Silicone gel is one of the most popular scar treatment options in the world for a number of reasons: it is affordable, safe, effective, and readily available to both physicians and patients. Oftentimes, physicians will recommend medical silicone as a first line of defense against excessive post-operative scarring before moving on to more aggressive scar treatment modalities. The positive clinical evidence in support of silicone gel is the primary reason why surgeons and dermatologists feel confident recommending this product to their patients. Some other popular methods for treating scars include vitamin E, onion extract, and corticosteroid injections. In this article, we will explore each of these options in detail to prove why silicone gel is the best treatment in a vast majority of cases.
Vitamin E is no good for scars
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble antioxidant that supports various metabolic functions in the body. Research suggests that consuming vitamin E has many health benefits for the human body, but what about when applying it to the skin? It’s easy to confuse this vitamin’s nutritional value with the many online claims regarding its ability to reduce the appearance of scars. However, there are no proven benefits for using vitamin E topically, and it may even worsen the appearance of your scar.
In one study, spearheaded by Bauman and Spencer, topical Aquaphor and Aquaphor mixed with vitamin E were used on patients with post-surgical scarring. The study consisted of 15 patients who had each had skin cancer surgically removed. Each patient was asked to apply the regular emollient to side A of their scar and the vitamin E emollient to side B of their scar. The researchers evaluated the cosmetic appearance of the scars after 1, 4, and 12 weeks. Conclusively, 90% of the patients saw no change in the appearance of their scars. In 33% of cases, the patients contracted contact dermatitis from the vitamin E and the appearance of their scars worsened.
Onion extract for scars?
It may sound weird, but onion extract is a common ingredient used in many products to reduce the appearance of scars. Most famously, Mederma, a popular scar treatment ointment, contains cepalin (onion extract) as one of its primary ingredients. While there is some evidence that this ingredient improves the color of scars, it doesn’t reduce the height or itchiness of abnormal scars such as keloids and hypertrophic scar types. In fact, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) doesn't support the use of onion extract because of the lack of empirical evidence. Medical silicone, on the other hand, improves the color, height, and symptoms of scars.
Corticosteroid injections for scars
Steroid injections have anti-inflammatory properties and work by breaking down the collagen bonds in the scar tissue. Some dermatologists and skincare specialists may recommend steroid injections if you are prone to keloids or hypertrophic scars, but you should consider this treatment only if other options have proven ineffective. Keep in mind that you may need to get several injections over a period of time before you start seeing marked improvements in the appearance of you scar. If you don’t do well with needles, this treatment may not be your go-to option. Some side-effects are also associated with steroid injections, such as tissue discoloration and a sunken appearance at the scar bed (atrophy). While this treatment is generally effective, the points discussed here are some things you should consider before moving forward.
Medical-grade silicone gel for scars
Medical-grade silicone gel for scars is a topical solution for preventing and treating abnormal scar types that result from surgery or injury. Topical silicone gel is backed by over 30 years of clinical evidence and is recommended by doctors around the world. Silicone works simply and effectively through dermal hydration and collagen regulation. Silicone induces moisture at the scar site while allowing oxygen to pass through its semi-permeable layer. This creates an ideal healing environment (homeostasis) at the scar bed, leading to a reduction in the height, size and color of the scar. Silicone gel is safe for people of all ages and can be obtained through your physician or online at biodermis.com.
Biodermis is an innovative market leader with 30 years of expertise in the medical silicone industry. Visit Biodermis.com today to explore a complete range of scar management and post-operative care solutions.
PHYSICIANS AND MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS: REFER OR RESELL?
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.
