Scar Help: The History of Silicone and an Understanding of How it Works as a Scar Reducer

In the early 1980s, a US doctor coated a polymer sheet with silicone gel. He was trying “pressure treatment” to reduce scarring. All he wanted was for the sheet to spread evenly over a scar. He thought a coating of silicone would do the trick.

He ended up discovering scars help. The silicone acted as an improved scar reducer. Scar size decreased more rapidly than with pressure treatments without silicone.

Silicone:  How and What

In spite of major studies, doctors don’t know how it works.

A preeminent theory involves static electricity. A silicone scar ointment attracts static electricity. The electrons may break up thick fibers, flattening scars.

With major studies, doctors know what it does.

One proven benefit involves silicone’s ability to help cells retain moisture. Moisture always facilitates healing, which reduces scar size and color.

Silicone in topical or dressing form protects a scar from irritation and infection. Infection halts healing, which increases scarring.

Scar help in practice

• Silicone cream is now commonly used after plastic surgery. Doctors in the UK routinely employ silicone scar help alongside various surgical treatments.
• It is frequently used in the US for continued scar help after laser scar removal.

• Silicone in gel or cream form replaces self-adhesive silicone sheets that won’t stay on joints and flexible body parts.
• Massage deepens delivery of silicone, and can break up tough scar fiber.