Silicone sheet how does it work

The decision to use one over the other depends on personal preference, scar size, and scar location. Both of these product types, in addition to silicone scar sticks, can be purchased from Biodermis, a leader in silicone gel technology and scar management for the past 30 years. Biodermis offers an array of unique silicone products, like Epi-Derm Silicone Gel sheets that come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors.

As an alternative to silicone sheets and ointments, Biodermis also offers Pro-Sil , the award-winning silicone scar stick that comes in a convenient glide-on applicator. Biodermis is an innovative market leader with 30 years of expertise in the medical silicone industry.

Visit Biodermis. 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 Enter your email address below to join our mailing list and have our latest news and member-only deals delivered straight to your inbox. March 12, Tyler Szelinski. Silicone sheeting and silicone ointment are two forms of medical-grade silicone used topically to flatten and reduce the appearance of scars. Silicone for scar therapy was introduced over 30 years ago and numerous clinical studies support its efficacy. Keloids and hypertrophic scars, and scars resulting from burns, acne, or surgical procedures are good candidates for silicone treatments.

But because silicone comes in several different forms, how do you know which one is right for you? Continue reading to learn if silicone sheeting or silicone gel is better for your scar. Any type of fresh scars can benefit from the use of silicone products, starting with their use from when the skin has fully healed. Silicone sheets are the best option, but when the location of the scar makes it difficult to apply and wear during the day and night, you may try the silicone gel products: although probably less effective, they may still be better than nothing.

The effects produced by silicon sheets on scars are: flattening, increased malleability, softening, increased elasticity, and improved color of the scar. There is mixed evidence on their efficacy, and some argue that studies showing positive results are biased. Nevertheless, silicone sheeting is a therapy used since and recommended not only by a great number of doctors worldwide but also by medical societies such as the American Academy of Dermatology.

The mechanism why silicone gel sheets are capable of improving the look and feel of scars is not yet completely understood. It could be simply because of the greater moisture retention in the skin covered by the silicone, because they decrease the tension on the scar, because they provide an additional layer of protection from bacteria, or because of other factors capable of influencing collagen breakdown and fibroblast activation. More studies are needed to understand exactly how and why they work.

To provide positive effects on scars, silicone sheets have to be used for at least 12 hours every day , and they are advised to be used for 24 hours for better results washing them every 12 hours before reapplying.

They can be fixed on the scar with some medical tape to increase adhesion to the skin and avoid the risk of falling off. They should be uses for 2 to 3 months , sometimes up to 6 months or as advised by your doctor. The silicone sheet should be applied as soon as possible, but only on epithelialized skin ie.

Due to the long hours of this treatment and overall long duration, it is common to see poor patient compliance with the sheeting schedule which results in no or little benefits from silicone sheeting. Silicone sheeting is contraindicated in patients with certain dermatological conditions and patients with known hypersensitivity to silicone. Silicon sheets are not to be used on open wounds. Side effects, which are more likely to be experienced in hot and humid climates, include persistent itching, skin rash, skin maceration and breakdown.

There are many lifestyle factors that influence scarring: not smoking and avoiding alcohol consumption help with healing. Not exposing the scar to sun light and covering it or using sunscreen SPF 50 especially while the scar is still red, is very important to avoid hyperpigmentation. Being well hydrated and following a balanced diet covering all essential micro- and macro-nutrients is also important.

Massages may help to decrease sensitivity of the scar and to prevent and treat adhesions with the deeper tissues as well as to increase skin elasticity.

Scars also depend upon personal factors related to the organism capacity to heal and to your own physiology and genetics; age, health status and skin type also affect scarring and all of these factors make it not fully predictable or controllable.

Why use silicone gel strips after surgery? How do the silicone strips get used? Directions for application: Once your surgical incisions have healed and no longer have scabbing or open areas, you can start using your gel strips. Remove gel sheeting from packaging and trim, if necessary, to fit. Make sure your scar is clean and dry before application, free from any creams, gels, ointments, or powders. Peel off backing and apply to scar, sticky side down.

Wear daily for 12 to 22 hours for approximately 3 months. If gel sheeting loses its stickiness, wash gently with a mild soap and cool water, lay flat to air dry. This will allow it to become sticky again. It is important not to apply sheeting if you plan on swimming, sweating, or bathing. Remove the strips before working out and showering.