Researchers now think a layer of healing silicone is a good option to surgery. And they say applying a simple layer of silicone scar removal cream or gel can be just as good as silicone sheets on some kinds of scars.

• All of this started with a study of how well pressure prevents scarring.
• Until now, doctors treating burns have assumed they need to use pressure to prevent scars.
• And they know silicone helps reduce scarring.
• They put the two together. Silicone on pressure sheets helped.

So can a layer of silicone without the sheets.

This work was at a major Institute of Surgical Investigation. Doctors keep proving silicone reduces scarring. They still haven’t figured out why. Or why applying a layer of silicone can be as helpful as sheets when surgery is not an option.

Here is how the medical investigators put it: “Improvement has been observed in recent years by many researchers using silicone gel treatment in hypertrophic burn scars.  (Why it works) remains to be determined, but it is not due to pressure, temperature, oxygen tension…” – Journal of Plastic Reconstructive Surgery

It may be that it’s the protection of the silicone – not the pressure - that works on hypertrophic (raised) burn scars.  A layer blocks infection. It reduces irritation. Yes, a silicone sheet protects. And a flexible layer of silicone gel protects just as well. Plus it won’t come off when skin flexes.

Pressure is essential and silicone sheets are the standard after surgery for large burns. But for smaller wounds with smaller scars, a scar removal cream made with silicone can be enough. No pressure needed.