Medical silicone gel for scar therapy is now the post-operative standard for most patients after their surgery. However, once patients obtain their scar products through their physician or online, they often have concerns regarding treatment best practices. Most often, patients want to know when is the best time to start using silicone gel for their scars and how to use it most effectively. In this article we will address some of the more common concerns that post-op patients have.
On average, patients can expect their wounds to fully heal in 6-8 weeks after a surgical procedure. Smaller procedures, such as a with a Mohs surgery (skin cancer removal), can take anywhere from 4-6 weeks. A good test to know if your wound is fully healed is to observe how it looks and feels. If there is no more scabbing, bleeding, or sensitivity, then it is fully healed and you can begin the scar treatment process.
If you are using a silicone scar stick or silicone ointment, then you will love the convenience and ease of use. Silicone sticks and ointments should be applied to the scar site at least twice daily, but the user can apply more as needed. Silicone sticks are drip-free so they can be applied to the face and to scars around the eyes. Because silicone is hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic, there is no problem with overusing the product.
When to treat scars
Each individual patient is different when it comes to wound healing after a surgery. The time it takes to fully heal depends on the patient’s age, overall health, and lifestyle choices like smoking and drinking. The time it takes a surgical wound to heal also depends on how large and deep the incision was. A large incision from an open-heart surgery, for instance, will take longer to heal than a minimally-invasive procedure. Wounds can take longer to heal if an infection sets in or if the wound has been reopened. Smoking and drinking is ill-advised after a surgical procedure because they can delay wound healing.On average, patients can expect their wounds to fully heal in 6-8 weeks after a surgical procedure. Smaller procedures, such as a with a Mohs surgery (skin cancer removal), can take anywhere from 4-6 weeks. A good test to know if your wound is fully healed is to observe how it looks and feels. If there is no more scabbing, bleeding, or sensitivity, then it is fully healed and you can begin the scar treatment process.
How to treat scars
Scar therapy products are easy to use and don’t require much maintenance to get a full treatment of 8-12 weeks. If you are using silicone gel sheeting, you will want to wear them for 12-24 hours a day and wash them with soap and water in between uses. The user must wash the sheet after a 24 hour period to remove any oils or dirt that the product picks up from your skin throughout the day. Once the sheet is dry, it can be reapplied to the scar area. Each silicone sheet is designed to last 1-3 weeks and must be discarded once they no longer stick to the skin. Silicone sheets can be purchased pre-cut to fit your specific scar size or you can cut them down to size as needed.If you are using a silicone scar stick or silicone ointment, then you will love the convenience and ease of use. Silicone sticks and ointments should be applied to the scar site at least twice daily, but the user can apply more as needed. Silicone sticks are drip-free so they can be applied to the face and to scars around the eyes. Because silicone is hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic, there is no problem with overusing the product.
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.
