When it comes to treating surgical or traumatic scars for New Jersey patients, board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Mohit Sood of Sood. Center recommends using Silagen® silicone sheeting or silicone gel. Silagen® is an odor and fragrance-free, medical-grade silicone that is only available for use by physicians to be used to treat scars.
Silicone is one of the best options available for preventing and treating keloids and thick scars. Silagen® can give you one of the best possible outcomes for dealing with these issues. Sood Center offers this 100 percent medical-grade silicone in the form of a gel as an option for his patients.
Silicone sheets and silicone gels made from polymerized siloxanes are widely used in the medical community, and evidence supports their beneficial use for treating traumatic and surgical scars. Silicone gel is sometimes preferred because it is easy to apply, and it adheres better to the skin than silicone sheeting. It is ideal for areas that are visible, such as the face, and parts of the body that move.
How Does Silagen® Work?
When the silicone gel is applied to the skin, it forms a flexible and invisible barrier that covers the scar. This helps to prevent excessive transepidermal evaporative water loss and helps to normalize the production of collagen, keeping the production of keratinocytes under control. An excess amount of collagen production leads to keloids and thick scars being produced on the skin. When a normal amount of collagen is produced in the skin, this prevents excessive scarring.
How Do I Use Silagen® 100% Pure Silicone Gel?
The following directions should be used when applying the silicone:
- Wash the area of skin to be treated and thoroughly dry it
- Apply a little bit of the silicone gel to the scar and then gently massage it
- Allow the area to dry
- For the effective results, this product can be used twice a day for 8 to 12 weeks
- Don’t use Silagen® gel under silicone gel sheets. The sheets will not adhere properly to the skin when they are used together
- Further instructions can be found on the package insert
Are There Any Precautions?
These precautions should be taken into consideration when using this silicone treatment:
- It is only to be used externally
- Do not let it contact the eyes
- Keep away from children
- It should not be used on an open wound
- Stop using it if irritation on the skin occurs and contact the doctor
Silagen® UV Protection Silicone Gel can be used if the scar is exposed to the sun. You can find more information if you visit: www.silagen.com.
Sunscreen Recommendations For Scars
Exposure to the sun should be avoided. If a person needs to go outside, they should use sunscreen. This is especially important for patients who have new scars. Special care needs to be taken for at least 12 months after a surgical procedure. When it comes to the sunscreen that should be used, Dr. Sood recommends that patients should make sure to purchase a sunscreen that has an SPF of at least 30 or higher. It should also be waterproof. Follow all directions provided by the sunscreen manufacturer.
Why Is It So Important To Use Sunscreen On Scars?
Scar tissue is basically new skin. As it is forming, it is fragile and more delicate than the skin surrounding it. If sunscreen is not used to protect this new skin, it may become a hyperpigmented scar. About a year after the scar begins to form, it should react to the sun just as the skin surrounding it.
Superficial Scar Massage
A scar massage can be used to desensitize the scar and reduce adhesions. This will help the skin to glide freely.
- To massage the scar, rub the scar and the area surrounding it using firm, circular motions. This pressure should be applied to the scar for about five minutes at least four times a day.
- The scar massage can begin once the incision has healed. You can usually start doing this about two or three weeks after surgery.
- A moisturizing lotion that is fortified with vitamin E and Aloe Vera can be used to massage the scar.
How Much Does Scar Treatment Cost?
The cost will depend on the number of treatments recommended. Dr. Sood will discuss your cost and treatment plan with you during your consultation. We accept cash, personal checks, major credit cards, and CareCredit® financing as forms of payment.
Sood Center is always ready to help you rebuild your appearance with scar treatments. If you live in New Jersey or the greater Philadelphia area and are interested in scar treatment, contact board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Mohit Sood today. Call his Linwood office at (609) 904-5390 or his Haddonfield office at (856) 403-9686.
