title: Influence of silicone gel on standardized postoperative scars.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Silicone gel is one therapeutic approach in the treatment and prevention of excessive scarring. The likely mechanism of action is the hydration of the tissue. This should lead to reduced angiogenesis and capillary blood flow. The efficacy is still controversial and the evidence base, insufficient. The aim of this prospective and standardized study is to investigate silicone gel in the preventive treatment of scars.
  
  
  METHODS
  Included in the study were 20 patients with costal cartilage harvest. Half of a standard chest scar was treated for three months with a silicone gel. The other half served as an internal control. After three months both scar sides were compared subjectively by visual analog scale and objectively by elasticity, moisture and color measurements.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of 19 patients 8 had a better subjective result in the treated half. In one subject, no difference was seen. A worse subjective result in the treated half was seen in 10 out of 19. The objective measurements showed no significant difference. A correlation between the different results was not seen.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The use of silicone gel caused subjective differences within the same scar (worsening as well as improvement of the appearance). Positive effects were not detectable in the investigated parameters.
authors: Department of General Surgery, Sana Clinics Eastern Holstein, Clinic Eutin, Germany.
authors: Mareen
authors: M
authors: Riedel
authors: Jürgen
authors: J
authors: Brinckmann
authors: Armin
authors: A
authors: Steffen
authors: Stefan
authors: S
authors: Nitsch
authors: Barbara
authors: B
authors: Wollenberg
authors: Henning
authors: H
authors: Frenzel
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002921:Cicatrix / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003879:Dermatologic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D020034:Silicone Gels / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000187:drug effects*; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D003879:Dermatologic Agents; D020034:Silicone Gels