When it comes to scar care, there is no magic fix that can make scars disappear completely. However, there are various methods and products available that can help improve the appearance of scars and promote healing. These methods and products can be referred to as "magic scar care." One important aspect of scar care is keeping the scar area clean and moisturized. This can be achieved by gently washing the scar with mild soap and water, and applying a suitable scar cream or ointment. Some scar creams contain ingredients like vitamin E, silicone, or onion extract, which have been shown to help reduce the appearance of scars.
Why we chose this scar treatment
That being said, another quality study found no difference in healing with the addition of silicone gel to the incisions of those considered similarly high risk of forming an abnormal scar 2. Mederma Scar Gel for Kids contains 1 allantoin and onion bulb extract which may promote skin healing by supporting the formation of collagen and cell renewal.
Some scar creams contain ingredients like vitamin E, silicone, or onion extract, which have been shown to help reduce the appearance of scars. When it comes to certain types of scars, such as keloid or hypertrophic scars, certain treatments like silicone gel sheets or pressure therapy may be recommended. These methods are believed to help flatten and soften raised scars, ultimately improving their appearance.
Magic scar care
Dr. Jeffrey Harmon
You are likely aware of silicone-based scar gels by seeing ScarAway© or another over-the-counter brand in your local pharmacy. Surgeons in all specialties as well as dermatologists recommend these scar gels after procedures to promote healing and reduce the risk of scarring. But how well do they work? I reviewed the literature in order to determine whether silicone gels, placed post-operatively after surgical incisions have healed, can help reduce the appearance of incisions. Not surprisingly, quality studies are difficult to find.
There are two ways of describing an abnormal scar, hypertrophic and keloid. There may seem to be little distinction between the two. However, the underlying process that causes them to form is radically different. Basically, a hypertrophic scar remains within the boundaries of the original incision or injury. A keloid, on the other hand, expands beyond it. The goal of silicone gels and patches are to not only reduce the risks of hypertrophic scar or keloid formation, but also to reduce the redness of an incision and accelerate the fading of the appearance of a scar.
The two major problems with the studies I reviewed are 1) few of the incisions examined were located on the face and 2) silicone gels were usually compared with another treatment rather than no intervention at all (placebo). The second problem is unavoidable because it would be unethical to allow the control group to heal without an accepted alternative treatment to reduce the appearance of a scar.
One of the most promising studies was a randomized, placebo-controlled, and double-blinded clinical trial evaluating whether silicone gel prevents hypertrophic scar development on chest (sternotomy) incisions. The researchers found that silicone gel application resulted in a better-appearing scars 3 months after surgery. However chest (sternotomy) incisions are notorious for poor healing and frequent scarring (1). This is unlike the skin of the face, which is widely understood to heal much better than other parts of the body. Also, most of the patients, in addition to heart problems requiring a chest incision, had other medical problems that could lead to poor wound healing such as diabetes. It is possible the silicone gels are more effective in patients with a much higher risk of poor healing. That being said, another quality study found no difference in healing with the addition of silicone gel to the incisions of those considered similarly “high risk” of forming an abnormal scar (2).
The only randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded clinical trial focused exclusively on facial incisions I found was from 2018. The researchers looked at the use of silicone gel on forehead incisions for brow lifts (3). Only 13 patients participated, which is a very small number. No difference in the appearance of the incisions was identified at 6 months. Other, similar studies have shown no clinically meaningful difference in scar formation with the use of silicone gels on breast reduction incisions (4) and cesarean section incisions (5).
The bottom line:
First, it is important to note that we still do not know how silicone gels work to reduce the appearance of surgical incisions. It may be that silicone gels function like an occlusive dressing, holding moisture in and keeping bacteria out. It may also modify the underlying inflammatory process that occurs with any incision during healing. Either way, the end goal is to have an incision as soft, smooth, and flat as possible. There are few studies of quality design available to review. Those available are plagued by the same problems with other studies of this type, including small numbers of subjects. To make matters worse, these studies rarely focus on incisions on the face or on the most important outcome to me, the appearance of incisions after surgery - not simply the prevention of abnormal scarring (e.g. hypertrophic, keloid).
On the other hand, there is little risk with the use of silicone gel, barring some limitations around the eyes and mouth as well as for those who are allergic to silicone. And silicone does help keep healing incisions moist, which is essential to healing. As a result, I encourage almost all of my patients to start using silicone gels after all sutures are removed twice daily for weeks to months as the incisions heal and blend in with the rest of the skin. I expect additional studies may result in evidence that this approach can help improve the appearance of incisions.
