Silagen: What You Need to Know
Pros & cons
How much it costs
When to start using it
How long to use it
If it works on old scars
Fast facts
The Silagen Scar Refinement System is a medical-grade scar treatment line that minimizes the appearance and texture of scars from surgical procedures and laser treatments. These physician-exclusive products are sold only through dermatologists, plastic surgeons, and other medical providers.Â
The system includes a medical-grade silicone gel (Silagen 100% Pure Silicone Gel), silicone gel sheeting in several shapes (including an umbilical sphere that's perfect post-tummy tuck), and a scar gel plus sunscreen (Pure Silicone Gel SPF 30), which can help prevent hyperpigmentation during the healing process.Â
Products can be used either alone or in tandem, to flatten scars and reduce discoloration. The clear gel formulas also reduce itching and pain.
Medical-grade silicone is a mainstay for reducing the appearance of scars, and clinical studies back up its efficacy. It works as a protective barrier that seals in hydration and limits excess collagen production, the root cause of abnormal and raised scars.Â
The system's strips and silicone sheets have the added benefit of protecting skin from tension that can pull and widen the incision, which can create a more noticeable scar.
Whether you should use Silagen scar gel or sheets depends on the size and placement of the incision or wound.Â
“Silicone gel sheeting is the gold standard of topical scar therapy. The problem is keeping the silicone sheeting in place, especially on areas that have a lot of motion,” explains Dr. Bradley Hubbard, a plastic surgeon based in Dallas.Â
Because of that, Silagen gel sheeting can be ideal for wounds in large areas that are less prone to movement. For small areas with a lot of movement, Silagen gel may be a better choice.
RealSelf Tip: Silagen has expanded its post-procedure care line with their Rapid Recovery System, which includes an Arnica-Bromelain Complex supplement and Arnica-Vitamin K topical gel, to help reduce bruising and swelling more quickly.
Pros
- Silagen reviews are positive. RealSelf members give it a 100% Worth It Rating. Austin, Texas–based plastic surgeon Dr. Scott Haydon reports in a RealSelf Q&A that “our group has seemingly tried them all. We believe Silagen is the best.”
- The Silagen Scar Refinement System is used entirely at home, so you won’t need to keep returning to a doctor’s office.
- Silagen silicone gel is made with pure medical-grade silicone, and offers a soft silky feel and faster drying than other brands.
- The non-comedogenic silicone gel with SPF, which is key for minimizing discoloration, uses zinc oxide instead of chemical sunscreen actives, which may be preferable to some patients.
- Silagen products are manufactured at the brand's own FDA-registered manufacturing facility in Illinois, with high quality standards.
Cons
- Unlike silicone sheeting brands that can be worn for long periods of time, Silagen has to be applied twice a day, every day, for best results.
- Like most silicone-based scar treatments, it won’t do much to fade old or existing scars.
- Silagen is best for treating or preventing hypertrophic or keloidal scars, not not acne scars.
- If you have sensitive skin, Silagen may cause redness or irritation.
- Average Cost:
- $50
- Range:
- $40 - $40
Silagen is available only in dermatology and other doctors’ offices. Even if you find it online, it’s best to buy it from a medical provider (versus from an online retailer), to ensure you’re getting the real thing and the right product for your wound.Â
Your price will depend on where you purchase the product and how many dressings or applications you need.
It’s all about timing. As soon as the wound has closed and any sutures have been removed, start using a silicone-based scar treatment daily.Â
If you’re using the scar gel, apply a small amount to clean, dry skin and massage it in well. “Massaging the scar once it is stable is probably the most beneficial thing you can do,” notes Dr. Haydon.
Allow the fast-drying gel to dry completely. You can then cover it with makeup, skin care, or compression clothing, if desired. Do this twice a day for 8 to 12 weeks.
The process is similar with the silicone sheeting. Twice a day for up to 12 weeks, press it onto clean, dry skin and allow it to set. The sheets are washable and reusable with the provided cleanser, so each one can last up to four weeks.
You’ll begin to see improvements with Silagen after 12 weeks of daily use, whether you’re using the scar cream or sheets.Â
You’ll see the best results after six months or more.
Silagen works best on new or recent scars. For old scars, laser resurfacing or microneedling will likely give you a better result.Â
Related: The Top Scar Treatments, According to Doctors & RealSelf Members
Updated June 13, 2023