Do Silicone Scar Treatments Work on Old Scars?

Silicone Treatments and Old Scars: The Evidence

Research strongly supports silicone's effectiveness for older scars. Clinical studies show that silicone treatments can significantly improve scar height, redness, and overall appearance of mature scars compared to control groups.

The International Advisory Panel on Scar Management recommends silicone as the first-line therapy for treating established:

• Linear hypertrophic scars

• Keloids

• Widespread burn scars

While older scars respond more slowly than fresh ones, consistent treatment can still yield significant improvements over time.

How Silicone Works on Mature Scars

Silicone-based products improve old scars through three key mechanisms:

1. Hydration: Creates a barrier that prevents moisture loss, softening and flattening raised scars.

2. Gentle Pressure: Improves blood circulation and makes tissue more pliable.

3. Collagen Regulation: Normalizes collagen production in the scarred area.

These mechanisms remain effective regardless of scar age, though older scars typically require longer treatment periods.

Treatment Options for Old Scars

Silicone Gels (Eg: Kelo-cote)

Kelo-cote, recommended by dermatologists and plastic surgeons, uses a patented Siliclear Complex™ technology that creates a thin, flexible layer over the scar when applied. This gel:

• Dries in 4-5 minutes to form an invisible, breathable sheet

• Can be applied twice daily

• Works well on irregular surfaces or facial scars

• Can be used under cosmetics once dry

• Reduces itching, pain, and discoloration associated with scars

FREE Gift This Weekend

Kelo-Cote Silicone Scar Gel 15g

£30.00

- An odourless silicone gel to help treat, reduce and soften all types of scars

- Suitable for new and old scars

- Recommended by Dermatologists, Plastic Surgeons and used by the NHS

- Alternatively, there is also Kelo-Cote UV Scar Gel SPF30 for added sun protection

 

Be aware - There have been reports of counterfeit Kelocote products being sold on some marketplaces - Read Here

 

Dermacare Direct is an official Kelocote stockist and offers a Genuine Product Guarantee.

Add to Cart

Read more details

Silicone Sheets (Eg: Dermatix)

Dermatix Silicone Sheets provide constant contact with the scar and come in clear or fabric-backed options:

• The clear version is virtually invisible, perfect for exposed areas like face and hands

• Fabric-backed sheets offer comfort under clothing

• Sheets are self-adhesive, thin, and pliable

• They can be worn for 12-23 hours per day

• Each sheet can last 4-6 weeks with proper care

FREE Gift This Weekend

Dermatix Silicone Sheet CLEAR 13cm x 25 cm

£55.00

- Made from silicone and PTFE, the thin Dermatix® Silicone Sheet Clear provides a unique combination of transparency, flexibility and adhesiveness.
- The silicone reduces hypertrophic scars and keloids, while the transparency offers minimal visibility of the sheet.

Beware - There have been reports of fake Dermatix products being sold on some marketplaces.
Sellers on marketplaces are not authorised Dermatix stockists - Read Here

Add to Cart

Read more details

Factors Affecting Results on Old Scars

While silicone scar treatments can dramatically improve old scars, results vary based on several factors:

• Scar Age: While older scars respond more slowly than fresh scars, consistent treatment can still yield significant improvements

• Scar Type: Keloids and hypertrophic scars typically show the most dramatic improvements

• Treatment Duration: Old scars often require longer treatment periods, sometimes 3-6 months or more

• Consistency: Regular, persistent use is crucial for success

It's important to understand that complete removal of old scars is challenging and often not possible. The goal of treatment is to make the scar less noticeable and more consistent with the surrounding skin.

Best Practices for Treating Mature Scars

To maximize results when treating old scars:

1. Ensure the scarred area is completely clean and dry before application

2. For gels like Kelo-cote, apply a thin layer twice daily

3. For sheets like Dermatix, wear for 12-23 hours daily

4. Continue treatment for at least 60-90 days, with older scars potentially requiring longer

5. Be patient – improvements typically appear gradually rather than overnight

Alternative and Complementary Treatments

For particularly stubborn or severe old scars, you might need to combine silicone with other approaches or consider alternative treatments entirely:

Non-Surgical Options

• Laser therapy: Can improve skin texture and color, making scars less noticeable

• Steroid injections: Often used for keloid or hypertrophic scars to reduce size, itchiness, and discomfort

• Microneedling: Stimulates collagen production and can enhance skin texture and flexibility around the scarred area

• Cryosurgery: Uses extreme cold to selectively destroy abnormal scar tissue, particularly effective for keloid and hypertrophic scars

Surgical Options

For more severe scarring, surgical intervention are sometimes explored:

• Scar revision surgery: Modifies or reduces the scar tissue using various techniques based on the scar's characteristics and location

• W-Plasty and Z-Plasty: These techniques involve making zigzag cuts on either side of the scar, rearranging the tissue to break up the straight line of the scar

• Skin grafting: For extensive or deep scars, involves transplanting skin from a donor site to the scarred area

• Tissue expansion: A technique that leverages the body's natural ability to grow extra skin by stretching surrounding tissue, particularly suitable for large areas of scarring

Silicone treatments offer a clinically proven, non-invasive method for improving the appearance of old scars. While they won't completely erase long-established scars, consistent use can significantly improve their appearance, making them less noticeable and more consistent with surrounding skin. For best results, be patient and diligent with application.