In the end, factors other than whether or not silicone gels are applied are more important to the healing process, including proper closure technique, tension-free skin re-aaproximation, a healthy diet, adequate sleep, and sun protection with mineral-based sunscreens.
References:
- Chan KY, Lau CL, Adeeb SM, Somasundaram S, Nasir-Zahari M. A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, prospective clinical trial of silicone gel in prevention of hypertrophic scar development in median sternotomy wound. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2005 Sep 15;116(4):1013-20; discussion 1021-2.
- Gold MH, Foster TD, Adair MA, Burlison K, Lewis T. Prevention of hypertrophic scars and keloids by the prophylactic use of topical silicone gel sheets following a surgical procedure in an office setting. Dermatol Surg. 2001 Jul;27(7):641-4.
- Cadet N, Hardy I, Dudek D, Miszkiewicz K, Boulos P, Nguyen Q, Wong J. Prospective case-control trial evaluating silicone gel for the treatment of direct brow lift scars. Can J Ophthalmol. 2018 Feb;53(1):29-33.
- Niessen FB, Spauwen PH, Robinson PH, Fidler V, Kon M. The use of silicone occlusive sheeting (Sil-K) and silicone occlusive gel (Epiderm) in the prevention of hypertrophic scar formation. Plast Reconstr Surg. 1998 Nov;102(6):1962-72.
- Lin YS, Ting PS, Hsu KC. Comparison of Silicone Sheets and Paper Tape for the Management of Postoperative Scars: A Randomized Comparative Study. Adv Skin Wound Care. 2020 Jun;33(6):1-6.
However, there is little evidence to support the claim that Vitamin E helps with scars. A 2016 review on vitamin E and wound healing concluded that further research is needed into vitamin E’s effectiveness in healing wounds.
In addition to topical treatments, there are other procedures that can be used for scar care. For example, laser therapy can be used to target the scar tissue and promote collagen remodeling, which can lead to smoother and less visible scars. Similarly, microneedling is a procedure that involves creating tiny punctures in the scar tissue to stimulate collagen production and promote scar remodeling. It is important to note that not all scars require intensive scar care. Some scars may naturally fade and become less noticeable over time without any additional intervention. However, for those who are bothered by the appearance of their scars, exploring different scar care methods and consulting with a healthcare professional or dermatologist can be helpful. While "magic scar care" may not exist in the literal sense, there are various methods and products available that can help improve the appearance of scars and promote healing. By considering these options and following a personalized scar care routine, individuals can work towards achieving the best possible outcome for their scars..
Reviews for "Healing Wounds, Healing Minds: The Psychological Impact of Magic Scar Care"
1. Karen - 2 stars
I purchased Magic Scar Care based on the promising claims, but I was hugely disappointed with the results. I followed the instructions diligently, applying the product twice a day for several weeks, but saw no improvement in the appearance of my scar. It did not fade, soften, or reduce in any way. I feel like I wasted my money on a product that does not live up to its claims.
2. John - 1 star
I have used numerous scar removal creams in the past, but Magic Scar Care was by far the most ineffective one. Not only did it fail to improve the appearance of my scar, but it also left a greasy residue on my skin. I found the product to be quite heavy and it did not absorb well, making it uncomfortable to wear during the day. I will not be repurchasing this product and would not recommend it to anyone seeking effective scar care.
3. Sarah - 2 stars
I had high hopes for Magic Scar Care, but unfortunately, it did not live up to my expectations. The cream had a strange smell, which was off-putting. Additionally, it did not seem to have any effect on my scar. I gave it a fair trial, using it consistently for several weeks, but noticed no visible improvement. Considering the price of this product, I expected much better results and I feel let down by the lack of effectiveness.
4. Mark - 1 star
Magic Scar Care was a complete waste of money for me. Not only did it fail to reduce the visibility of my scar, but it also caused irritation and redness on my skin. I had to discontinue use after a few days as it was making my scar appear worse, rather than better. I would caution others with sensitive skin to be wary of this product, as it may cause adverse reactions.
5. Emily - 2 stars
I was excited to try Magic Scar Care based on the positive reviews, but unfortunately, it did not work for me. I religiously applied it to my scar twice a day for a couple of months, but saw no noticeable improvement. The cream did have a nice texture and was easy to apply, but it simply did not deliver on its promise of scar reduction. I feel disappointed and let down by this product and would not recommend it to others.