Scars profess stories of resilience often coming with a desire to reduce their visibility in addition to promoting healing. Different life experiences give you scars including surgeries, injuries or accidents. As we tend to embrace these marks, we always seek for a solution. And that solution is silicone gel for scars. Silicone gel for scars acts as a proactive approach, harnessing advanced formulations for addressing these marks effectively.
FYI, silicone has been used for more than 30 years in the treatment of scars. Silicone gel is a globally popular and cost-effective choice for scar treatment, recognized for its safety and effectiveness. Often recommended as a primary defence against postoperative scarring, its positive clinical evidence instils confidence among surgeons and dermatologists. While other methods like vitamin E, onion extract, and corticosteroid injections are common.
In this article, let’s explore why silicone gel is often the preferred treatment in a majority of cases.
Benefits of silicone gel for scars
When we talk about silicone gel for scar treatment, the ingredient/product stands out as the best and most chosen by professionals because of its countless benefits. Here are some of the key benefits of using silicone gel for scars –
1. Effective scar reduction
Use of silicone gel can help reduce the height and stiffness of the scars. It has the ability to flatten and soften scars further reducing their overall visibility.
2. Minimize Discomfort
The gel creates a protective barrier, helping to alleviate discomfort associated with scars, such as itching or tenderness.
3. Versatile Application
Suitable for various types of scars, including surgical scars, cuts, and burns, silicone gel provides a versatile solution for comprehensive scar management.
4. Optimal Healing Environment
Silicone gels help in creating a protective barrier over the scar, fostering an ideal environment for the natural healing process.
5. Prevention of Abnormal Scarring
Often recommended as an early intervention to prevent excessive scarring, making it a silicone gel serves as a valuable tool in post-operative care.
6. Convenient and Hygienic
Packaged for easy application, silicone gel ensures a convenient and hygienic process, making it user-friendly for individuals seeking scar management solutions.
7. Clinically Proven
Backed by positive clinical evidence, silicone gel has gained widespread recognition and recommendation from healthcare professionals as an effective scar treatment option.
When you tend to apply silicone gel for scars, it contributes to a more comfortable healing process. The reduction in the marks is visible within numbered days.
How to use silicone gel for scars?
Application of silicone gel is a straightforward process. There is nothing before or after the process that you need to follow. Being patient and maintaining hygiene are the two core agents that you need to follow. That is not just in terms of treatment of scars but in all cases.
Clean the Area
- Before the application of silicone gel, make sure that the scar and the surrounding skin are clean and dry.
- Gently wash the area with a mild soap and water, then pat it dry.
Apply a Thin Layer
- Take a small amount of silicone gel on your fingertips.
- Apply a thin layer directly onto the scar.
- Use just enough to cover the scar without excessive buildup.
Massage Gently
- Massage the gel into the scar in a circular motion.
- The application process helps in the absorption of the gel.
- Improves blood circulation to the scarred area.
- Continue massaging until the gel is no longer visible.
Allow to Dry
Let the silicone gel dry completely before covering the scar with clothing.
It usually takes a few minutes.
Application Frequency
- Abide by the instructions provided with the specific silicone gel product that you are swearing by.
- In most cases, silicone gel is applied two to three times a day for several weeks or months.
- The application totally depends on the severity and age of the scar.
Regular and diligent silicone gel for scars application is important for optimal results. Make it a part of your daily skincare routine If you have any concerns or if you’re unsure about using silicone gel, it is better to consult with a healthcare professional or dermatologist. They will provide you with the best personalised advice based on your situation.
Silicone gel for scars side effects
In most cases, silicone gel for scars is considered to be one of the safest treatments. Well-tolerated by individuals, silicone gel could possibly have side effects. It is important that you are aware of both the pros and cons. Here are some of the possible side effects of silicone gel for scars –
1. Skin Irritation
Some people might experience mild skin irritation, inflammation, redness or even itching at the scarred area. If you notice anything likewise, stop using the product right away. It is always better to consult with a healthcare professional beforehand.
2. Allergic Reaction
Almost rare case scenario, people may have an allergic reaction to using silicone gel. One may have hives, breathing difficulty or swelling. Immediately seek medical assistance.
3. Excessive Dryness or Moisture
Silicone gel does cause excessive dryness or excessive moisture. It could be extreme depending on your skin type during the application of the product. It does take time for your skin to adjust to a new ingredient. The frequency of the application may fade away this effect.
4. Unintended Scar Changes
While silicone gel is intended to improve the appearance of scars, in rare cases, individuals may experience changes in pigmentation. There could possibly be a change in texture that is not desired. It’s important to monitor your skin’s response and consult with a healthcare professional if you have concerns.
5. Use with Other Topical Products
Silicone gel may interact with other topical products or medications. Consult with your healthcare provider to ensure compatibility. In case, if you are using multiple skincare products or undergoing other treatments, you must be sure of the application of the product.
6. Ineffectiveness for Some Scars
Silicone gel might not produce the same results for every types of scar for every person. The effectiveness of it varies from person to person.
You should consider this important to follow the usage guidelines by the product manufacturer. If needed, consult your healthcare professional, if you are facing any issues. Discontinue the product and seek medical assistance to find an alternative to scar treatment.
Conclusion
Silicone gel is regarded as the widely accessible solution for scar treatment with applicable benefits. Its efficacy in scar reduction in addition to its versatility and non-invasion application, serves as one of the best choices among healthcare professionals. Though it is clinically proven, it does have its set of cons as well. It is always better to seek medical help and ensure its safe and effective experience.
FAQs
Does silicone gel really work on scars?
Yes it does. It flattens and softens scars, reduces visibility and also supports clinical approval of its efficacy making it globally supportive for scar treatment.
Does silicone gel work on old scars?
Silicone gel can improve the appearance of old scars by flattening and softening them. While results may vary, it’s a commonly recommended option for scar management.
Is silicone or Vaseline better for scars?
Silicone helps flatten and soften scars, while Vaseline primarily provides moisturization without the specific scar-reducing properties of silicone. Thus, silicone is a better option than Vaseline.
When should you start using silicone gel on scars?
Start using silicone gel on scars once the wound is closed and healed. Early application, often within a few weeks post-injury or surgery, tends to yield more favorable results.
How long should you use silicone gel for scars?
Use of silicone gel for scar treatment depends on the product or as prescribed by medical professionals, it could be for several weeks or months. Results vary, and continued application enhances effectiveness in reducing scar visibility.
