Is all silicone for scar treatment equal?

Question

I'm scheduled for breast lift early this year. I see that many use silicone sheets to help with scar modeling in the post operative period. Any thoughts on using silicone nipple guards for circumareolar scar treatment? (Assuming cleanliness, etc.) It just seems easier than applying strips to the area. Is the silicone a different quality or consistency? Does it really matter? I used paper tape on abdominal scars in the past with good result, so I wonder if pressure is the key issue. Thanks!

Young R. Cho, MD, PhD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Breast incisions can be managed using a multimodal approach:1)  Scar massage - starting as soon as the surgical dressings come off and the incisions are sealed2)  Silicone sheets or scar gels for about six months to year3)  Embrace - a tension reducing dressing for the first 2 months4)  Fractionated lasers to help blend the scar into the background - done as a series, starting about 4 weeks after surgery and repeated every four weeks for six months.5)  Sunscreen to prevent the scars from darkeningThe main role for silicone sheets is to keep the incisions hydrated during the remodelling phase of the scar maturation.  This allows the underlying cells to work in a more optimized fashion.  The brand is less important but compliance usually follows ease of use.  Silicone usually has less skin irritation concerns with use compared to adhesives.  They can also be re-used.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

Silicone has a positive effect only in providing a barrier to any mechanical irritation to a remodeling scar--clothes, bra, etc.  There is no difference in the type of silicone.

Jason M. Petrungaro, MD, FACS · Answer

You ask a great question.  It is difficult to say if all silicone used for scar treatment is equal, but if you choose one that your Plastic Surgeon trusts I would be very comfortable with that product.  I have my particular favorites that achieve good results, and your surgeon will too.  I will typically start with the sheets.Silicone scar therapy can take many forms.  The main choices are sticky silicone sheets and silicone gel/ointment.  There are multiple theories on how the silicone works, and one of the theories is via pressure, just like you mentioned (very good for you!).  Other theories state that it may alter water content of scars, and some even think it alters the electric charge of the scar.Realize that you might not even need silicone therapy.  I will not recommend it or even allow it unless I start to see some aggressive or stubborn scar starting to form.  Always follow the direction of your Plastic Surgeon.  Good luck with your breast lift!

Robert E. Zaworski, MD (retired) · Answer

There are lots of great scar management products on the market.  Your surgeon will recommend one that he feels will give you the best result, if needed.  Follow you Plastic Surgeon's post operative instructions for your best result.  Best to you!

Is all silicone for scar treatment equal?

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Answer: Is all silicone for scar treatment equal?

Answer: Is all silicone for scar treatment equal?

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Is all silicone for scar treatment equal?

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Answer: Is all silicone for scar treatment equal?

Answer: Is all silicone for scar treatment equal?

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Everything you need to know about Breast Lift

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