Clinical evidence

A brief history of silicone scar therapy

Silicone gel sheeting has been used successfully in scar management for decades: it improves the signs and symptoms of existing scars, and prevents the development of abnormal scars.

However, silicone gel sheets have several limitations in their use. It is not practical to use sheets on large areas, near joints, on the face or other areas where they cannot adhere well. The sheets are very visible and their handling is rather complicated. Frequent washing is necessary to prevent rashes and infections. Silicone gel sheets can be expensive because several sheets may be needed to fit one scar.

Reference: Mustoe TA. Evolution of silicone therapy and mechanism of action in scar management. Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. 2008;32:82–92 (published online 2007). Read the review ↗

The new generation of scar treatment

In recent years, a new generation of silicone gels for the prevention and treatment of scars have emerged. They are just as effective as traditional silicone gel sheets but they are much easier to use.

The innovative concept is their liquid and self-drying formulation. They can be applied in a very thin layer and form a self-drying, flexible, transparent and gas-permeable silicone gel sheet which is in constant contact with the skin (24/7).

In several studies, patients and doctors were highly satisfied with silicone gel treatments. They praised the ease of use, treatment duration, cosmetic outcome and tolerability. Strataderm belongs to the family of the new generation of scar treatment and prevention silicone gels. It was developed with new technologies, to have a quick drying time and a superior durability. Strataderm adheres strongly to the skin which is why it only needs to be applied once daily.

Apply once daily, twice daily to exposed areas, or as advised by your physician.

Background: Mustoe TA, 2008.

International scar recommendations

The literature is extensive on the prevention and management of scarring using silicone. There are literally thousands of published articles of varying quality on scar management and even more products available worldwide including over the counter, over the internet, prescription based only and health professional delivered only based products that claim to help prevent and treat scarring. However, the evidence, until recent years, was not strong on the best treatments for scarring.

In 2014, an International Advisory Panel on Scar Management published clinical recommendations on scar management, based on a qualitative overview of 300 published references and expert consensus on best practices. Silicone Gel Sheeting (SGS) was recommended as first line therapy for prevention of scarring and first line treatment for the initial management of scarring, in addition to the recommended management modality with adjunct therapies for secondary management. These clinical recommendations to date have not been superseded.

Source: International scar recommendations — original Strataderm website ↗