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Evolution of Silicone Therapy and Mechanism of Action in Scar Management

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Abstract

Silicone-based products are widely used in the management of hypertrophic scarring and keloids. This review discusses the range of products available and the clinical evidence of their efficacy in preventing excessive scarring and improving established scars. Silicone gel sheeting has been used successfully for more than 20 years in scar management. A new formulation of silicone gel applied from a tube forms a thin flexible sheet over the newly epithelialized wound or more mature scar. Results from clinical trials and clinical experience suggest that silicone gel is equivalent in efficacy to traditional silicone gel sheeting but easier to use. The mechanism of action of silicone therapy has not been completely determined but is likely to involve occlusion and hydration of the stratum corneum with subsequent cytokine-mediated signaling from keratinocytes to dermal fibroblasts.

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  1. Division of Plastic Surgery, Northwestern University School of Medicine, 675 North Street Clair 19-250, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA

    Thomas A. Mustoe

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  1. Thomas A. Mustoe
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Correspondence to Thomas A. Mustoe.

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Mustoe, T.A. Evolution of Silicone Therapy and Mechanism of Action in Scar Management. Aesth Plast Surg 32, 82–92 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00266-007-9030-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00266-007-9030-9

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