When caring for scars, it's always best to start as early in the healing process as possible, but always make sure to wait until the wound, injury, or initial concern has healed. Avoid applying scar care topical products to an open wound.
Clinical studies show benefits of silicone therapy on scars up to 4 years old.
Yes, Clinical Studies have shown that Silicone Gel is effective for many patients in improving older red/raised scars.
Once you have a scar, you can never completely remove it, but in many cases it can be made to look better. If your scar is not satisfactory after an adequate period of healing (usually at least six months) you should discus this with your doctor.
If the incision has been closed with absorbable sutures and Steri-Strips, scar treatment can begin about two weeks later after the Steri-Strips have been removed if the incision is completely healed.
Use silicone products
Silicone products, such as silicone sheets and gels, can keep your scar moisturized and help it heal. You can use them under your makeup and clothing.
For best results, you should perform scar massage for at least 10 minutes, twice a day, for six months. You should only stop sooner than that if the scar starts showing signs of infection or you experience intolerable discomfort.
Scars seem to get worse before they get better. For about six weeks after surgery the scar becomes red, firm and hard. This is the body's way of making a very strong and solid scar. Over the next four months the scar will soften and lose the redness.
Mederma gel is designed to tackle a range of scar types including acne scars, burn scars, injury and surgical scars, old scars and more. It contains Cepalin® botanical extract, for old and new scars.
Microneedling. Microneedling is when tiny needles puncture the skin, stimulating collagen production and making scars less noticeable. Microneedling may help treat acne scars, stretch marks, and scars from surgery or injury. 10 Microneedling is also called collagen induction therapy.
Cocoa butter cream and Vaseline are most often used to help reduce the appearance of scars. Applying the ointment daily will help heal scars but will not make them invisible. Another tip for caring for your scars includes surgery. Surgery will not eliminate the scar but can change its shape or make it less noticeable.
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In the battle between silicone gel and Vaseline for scar treatment, silicone gel emerges as the clear winner. Its clinically proven benefits in improving scar characteristics, maintaining hydration, and reducing abnormal collagen deposition make it the preferred choice for both patients and healthcare providers.
Silicone may hydrate the scar tissue and reduce the production of collagen fibres (see scar massage information sheet). It has also been shown to reduce redness and to make the scar flatter, softer and paler. How do I use the silicon? Your therapist will give you instructions for how to use the silicone.
Hypertrophic scars that result from burn wounds are more difficult to treat. Superficial burn wounds usually heal without forming hypertrophic scars. Deep burn wounds are harder to treat. Many dermatologic and plastic surgeons treat these by removing the burned area and then using a skin graft.
In conclusion, topical silicone gel was effective in the prevention of scars, although the efficacy may not be significant until around 6 months after surgery.
Both methods are equally effective when used consistently as part of your skincare routine. The key is maintaining continuous skin contact over the recommended 12-week treatment period. Your lifestyle and preferences will guide your choice, ensuring you select the product that seamlessly fits into your daily life.
Scar massage is a way of softening and flattening scars. It can stop scar tissue build up and help make scars less noticeable. Your scar or scars will continue to grow and change for about twelve to eighteen months, so the earlier and more regularly you massage your scar, the less the chance of long-term problems.
Healing wounds may itch, but you should avoid the temptation to scratch them. “Scratching the wound or picking at the scab causes more inflammation, making a scar more likely,” Fisher says.
Mild-to-moderate exercise increases circulation and improves range of motion. Targeted exercise also helps prevent and reduce scar tissue overgrowth. Stretching promotes proper remodeling and improves scar tissue flexibility.
The timing of silicone scar sheet use can affect its efficacy, but it is generally never too late to start using them. While the best results are often seen when treatment begins shortly after wound closure or the formation of a scar, established scars can also show improvement.
Scar tissue may become hard and raised. Massage is a way of softening and flattening scars and reducing the adhesions between the different layers of the tissue, making the scar tissue more flexible. It can also help alleviate any itching and over-sensitivity of the scar.
Immediately following wound healing, a scar is usually red in appearance and is referred to as an 'immature' scar. Between 3 months and 2 years the scar should become paler, flatter and softer and can then be referred to as a 'mature' scar.