Supporting Scar Healing with Medical Grade Silicone

Scarring is a natural part of the body’s recovery process, but the way a scar is managed can greatly influence its appearance, texture, and comfort over time. For healthcare professionals, guiding patients through effective scar care is an important step in helping them achieve better healing outcomes.

Among the most well-supported approaches, medical grade silicone therapy is widely recognised as the gold standard in non-invasive scar management. With over 30 years of research and international clinical endorsement, silicone is considered one of the safest and most effective ways to support healthy scar recovery.

Understanding How Scars Form

When the skin is injured — through surgery, trauma, or childbirth — the body produces collagen fibres to repair the damaged tissue. While collagen plays an essential role in healing, too much or uneven production can lead to scars that are raised, thickened, or discoloured.

Several factors can influence the way a scar develops:

• Wound size and depth: larger or deeper wounds may form more visible scars

• Skin type and genetics: some individuals are more prone to raised or pigmented scars

• Healing environment: infections, tension on the wound, or delayed closure can affect scar quality

• Early management: appropriate care during the initial recovery stage can improve long-term outcomes

Understanding these factors helps healthcare professionals tailor scar management strategies to each patient’s unique needs.

Why Medical Grade Silicone Matters

Medical grade silicone has been used in scar care for decades and is consistently recognised for its effectiveness and safety. Silicone works by forming a soft, breathable layer over the scar, helping to create the optimal conditions for healing. By maintaining hydration, silicone prevents excessive moisture loss and keeps the skin soft and flexible. It also provides gentle compression, supporting smoother and flatter scar formation. In addition, silicone helps regulate collagen production, reducing the likelihood of raised or thickened scars.

With consistent use over a few months, patients often experience improved texture, reduced redness, and greater overall comfort in the affected area.

When to Begin Silicone Therapy

Silicone therapy can typically begin from six weeks after surgery or birth, provided the wound has healed closed, sutures have been removed, and there are no signs of infection or delayed recovery.

Healthcare professionals should always assess the skin before recommending treatment, as applying silicone too early can lead to irritation. For the best results, silicone should be worn consistently (ideally 12 to 24 hours per day) and continued for at least three months to support scar maturation.

The Benefits Supported by Evidence

Extensive clinical research supports the role of medical grade silicone in scar management. Regular and consistent use has been shown to:

1. Improve scar softness, flexibility, and smoothness

2. Reduce redness, pigmentation, and overall thickness

3. Relieve itching, dryness, and discomfort during recovery

These proven benefits make silicone an effective, evidence-based option for patients recovering from surgery, childbirth, or injury. It is suitable for most skin types, including sensitive skin, and safe for breastfeeding mothers, provided it is not used on open wounds or in cases of silicone sensitivity.

Conclusion

Scar healing is a gradual process, and patients benefit greatly from clear, evidence-based guidance. Medical grade silicone therapy offers one of the safest and most reliable options for supporting recovery and improving scar outcomes over time.

By helping patients understand how silicone works, when to begin treatment, and the importance of consistent use, healthcare professionals can create a more supportive healing experience and promote better long-term results.