Silicone sheets provide effective scar treatment in New York, NY
Everyone suffers from wounds due to injuries or surgical procedures at some point in their lives. Once your wound has fully healed, especially if it was deep or large, you may be left with a scar. Scar therapy bandage sheets made from silicone can be used to improve the appearance of scars. Though this mechanism is not fully understood, these sheets, if used appropriately, have been shown to have positive effects on many, but not all scars. Below, Dr. Stephen L. Comite, dermatologist at SkinProvement Dermatology New York, answers common questions about silicone sheets for scar treatment.
There are several brands on the market targeted to reduce the appearance of scars, but we recommend the use of CVS Scar Treatment Silicone Sheets. Rejuveness or Mepiform can be used as well but the CVS product is reasonably priced at this time.
CVS Scar Treatment Silicone Sheets are thin, self-adhesive, fabric-backed sheets that improve the appearance of existing scars and help prevent the formation of new scars. The sheets can minimize the appearance of discolored or raised scars, and even occasionally scars that are years old.
Silicone scar sheets work on discolored or raised scars, such as hypertrophic scars and keloids. The sheets can also be used for scars from minor burns, surgeries, or minor skin injuries.
Dermatologists are not certain why, but perhaps as the silicone in the scar sheet softens, it may aid in the reduction of scar appearance.
While there is adhesive on one side of the CVS Silicone Sheets, it does not stick well. We recommend you place Brown Micropore Tape from 3M, either the half-inch or the one-inch size, over the CVS Silicone Sheets. The Micropore tape sticks well and dries easily after bathing.
Silicone Scar Sheets should be used for at least eight weeks and perhaps longer. Each sheet should be worn on the scar for at least 12 hours per day, and for ease of use, they can even be worn for up to three to four days at a time and overnight. Scar sheets should not be used on wounds that are still open, have sutures or stitches or on fragile or unhealed skin. Some patients may experience a rash or allergic reaction. If this occurs, you should stop using the product and call our office.
The average scar reduction time may be seen in as little as four to eight weeks, but individual results will vary with each patient and results cannot be guaranteed.
There are several other effective anti-scar therapies available. Dr. Stephen L. Comite can help you determine which treatment is best, depending on what type of scar you have, how old it is, and other factors. To schedule a consultation at SkinProvement Dermatology New York, call us at (212) 933-9490.
