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When Using Silicone Sheeting for Scarring, Does One Apply Sunblock to the Scar First?

asked 1 year ago by Charlene7 in Los Angeles
Latest answer by Vivek Bansal, MD
Question viewed 408 times
Tags: silicone implant, combination, sunscreen

Based on the MD responses to questions about non-surgial scar treatment, it seems that there is some consensus that silicone sheeting and sunblock are reccomended. Is it best to apply sunblock to the scar and then put on the silicone sheeting? Or would the presence of sunblock on the skin interfere with the mechanism of action of the silicone? If so, could you apply sunblock to the outside surface of the silicone sheeting?

4 answers to When Using Silicone Sheeting for Scarring, Does One Apply Sunblock to the Scar First?

+1

Scar Removal

Apply the sunblock first, let it absorb, the use the silicone. This should be good. Thank you for your question and good luck with everything.
Vivek Bansal, MD

Danville Plastic Surgeon
+1

To help thick red scars: silicone gel sheet covered with bandaid or zinc oxide paste

It can be difficult to figure out what to do for a thick red surgical scar with all the conflicting advice out there, plus the many "scar creams" on the market that have little double-blind, placebo-controlled evidence (the best quality evidence). It's important when being bombarded with scar cream commercials to remember that scars improve on their own over time, regardless of treatment, if they are not "true keloid" scars, which are tumorous tissue that grows in... more
Jessica J. Krant, MD, MPH

Manhattan Dermatologic Surgeon
+1

When Using Silicone Sheeting for Scarring, Does One Apply Sunblock to the Scar First?

The sun block should be applied first if the silicone sheet is not opaque. There may be some interferance with silicone sheet sticking to the skin in which case an opaque tape can be applied on top.
Mohsen Tavoussi, MD, DO

Huntington Beach Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Silicone and sunblock combination best for healing scars

Silicone gels or sheeting are recommended for the first 2 months in the life of a healing scar. Silicone is the only topical product that has shown a clear advantage in scientific studies to improve the ultimate appearance of a healing scar. Likewise, sunscreen is recommended to help prevent darkening (hyperpigmentation) of the scar. These products can be messy when applied separately. I recommend a combination product, such as Biocorneum Plus, which has the silicone plus an spf 30... more
Chad L. Prather, MD

Baton Rouge Dermatologist

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