For the last 30 years, silicone gel has been considered the gold standard in treating post-surgical and post-traumatic scars. A large number of clinical data supports the claim that medical silicone gel is considered the first line of treatment for most scar management cases. Hypertrophic and keloid scars are perfect candidates for silicone gel treatment and most patients with these scar types want to know how to manage them. Luckily, medical-grade silicone isn’t just accessible to physicians and healthcare professionals, patients can purchase it for themselves. We know that silicone gel works but many patients want to know how it works so they can make more informed decisions about their post-operative care.

Continue reading to learn more about silicone gel and how it helps to reduce and prevent abnormal scar types.

Scars and wound healing

Scars form as a result of wounds that penetrate deep enough into the dermis (middle) layer of the skin. As soon as a wound is attained, an intricate wound-healing process begins that eventually leads to the formation of a scar. Some scars heal over nicely and appear as a flat, white line that is hardly noticeable. Other scars will develop into a hypertrophic or keloid scar. These scars are the result of collagen buildup at the wound bed which leads to abnormal scar types that appear raised, ropey, and discolored. Hypertrophic and keloid scars can have underlying causes that are genetic, but environmental factors play a role as well. Improper wound management and diet, for instance, can delay the wound healing response and lead to infection causing greater scarring down the road. Abnormal scar types can be uncomfortable and even painful. Because of this, many patients are quick to seek out affordable and effective treatment options.

What is silicone and how does it work?

Silicone gel is a synthetic material made up of silicone polymers, which are repeating units of siloxane (elemental silicon and oxygen). Silicone is commonly used in the cosmetic and medical industries because it’s a durable material that can be used for a variety of purposes. In cosmetics silicone is widely used as moisturizers, conditioners, solvents, and delivery agents for other skin care products. In the medical industry, silicone is used in implants, bandages and dressings, seals, gaskets and much more. In the case of scar therapy, silicone comes in the form of sheeting, ointments, and sticks that can be applied directly to the scar site.

Silicone’s primary mechanisms of action, when used as a topical agent for scar management, are its abilities to induce hydration and promote a homeostasis of oxygen and moisture on the surface of the skin. This homeostasis, or optimal environment, allows dry skin and scar tissue to regain elasticity, hydration, and tensile strength after surgery or injury.

Silicone also helps to regulate collagen production at the scar site. When a person sustains a wound, epidermal keratinocyte and fibroblast cells synthesize massive amounts of collagen, a common structural protein, to rebuild the damaged skin. But if left unchecked, collagen buildup can lead to irregular scarring in the form of keloids and hypertrophic scar formations. By applying silicone gel sheeting or silicone ointment to the scar bed, fibroblast activity is scaled back and collagen production is normalized. This has the effect of flattening and smoothing scars, helping them blend in with the surrounding tissue.

Biodermis offers custom tailored referral programs designed to simplify and reduce the cost of your patients' post-op care. Additionally, we offer professional pricing if you opt to retail our products. Give us a call at 800.322.3729, and we will be happy to provide additional details on these programs.