Silicone – proven efficacy in scar management and prevention¹

Silicone is the first choice of dermatologists and plastic surgeons worldwide.¹
A recent publication by the International Advisory Panel on Scar Management recommends the use of silicone, in a primary role, for the treatment of a wide variety of scars.¹

The effectiveness and safety of silicone in the treatment and prevention of scars is established and well documented.^1–6

For silicone, several mechanisms of action have been proposed in scar management:

 

Mode of Action

Kelo-cote^®, a mixture of long chain silicone polymers and silcon dioxide that when applied in a thin, even layer, rapidly dries to form a gas permeable, flexible and waterproof silicone gel sheet. The sheet forms a bond with the stratum corneum (the outer layer of dead skin cells) forming a protective barrier against chemical, physical and microbial invasion while assisting with hydration. This creates an environment which allows the scar to mature through normalized collagen synthesis cycles, and improves the physiological and cosmetic appearance of the scar.

The following animated video helps demonstrate how Kelo-cote^® works:

• 1.   Mustoe TA et al., Plast Reconstr Surg 2002; 110:560–571
• 2.   Borgognoni L, Wound Repair Regen 2002; 10:118–121
• 3.   Lyle WG, Plast Reconstr Surg 2001; 107:272–275
• 4.   De Oliveira GV et al., Dermatol Surg 2001; 27:721–726
• 5.   Cruz-Korchin NI, Ann Plast Surg 1996; 37:345–348
• 6.   Gold MH et al., Dermatol Surg 2001; 27:641–644
• 7.   McNee J, Physiotherapy 1990; 76:194-197
• 8.   Sawada Y, Sone K, Br J Plast Surg 1990; 43:683-688
• 9.   Suetake T et al., Br J Plast Surg 2000; 53:503-507
• 10. Hirshowitz B et al., Plast Reconstr Surg 1998; 101:1173-1183
• 11. Sebastian G et al, Akt. Dermatol 2004; Bd. 30:450