title: Silicone-based scar therapy: a review of the literature.
abstract: Hypertrophic and keloid scars still are among the banes of plastic surgery. In the treatment arsenal at the disposal of the plastic surgeon, topical silicone therapy usually is considered the first line of treatment or as an adjuvant to other treatment methods. Yet, knowledge concerning its mechanisms of action, clinical efficacy, and possible adverse effects is rather obscure and sometimes conflicting. This review briefly summarizes the existing literature regarding the silicone elastomer's mechanism of action on scars, the clinical trials regarding its efficacy, a description of some controversial points and contradicting evidence, and possible adverse effects of this treatment method. Topical silicone therapy probably will continue to be the preferred first-line treatment for hypertrophic scars due to its availability, price, ease of application, lack of serious adverse effects, and relative efficacy. Hopefully, future randomized clinical trials will help to clarify its exact clinical efficacy and appropriate treatment protocols to optimize treatment results.
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, The Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel. demetrisstavrou@gmail.com
authors.forename: Demetris
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Stavrou
authors.forename: Oren
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Weissman
authors.forename: Eyal
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Winkler
authors.forename: Lior
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Yankelson
authors.forename: Eran
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Millet
authors.forename: Oren Paul
authors.initials: OP
authors.lastname: Mushin
authors.forename: Alon
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Liran
authors.forename: Joseph
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Haik
mesh_terms: D000287:Administration, Topical; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D002921:Cicatrix / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D012826:Silicone Elastomers; D012828:Silicones
chemical_list: D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D012826:Silicone Elastomers; D012828:Silicones