully closed, after any sutures have been removed (typically 4-6 weeks after your procedure). Do not use it on an open wound.
If the incision has been closed with absorbable sutures and Steri-Strips, scar treatment can begin about two weeks later after the Steri-Strips have been removed if the incision is completely healed.
You should carry on massaging your scars for at least three to six months after your surgery or injury.
Use silicone products
Silicone products, such as silicone sheets and gels, can keep your scar moisturized and help it heal. You can use them under your makeup and clothing.
Studies have shown a reduction in keloid (thick, raised scars) with silicone sheets. Anecdotally, many surgeons feel sheeting helps normal scars heal better.
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.
The average scar reduction time may be seen in as little as four to eight weeks, but individual results will vary with each patient and results cannot be guaranteed. What if the scar sheets don't work? There are several other effective anti-scar therapies available.
If you are unhappy with the appearance of your scars more than 12 months after surgery, you should consider scar revision.
Silicone sheets act like an extra layer of healthy skin on your scar. The silicone hydrates and softens the scar tissue, which can improve its appearance or, in some cases, cause it to fade.
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.
A scar is mature when it is paler, flatter or softer. ◗ It is recommended that you continue to moisturise your mature scar regularly.
Silicone sheets and silicone tape should be applied constantly for at least 3- 4 months. They should be removed daily for bathing and then reapplied. If irritation develops, or if the scar is in a cosmetically obvious location, the sheet can be worn at night only.
After 6 months, researchers found that the silicone gel produced an 86% reduction in texture, 84% in color, and 68% in height of scars.
Effectiveness — Evidence shows that silicone scar sheets like ScarAway can prevent hypertrophic (raised) scars and keloids. Professionally-Recommended. Many dermatologists and plastic surgeons consider silicone sheets to be the only proven home remedy for scars.
Scar tissue tends to get less stretchy when it's dry. Silicone restores that hydration, locking the moisture in that your body would otherwise lose naturally. And because scar tissue is vulnerable to hyperpigmentation from the sun's UV rays, silicone gels and sheets shade the scar so it doesn't darken.
It results into softer and flatter scar. It allows skin to "breathe". It protects the scarred tissue from bacterial invasion and prevents bacteria-induced excessive collagen production in the scar tissue.
The Connection Between Old Scars and Itching
Scars from burns, contractures, may make your skin stretch tightly. Healed burn scars may often trigger an itchy sensation due to the skin tightness.
Using Bio-Oil Skincare Oil, for example, can help improve the appearance of scars but if you have severe scarring or are concerned about what to do, talking with your doctor or dermatologist can help you decide on the best options for you.