Will Cimeosil silicone sheets on facelift scars immediately after facelift help diminish scars?

Question

I'm having a necklift, facelift and possibly a browlift and want to know if it is a good idea to use Cimeosil silicon sheet over scars so that they heal and fade more quickly. Thanks!

P. Daniel Ward, MD · Answer

Hi fleurs,Of all the things that have been noted to help scars, silicone sheets (worn for at least 12 hours per day for several weeks) are among the treatments that have been shown to be helpful. Other treatments that can be helpful include keeping the wound moist as it heals, wearing daily sunblock (even when it is not sunny or when you are not going outdoors), and massaging the scars.I would encourage you to wear the sheets as they can help, although most patient's have facelift scars that heal great even without the silicone sheets.Good luck!

Jeffrey E. Schreiber, MD, FACS · Answer

I recommend silicone gels or other facial moisturizers in order to help expedite the healing process of facelift scars.

Keshav Magge, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  There are different methods of scar management and silicon strips are one of them- and one I like to use.  They are fairly inexpensive and effective.  They should be worn basically 23 hrs a day, 7 days a week for maximum effectiveness, so they are tougher to use on the face because they will be noticed.  Honestly, a facelift scar usually heals very well on its own without any intervention.  I recommend staying out of the sun as much as possible after the surgery so the scars do not pick up color and scar massage when ok'ed by your plastic surgeon.  All the best,

Boris M. Ackerman, MD · Answer

In a properly performed facelift the scars should not require any treatments with silicone sheeting. The quality of the scar will depend on the technical skill and talent of the surgeon.  Nevertheless, in a few patients, due to their innate  physiology, some type of scar treatment could be warranted.  Seek out an experienced and skilled surgeon that will deliver impressive rejuvenating effect as well as inconspicuous scars.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

The only benefit of silicone sheeting is physical protection of a healing wound from trauma. Generally this is not a problem with facelift incisions but if it were the use of silicone sheeting would not be out of the question.

Stephen Prendiville, MD · Answer

A properly executed facelift should heal with very fine scars.  Silicone sheeting is primarily beneficial for hypertrophic scars or keloids, both of which should be very rare in facelift surgery.  Silicone sheeting falls into the "unlikely to be helpful" category.  Following your Surgeons postoperative instructions and follow a sun-smart lifestyle postoperatively for best results.

Young R. Cho, MD, PhD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Silicone sheets are great additions to the post-scar therapy options.  Alternatives to the actual sheet include the liquid gel which is more discreet in its application.  I would also encourage you to look for one with sunscreen in it so further protects your skin from the UV rays in the sunlight and diminishes the chance the scars darken.  If you are also further trying to minimize the appearance of the scars, then you may want to also consider fractionated laser treatments as part of your post-surgical regimen starting around the fourth week.  Most important, however, is that you discuss different options with your surgeon and come up with an agreed upon regimen works for both of you.

Diana Breister-Ghosh, MD · Answer

Silicone sheeting is an effective way to help scars mature faster.  In the face however, the scars tend to heal very well on their own.   If you do want to use them, I would not recommend using them immediately.  I would wait until the wounds are completely healed and have no scabbing whatsoever.  This usually occurs by about 8-10 days.  Best of luck !

Robert J. Smyth, MD · Answer

I would suggest first that you talk to your surgeon re. post-op wound care. As has been stated, the silicone sheeting is typically used in abnormal healing instances not as a preventive measure. Keeping the incision clean and covered with a light ointment during the healing phase is usually all that is needed to result in a well-healed incision.

William Marshall Guy, MD · Answer

Hello Fleurs.nocturne,Silicone and liquid silicone have both been proven to help improve scarring.  The sheets are more commonly used on other parts of the body as they have to be in place for most of the day (which is difficult to have them on the face and neck which is constantly moving).  The reason they are felt to help with healing is that it helps keep the wound hydrated.  An easier option would be to use a liquid silicone based scar product.  Now having said that, my recommendation is to follow the recommendation of your surgeon for appropriate post op healing.  If you begin using the wrong products at the wrong time, you can irritate the wound leaving it red for longer.  It can also lead to more scar formation if it is irritated.  I hope this helps in good luck.

Will Cimeosil silicone sheets on facelift scars immediately after facelift help diminish scars?

Answers (14)

More Facelift Questions

Facial asymmetry and mid face volume loss - need advice (Photo)

Facelift option when I'm 26? (Photo)

Should I trust an ENT to perform my facial plastic surgery? What training and qualifications are needed to become board cert?

When are the transplanted grafts firmly safe? Can they still be damaged?

How long until the results of my face and neck lift are obvious? I am 3 weeks out and no one has noticed. Is that normal?

Any suggestions on bulge of fat/muscle in front of ear? (photos)

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS