A ScarAway Silicone Gel Review

I have used medical grade, doctor-approved silicone scar sheets myself. (Silicones are the only over the counter treatment proven with over 20 years of studies to work to flatten and fade old scars and help prevent thickened scars.)

The sheets I used were of an European brand of which the quality can be compared with that of ScarAway sheets. I created a write-up on my experiences with silicone scar treatment where I recommend ScarAway.

A visitor of this review page informed me about how she tried various silicone sheet brands which made her aware of the many differences between them.

She notes: “there are very distinct differences in the types, thicknesses and material that cause each one to be a whole different experience. Some are thick, some are thin, some are clear and some are opaque. Some are fabric, some have a plastic or polyurethane outer layer on the silicone, and some have a fabric backing.”

Because there are so many different brands to choose from choosing the right one be very confusing. That’s why she had an in-depth conversation with her plastic surgeon. Here’s what she informed me about the conversation with her surgeon:

Make sure to use breathable silicones “It is important that the material baking on the silicone is breathable. Silicone fabric types with a baking that does not allow the transfer of oxygen should be avoided. Do not use the cheaper “tape” types that don’t breath which can cause skin maceration.

Definition: The softening and breaking down of skin resulting from prolonged exposure to moisture. The skin softens, turns white, and can easily get infected with bacteria or fungi. This type of problem can cause more scarring or widening of the scar.”

Avoid the use of sheets that are too sticky. “I was baffled by this as I see a complaint of users of silicone sheet products is that they don’t stick real well by themselves and roll off after a period of time, etc. Some sheets are not made to be self adhering at all ..more like a piece of rubber, but those buckle even under medical tape.

My surgeon explained that a proper silicone sheet should never produce a severe pulling on your scar. If it is too sticky, there is the potential to further damage the new skin, or even open a delicate healing area. in general, he said the ideal sheet would be sticky enough to help you position it on the scar, and use a medical tape..cotton or silk, to secure further if necessary…but stickier does not equate to more effective.”

Thin silicone sheets vs thick silicone gel pads “Thinner sheets with a compact layer of silicone are more comfortable and more “durable” which means they do not break down and you get more use out of them. The thicker “gel” type pads get dirt, etc embedded in them which is not sanitary when sealing to your skin for hours each day. He advised against a thick gel type pad. The thinner “sheet type” can be washed cleanly. So which ones are which out there on the market?

ScarAway Review

The only silicone scar treatment product that has the breathable fabric AND the thin washable medical grade silicone in one is the expensive sheets through your surgeon and the new ScarAway sheets. He gave me a coupon for $2.00 off ScarAway at Walgreens.

I have also found them online at Amazon.com and Drugstore.com. So, I will journey on using ScarAway sheets. Like you do, my surgeon recommended using the sheets at night and the ScarAway 100% Silicone Serum during the day. I know this is long..it took my doctor 45 minutes to explain it all to me. I hope this is helpful to all and answers the many question out there about silicone scar treatments.”

If you have any questions regarding silicone scar sheets, ScarAway, or scar treatment in general don’t hesitate to ask me by leaving a comment. There are also many questions and answers on the silicone scar treatment page I was talking about. Thanks again for sharing this in-depth information Laura!

ScarAway Products

ScarAway makes three types of scar treatment products. These include;

• Silicone Scar Sheets,
• C-Section Scar Sheets,
• and Diminishing Serum.

ScarAway can be used by anyone who has an unsightly scar in which they would like to get rid of and it does not matter how old or new the scar is. However, results are better when treatment is started as soon as possible.

ScarAway works by either shrinking scars or flattening raised scars like keloids. ScarAway has previously been available only through hospitals, burn centers, and plastic surgeons. Nowadays ScarAway, with the same medical-grade quality used by medical facilities, is available for purchase by consumers.

Scaraway C-Section Strips are the same size as most c-section incision scars. ScarAway sheets are smaller than the C-section sheets. These sheets are perfect for smaller scars. They also offer longer sheets for bigger scars. These measure 7″ X 1.5″.

Both types of sheets deliver a slight pressure directly to the scar which helps simulate the natural barrier function of healthy skin. This process will help to reduce the scar’s appearance and restores skin to a more natural texture and color. Both types of sheets can be used on all skin types. The sheets are ultra-thin so they will be hardly noticeable. The sheets are also breathable and durable. Each sheet will last for approximately one week. You can even remove the sheets for bathing or showering and then reapply. This way, you will definitely get the full use of each sheet.

ScarAway also has a serum which will soften and smooth scars. ScarAway Serum is perfect for hard to treat areas such as the face, neck, ears, hands, and other parts of the body that are exposed to the public eye. ScarAway is proven effective and the results can be seen in 12 weeks.

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Silicone scar sheeting is used by hospitals, cosmetic surgeons, burn centers, and dermatologists to treat especially surgical and burn scars and prevent the formation of new scars. The sheets are thought to provide a protective barrier which mimics the natural barrier function of normal, healthy skin.

Neosporin scar solution is a silicone scar treatment brand for the consumer market that does not exist anymore. The Pfizer company held the license to manufacture Neosporin Scar Solution using patented Silon® technology since 2002. In 2006 Johnson & Johnson purchased Pfizer Inc. and took it out of production. Because the demand kept growing the product was continued under the new brand name ScarAway in 2008.  These ScarAway silicone sheets, produced by Mitchell-Vance Laboratories, are largely the same as the Neosporin sheets. They are improved by making them bigger, thinner, and more adhesive.

A common heard complaint is the (lack of) adhesion. I have used them myself and I know from experience the sheets can be, especially on difficult parts of the body such as the face, hard to keep attached. Especially when the sheets have been worn for a few days and are cleaned and dried (which is recommended after a while) they get less sticky. I solved this by using silk tape to keep them attached. For my face I used a silicone gel (liquid version) during daytime. Although less effective than sheets according to studies the gel was a welcome addition.

So if you are searching for Neosporin scar solution, keep in mind they are called ScarAway nowadays. And keep in mind that it will take some dedication to keep them attached but it’s worth the effort because there is no better over the counter scar treatment available. The sheets are available online at Drugstore.com and Amazon

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The relatively new use of silicone gel sheetings to prevent and treat hypertrophic scars started in 1981 with the treatment of burn scars. Since then many burn centers but also cosmetic surgeons have adopted this type of treatment and it has been used widely to reduce the size, hardening (induration), redness (erythema), itch (pruritus), and growth (extensibility) of pre-existing hypertrophic scars and to prevent the formation of new ones.

Dermatologists refer to it as the golden standard in scar treatment.

“In reviews of scar management, silicone sheeting has certainly come out as one of the best ways to deal with fresh and chronic scars.” Source: (Aesthetic Plast Surg, 1994; 18: 307-13)

Another report highlights a primary role for silicone gel sheeting (and the more invasive steroid injections) in the management of a wide variety of abnormal scars. The authors concluded that these are the only treatments for which sufficient evidence exists to make evidence-based recommendations. Source: International clinical recommendations on scar management.

How this type of treatment exactly works is not sure yet. Studies done by Sawada and Sone have lead to the suggestion that occlusion and hydration are the principal modes of action of the silicone gel sheet. Source: Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Hirosaki University School of Medicine, Japan.

More important is the fact that the silicone strips provide a non invasive, low risk and easy to use alternative for invasive treatments like corticosteroids (steroid injections, laser treatment and cryotherapy (freeze the scar tissue using liquid nitrogen) Where these invasive methods inhibit risks of e.g. new scar tissue development, silicone sheets have shown little to no side effects. Only an exceptional and mild skin irritation has been reported.

“Silicone is the clinical gold standard for scar treatment and scar prevention having demonstrated clinical efficacy over all other forms of topical treatments and is recommended by the “International Advisory Panel on Scar Management” as the first line therapy for as the first line therapy for these types of scars:”

• Keloid scars
• Hypertrophic scars
• Burn scars
• Acne scars
• Stretch mark scars
• Plastic surgery scars
• Breast augmentation scars
• Breast reduction scars
• Breast implant scars
• Post laser peel redness
• Pregnancy scars
• Tummy tuck scars
• Caesarian section scars
• Mastectomy scars
• Mohs surgery scars
• Hysterectomy scars
• Body contouring scars
• Body piercing scars
• Tattoo removal scars
• Cleft lip scars

In the past silicone gel sheets were thick and uncomfortable. But new technologies have improved performance, adhesiveness and overall comfort. Patience and determination are required though. The sheets need to be worn at least 12 hours each day for a period of several weeks at least. But the knowledge that these are the products that provide optimal results might be a motivator to use them religiously.

Read more about personal experiences with silicone scar treatment.

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