Using silicone on new or old scars can help reduce their appearance, but the effectiveness depends on the age and type of scar. Here’s a quick look at whether it’s too late to start using silicone scar treatment.
What is silicone scar treatment?
Silicone scar sheets, gels, and bandages help improve the appearance of scars by:
- Hydrating the scar tissue
- Making the scar flatten and smooth out
- Reducing redness and discoloration
Silicone creates a protective barrier over the scar, locking in moisture and preventing water loss. This helps soften and flatten raised scars over time. Silicone may also reduce collagen production, preventing thick, rope-like scars from forming.
When should you start using silicone on a scar?
It’s best to start silicone scar treatment as early as possible, ideally:
- Within 6 weeks of an injury or surgery that caused the scar
- Once wounds have fully closed with no open areas
- After any stitches have been removed and the incision has healed
Using silicone right away helps prevent scars from becoming thick, elevated hypertrophic scars or keloids. The earlier you start, the more effectively silicone can influence the scar healing process.
Is it too late to start using silicone on an old scar?
It’s generally not too late to start using silicone scar gel or sheets on older, mature scars. However, the older the scar, the longer it may take to see improvements in its appearance. Silicone works by hydrating and remodeling scar tissue over an extended time. For mature scars that are years or decades old, it can take up to 12 months to achieve noticeable results.
How effective is silicone treatment on old scars?
On older scars, silicone sheets or gel may help by:
- Softening and flattening scar tissue
- Smoothing bumpy or uneven areas
- Reducing discoloration and lightening scar color
- Improving the overall texture and appearance
However, the ability of silicone to reduce thick, raised scars diminishes over time. On very old hypertrophic or keloid scars, silicone is unlikely to significantly flatten or reduce scar thickness. But it can still improve texture, soften scar tissue, and lighten discolored areas.
What types of scars respond best to silicone treatment?
In general, newer scars tend to respond better to silicone scar therapy than older scars. Here is an overview of silicone’s effectiveness for different scar types and ages:
| Scar Type | Best Age for Starting Silicone | Expected Results on Older Scars |
|---|---|---|
| New surgical incisions or injury scars | Within 6 weeks of scar formation | N/A – start silicone early for best results |
| Hypertrophic scars | Within 3-6 months of scar development | May help soften and flatten scar, reduce redness |
| Keloids | Soon after scar forms; combine with other treatments | Can improve texture but unlikely to flatten significantly |
| Mature scars | Anytime | May moderately improve appearance over time |
Should you use silicone gel or sheets?
For newer scars, silicone gel and self-adhesive sheets tend to produce comparable results. Gels may be preferred for:
- Scars in visible areas like the face or neck – gels are transparent and less noticeable.
- Scars that need frequent sun protection – gels allow sunscreen application.
Silicone sheets create a protective barrier over scars and are preferred for:
- Scars on joints or areas that stretch – sheets conform and adhere better.
- Hypertrophic and keloid scars – sheets provide gentle compression.
On older scars, silicone gels tend to show better results as they can penetrate deeper into scar tissue. But sheets and gel patches designed for mature scars can also be very effective.
Should you use other scar treatments with silicone?
Using other evidence-based scar therapies along with silicone can boost its effectiveness. Additional options to consider include:
- Onion extract gels – helps reduce inflammation and redness.
- Topical vitamin E – an antioxidant that may help fade scars.
- Sun protection – prevents UV damage that can darken scars.
- Massage – increases blood flow and breaks up scar tissue.
- Silicone tape or sheets – provides compression for hypertrophic scars.
Talk to your dermatologist about combining silicone with other scar therapies for optimal results.
How to use silicone for best results
To achieve the best scar improvement when using silicone, follow these tips:
- Cleanse and dry the scar thoroughly before applying silicone 2-3 times per day.
- Use consistent, gentle pressure when massaging gel into the scar.
- Ensure silicone sheets cover the entire scar plus 1 inch of surrounding skin.
- Wear sheets for 12-24 hours per day; replace as needed.
- Continue use for at least 2-3 months to see results.
While silicone is safe for most people, discontinue use if any irritation develops. Avoid using on open wounds or unhealed incisions.
Conclusion
It’s generally not too late to start using silicone on old or mature scars. While silicone works best on newer scars, it can still improve the texture, color, and appearance of older scars over time. Using silicone scar gel or sheets consistently for several months along with other evidence-based scar therapies offers the best results. Talk to your dermatologist to develop an effective scar treatment plan.