Silicone Treatments
Silicone is one of the most popular and effective non-operative scar management options available today. It is a type of polymer that has been used for decades in various industries, including medicine. When used in scar management, silicone can help reduce the appearance of scars by improving their texture, colour, and overall appearance. London Scar Therapy has years of experience in assessment and provision of the right silicone suited to each scar. Here's everything you need to know about silicone for scar management.
How Silicone Works for Scar Management
Silicone works by creating a protective layer over the scar that helps to lock in moisture, improve skin hydration, and increase blood flow to the area. By doing so, it can help prevent the formation of keloids and hypertrophic scars, reduce redness and discoloration, and flatten raised scars. Silicone can also help alleviate itching and discomfort associated with scars.
Types of Silicone Products for Scar Management
There are various silicone products available for scar management, including gels, sheets, and ointments. The most commonly used form is silicone sheets, which are applied to the scar and worn for several hours a day. Silicone gels and ointments are applied directly to the scar and massaged into the skin.
Benefits of Silicone for Scar Management
There are many benefits to using silicone for scar management, including:
Non-invasive: Silicone is a non-invasive option for managing scars, which means it doesn't require surgery or other invasive procedures.
Safe: Silicone is considered safe for use in scar management and has been used for decades in medical settings.
Effective: Silicone is one of the most effective non-operative options for managing scars. It has been shown to improve the texture, color, and overall appearance of scars.
Easy to Use: Silicone products are easy to use and can be applied at home without the need for medical supervision.
Cost-effective: Compared to surgical scar management options, silicone products are relatively inexpensive and can be a cost-effective way to manage scars.
Potential Drawbacks of Silicone for Scar Management
While silicone is generally considered safe and effective for scar management, there are some potential drawbacks to consider, including:
Allergic Reactions: Some people may be allergic to silicone, which can cause skin irritation and other adverse reactions.
Long-term use: It's unclear how long silicone products can be used safely for scar management. Some studies have suggested that long-term use may not be beneficial and may even be harmful in some cases. At London Scar Therapy we provide ongoing assessment of scars to determine when its time to stop using silicone.
Compliance: Silicone products need to be used consistently to be effective, and compliance can be an issue for some people.
Conclusion
Silicone is a safe, effective, and non-invasive option for managing scars. London Scar Therapy has years of experience in assessment and provision of the right silicone suited to each scar, ensuring that you receive the best possible care. Silicone can help improve the texture, colour, and overall appearance of scars, and alleviate associated itching and discomfort. While there are potential drawbacks to using silicone for scar management, it is generally considered a safe and cost-effective option. If you're considering silicone for scar management, be sure to talk to qualified Occupational Therapists and Physiotherapists at London Scar Therapy to determine if it's the right option for you.
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O'Brien, L., Pandit, A., & Elton, R. (2018). Silicone gel sheeting for preventing and treating hypertrophic and keloid scars. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 9(9), CD003826. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD003826.pub4