Prevention of hypertrophic scars and keloids by the prophylactic use of topical silicone gel sheets following a surgical procedure in an office setting

BACKGROUND Topical silicone gel sheeting has been used for more than 20 yea rs to help reduce the size of hypertrophic scars and keloids. Its clinical efficacy and safety is well established. OBJECTIVE To determine whether topical silicone gel sheeting can be used to prevent hypertrophic scars and keloids from forming following dermatologic skin surgery. METHODS Patients undergoing skin surgery were stratified into two groups: t hose with no history of abnormal scarring (low-risk group) and those with a history of abnormal scarring (high-risk group). Following the procedure, p atients within each group were randomized to receive either routine postope rative care or topical silicone gel sheeting (48 hours after surgery). Pati ents were followed for 6 months. RESULTS In the low-risk group, there were no statistical differences betwee n individuals using routine postoperative care or using topical silicone ge l sheets. In the high-risk group, there was a statistical difference (39% v ersus 71%) between patients who did not develop abnormal scars and used top ical silicone gel sheeting and patients who developed abnormal scars after routine postoperative treatment. Those individuals having a scar revision p rocedure also showed a statistical difference if topical silicone gel sheet ing was used following surgery. CONCLUSION Topical silicone gel sheeting, with a 20-year history of satisfa ction in dermatology, now appears to be useful in the prevention of hypertr ophic scars and keloids in patients undergoing scar revision.