How long should I wear silicone sheets to where they are still effective?

Question

How long should I wear silicone sheets to where they are still effective? March 7th I’ll be 3 months post op tummy tuck and MR.

Eddy Dona, MBBS, FRACS · Answer

Silicone sheeting can be used for at least 3 - 6 months, longer if necessary. A scar can take up to 12 months to fully mature and fade, some may even experience scar improvements for up to 2 years.

Miguel Delgado, MD · Answer

This is something you should discuss with your surgeon who knows you best. For my patients depending on how they are healing, the silicone can be used for 3 to 6 months, or longer if necessary. Good luck.

Sean Hill, MD · Answer

Thank you so much for submitting your questions. 
Post operative scar care is often surgeon specific. 
My usual scar care is: 
- Steri Strips placed in the OR that I leave on until the first post operative visit
- Paper tape for the next two weeks which is changed out when showering
- Silicone based scar cream/Silicone sheeting starting 3 weeks post surgery
Scar remodeling can take upwards of 1 year, though in my experience the silicone sheeting has done all it is going to do by 3-6 months. 
Thank you and good luck!

Vishnu Rumalla, MD · Answer

Thanks for your inquiry, I do not think there is any more effect of the scar sheeting after three months, but please check with your surgeon, good luck.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear julieshane35,
I understand you are concerned with the appearance of your scars. As your scars heal, it should flatten out and lighten. Loss of pigmentation or hyperpigmentation may also be experienced but will resolve over time. Always follow your surgeon's post operative care instructions when it comes to scar management to avoid any complications like infection and for faster healing and recovery. I recommend my patients to use silicone scar gel for 3 months. 
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Nirmal Nathan, MD · Answer

Dear julieshane35,Most surgeons recommend 2-3 months although scar remodeling occurs up to 1 year, so some recommend longer. Your surgeon should have a recommendation based on his/her experience.Best regards,Nirmal R. Nathan, M.D.Certified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic Surgeons

Daniel P. Markmann, MD · Answer

Silicone Scar Sheeting has been used for hundreds of years for Scar Treatments. It works!  Each sheet of sticky silicone is still good as long as it sticks to your skin.  Once it no longer sticks, its time to purchase a new one.   I usually recommend wearing the silicone sheeting for at least 6 months.   At that point, if your scar is still inflamed, I would recommend wearing it until the scar flattens out and the redness is gone!   Sometimes that takes up to a year or more depending on how your body scars.   DiscoverTheBeauty.com

Marcus Davis, MBBS, MRM, FRCSEd (Plast) · Answer

Thank you for your question. Based upon the experience of using silicone sheets in the care of Burns patients, we know that silicone sheets can continue to have a benefit to scars for up to 1 year after surgery. We know that your scars will continue to fade, soften and mature for anything between 12 & 18 months post-surgery.
Follow the advice of your Board certified Plastic Surgeon, but feel reassured that they are not going to do you any harm should you wish to continue using them.
I always recommend that my patients also moisturise and massage their scars daily for at least three months, often in addition to using silicone gel or sheets if required.

Michelle Bonness, MD · Answer

First of all, good job on using gel sheeting for as long as you have. Early after surgery is when you can change the direction or help the incision heal flatter. I like patients to use the gel sheeting for 2-6 months depending on how the incision is looking.  If at 3-4 months the incisions look great you can stop. If they are at all red or elevated I would recommend you keep going. Good luck

Daniel Greenwald, MD (in memoriam) · Answer

Depending on your age and your genetics scars can take as long as - get ready - 2 years to mature.  Wear the scar tapes until the scar is done changing.  Evaluate with photos every six weeks or so until you are convinced the scars are at their plateau.

How long should I wear silicone sheets to where they are still effective?

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