Efficacy of topical silicone gel in scar management: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomised controlled trials

Abstract

To assess the efficacy of topical silicone gel in the management of scars, we conducted this meta‐analysis. The systematic search was performed on PubMed, Web of Science and Embase, and six randomised controlled trials with a total of 375 patients were involved. The outcome data of Vancouver Scar Scale were extracted from the studies and their effect sizes were calculated using Review Manager 5.3. As a result, topical silicone gel significantly reduced pigmentation, height, and pliability scores postoperatively compared with placebos or no treatment (Pigmentation: standard mean difference [SMD] = −0.55 [−0.83 to –0.26], P = .0002; Height: SMD = −0.73 [−1.02 to –0.44], P < .00001; Pliability: SMD = −0.49 [−0.95 to –0.03], P = .04). Topical silicone gel and silicone gel sheet were comparably effective (P > .05). The performance of topical silicone gel and other non‐silicone topical treatment was also similar (P > .05). In summary, topical silicone gel was effective in post‐operative scar prevention.

Revisional Techniques for Secondary Cleft Lip Deformities

“…12,14 Fortunately, silicone gel has been proven to be as effective as silicone sheets, allowing for easier and less obvious application. 15 This treatment can be used proactively, especially in those prone to hypertrophic scarring. 15 Botulinum toxin injections may also be utilized as a therapeutic or preventative strategy.…”

“…15 This treatment can be used proactively, especially in those prone to hypertrophic scarring. 15 Botulinum toxin injections may also be utilized as a therapeutic or preventative strategy. 12,16,17 In controlled prospective studies by Xiao et al and Elhefnawy, botulinum toxin injections into hypertrophic scars led to some level of scar improvement in 100% of their population.…”

Onion extract gel is not better than other topical treatments in scar management: A meta‐analysis from randomised controlled trails

“…One similar RCT 25 reported that topical silicone gel plus herbal extract gel (Allium cepa, Centella asiatica, Aloe vera, and paper mulberry) had better vascularity and pigmentation than silicone gel. Although topical silicone gel beneficial for scar prevention has been concluded by two meta-analyses with weak evidence, 26,27 the performance of topical silicone gel and other non-silicone topical treatment is also similar. 27 Thus, OE in silicone gel seems an optimal choice for scar treatment, but still needs more studies to strength this evidence.…”

“…Although topical silicone gel beneficial for scar prevention has been concluded by two meta-analyses with weak evidence, 26,27 the performance of topical silicone gel and other non-silicone topical treatment is also similar. 27 Thus, OE in silicone gel seems an optimal choice for scar treatment, but still needs more studies to strength this evidence.…”

The renin‐angiotensin system in cutaneous hypertrophic scar and keloid formation

“…[3,4] The pathophysiology of hypertrophic scars and keloids is extremely complex, and the current therapies, such as topical formulations (silicone gel, flavonoids: onion extraction), laser treatment, corticosteroid injections and cryotherapy, are far from sufficient. [5,6] Some recent research has focused on the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) in the process of both wound healing and scar formation as a promising therapeutic target. [7] Here, we summarize and review the role of the RAS in scar formation as well as the application of these advances in the treatment of hypertrophic scars and keloids.…”