Silicone scar gel
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- ScarAway Silicone Scar Gel. Best for: Visible scars on the face and body. See options on Amazon
- Silicone scar sheets. Best for: Flat areas you can cover, and keloid-prone skin. See options on Amazon
- 100% silicone scar gel, small tube. Best for: Small surgical or injury scars. See options on Amazon
What the research found
A 2020 meta-analysis in the International Wound Journal pooled 6 randomised controlled trials with a total of 375 patients. Compared with placebo or no treatment, topical silicone gel significantly reduced pigmentation, height and pliability scores after surgery. Silicone gel and silicone gel sheets were comparably effective, and so were silicone gel and other non-silicone topical treatments.
A 2023 systematic review in the Dermatology Online Journal looked at 30 randomised trials of silicone gel products after surgery. Most showed improvement in at least one quality of the scar, but the authors flagged small sample sizes, unvalidated scar scales, a lack of double-blinding and short follow-up, and said further studies are needed.
So the evidence is encouraging but modest: silicone may help a scar look flatter and less discolored, not make it disappear.
Gel or sheets?
| Format | What it is | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Silicone gel | A thin coat that dries clear | Visible or hard-to-treat areas; can go under makeup or sunscreen once dry, per ScarAway |
| Silicone sheets | Flexible medical-grade silicone pieces | Flat areas you can cover; the AAD says they may help flatten a keloid |
The 2020 meta-analysis found gel and sheets comparably effective, so the choice mostly comes down to where the scar is and what you will wear consistently.
When to start
- New wounds. ScarAway says to start as soon as the wound is closed or sutures are removed, to help prevent abnormal raised scars.
- Existing scars. Start right away, provided the skin is intact and there is no wound or irritation.
- Keloids. The AAD says silicone gel sheets may be applied to a new keloid, or after an injury to help prevent one, and can help keep a keloid from returning after other treatment such as surgery.
- Never on open skin. The AAD says never apply a silicone gel sheet to a scab or open wound, and ScarAway says not to use its gel on open wounds, oozing or crusting skin, or acne breakouts.
How to use silicone scar gel
- Clean and dry. Wash and dry the scar area first. ScarAway says not to use a soap that contains moisturizers, lotions or oils beforehand.
- Thin coat, twice daily. Apply a very thin coat twice daily and let it dry.
- Give it time. ScarAway recommends 60 to 90 days of treatment, and says results may show in 4 to 8 weeks, though individual results vary.
- Let it dry before dressing. The gel may stain clothing if not completely dry.
- Sun. Once dry, you can apply sunscreen over it; see our mineral sunscreen guide.
Who should be careful
ScarAway says its gel is for external use only, is not sterile, and should be kept away from the eyes and mucous membranes. Stop use and consult a physician if irritation occurs. The maker says the gel suits children age 3 and up; ask a pediatrician before using it on a young child's scar.
Silicone is for closed skin only. For an open cut or scrape, use first aid care instead; see our hydrocolloid bandages guide. For a raised pimple scar from active acne, treat the acne first; see our acne spot treatment guide.
When to see a dermatologist
See a dermatologist for a scar that keeps growing beyond the original wound, is painful or itchy, or limits movement over a joint, and for keloids, which the AAD says can return after treatment. A dermatologist can offer other treatments if silicone alone does not help. After keloid surgery, the AAD says silicone gel sheets can help prevent the keloid from returning.
What to look for when you buy
ScarAway Silicone Scar Gel
Best for: Visible scars on the face and body
ScarAway describes a transparent, self-drying, water-resistant silicone gel for hypertrophic and keloid scars, used twice daily for 60 to 90 days.
Watch out: Not for open wounds, crusting skin or acne breakouts.
See options on AmazonSilicone scar sheets
Best for: Flat areas you can cover, and keloid-prone skin
The AAD says medical-grade silicone gel sheets may help flatten a keloid and help prevent one after injury.
Watch out: Never apply to a scab or open wound, per the AAD.
See options on Amazon100% silicone scar gel, small tube
Best for: Small surgical or injury scars
A 2020 meta-analysis found topical silicone gel reduced scar height and pigmentation scores after surgery.
Watch out: Check the label lists silicone as the main ingredient; some scar gels use other ingredients.
See options on AmazonQuestions people ask
- Does silicone scar gel actually work?
- A meta-analysis of 6 trials with 375 patients found it reduced scar pigmentation, height and pliability scores after surgery.
- When can I start using silicone gel on a scar?
- Once the wound is closed or stitches are removed, per ScarAway; never on an open wound.
- How long should I use silicone scar gel?
- ScarAway recommends 60 to 90 days, twice daily.
- Is silicone gel better than silicone sheets?
- A 2020 meta-analysis found them comparably effective.
- Does silicone help keloids?
- The AAD says silicone gel sheets may help flatten a keloid and help prevent one from returning.
Sources
- Efficacy of topical silicone gel in scar management: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov), International Wound Journal (PubMed 32119763)
- A systematic review of the management of postoperative scars with silicone gel-based products in randomized controlled trials (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov), Dermatology Online Journal (PubMed 37921811)
- Keloids: Diagnosis and treatment (aad.org), American Academy of Dermatology
- ScarAway Silicone Scar Gel (scaraway.com), ScarAway