§1. Will silicone patches help with scars?
How do patches work?
The silicone sheet, or scar patch, is a hardened gel (organopolysiloxane). In pharmacies you can find transparent plates or plates with material on one side, both forms of release are suitable for the treatment of scars.
The essence of this product is natural hydration of the problem area. The patch is glued to the scar area, which creates a so-called greenhouse effect, the skin under the patch softens. This treatment helps accelerate blood microcirculation, which benefits new and old scars. Silicone allows air to pass through, allowing the skin to breathe unhindered.
Such plates are more effective for recent scars, as well as for their prevention. In the presence of keloid scars, silicone plates protect the skin from environmental influences.
Fact! When the scar is compressed, all processes developing in it (especially in keloid scars) slow down.
Experts note the following advantages of silicone plates:
- moisturizing and softening the scar;
- slows down the processes of connective tissue production.
Added to this is ease of use - the patch is easily applied to the scar area; no specialist or doctor is needed for this. At the same time, the fixation is quite high; the product does not come off when moving.
For reference! American scientists began to use silicone as a cure for scars. This material is the least allergenic and has passed all clinical tests.
Types of patches
At this stage of development of pharmaceutical products, a sufficient number of silicone wafers are available, varying in size, cost and quality. At the same time, the price does not always depend on the quality; first of all, prices rise for advertised products.
Scarfix
Long-lasting plates made in the USA. The product (1 patch) can be used repeatedly; if necessary, it can be cleaned of adhering particles. Manufacturers of Scarfix say that numerous studies are being conducted to identify any side effects. In rare cases, allergies may develop at the site where the plate is applied.
Important! According to the instructions, you need to stick Scarfix on the scar area and do not remove it for 12 hours.
Scarfix is convenient because, in addition to the standard rectangular shape, patches are produced in the form of a circle, an anchor or a lollipop, that is, you can choose a plate suitable for the shape of the scar. The instructions promise a positive result after 3 months of treatment; if the scars are minor, the scar can be eliminated within 72 hours. In difficult cases, especially in situations with keloid scars, longer treatment is possible.
The price of 1 Scarfix patch ranges from 700 to 3000 rubles, they are sold mainly in pharmacies.
Mepiform
Silicone coated patches from a Swedish company. Mepiform should be applied to new or old scars for a day. Helps get rid of atrophic and hypertrophic scars. One patch is enough for a period of 3 to 7 days. Mepiform loses its ability to heal when it no longer adheres to the skin.
Can be used to resolve cesarean section scars, burns, and plastic surgery scars. Mepiform is produced in a package of 5 pieces, of different sizes. In pharmacies, the cost of Mepiform depends on the size of the product needed - a package of 5x7.5 cm patches will cost about 2,000 rubles, 10x18 cm - from 6,000 rubles.
Interesting! Mepiform can be ordered on the official website.
Arilis Mepiderm
Domestic silicone patch. Arilis Mepiderm is produced in packages of 6 pieces of different sizes, the cost is from 2000 to 7000 rubles, you can buy the product on the manufacturer’s website a little cheaper. The patches are effective in the treatment of keloid and hypertrophic scars. Resorption occurs within 2-3 months if the patch is worn regularly for 12-24 hours.
There are no big differences in plates such as Scarfix, Mepifor or others. The main difference is the size and time of use. There are no contraindications to such products, except for silicone intolerance.
Reviews of silicone patches
More than 74% of patients suffering from scars note a positive effect from treatment with such plates. Women, who care more about the beauty of their skin, use various means to eliminate defects. According to posts on forums, silicone patches are the most comfortable and allow you to achieve quick results. The only negative, judging by the reviews, is the cost.
I have a scar from a caesarean section, they stitched it up somehow ugly - I was left with a large and convex scar. After listening and reading reviews, I bought Scarfix, several pieces. So far I have only used 2 pieces, for 14 days. The scar became a little less visible and changed color.
Elena, 34 years old
I had a small scar from a cut. I decided to use silicone plates from Scarfix, and my husband bought almost the same ones from Mepiform. The price for both drugs is high, I’ve been using them alternately for probably a month now, it helps well, the scar is almost invisible.
Alena, 28 years old
The severe burn left me with large scars all over my leg. Doctors recommended silicone patches. Of course, I’m a little dumbfounded by the price tag on them, but the main thing is that it helps. I just recently bought Mepiform, I like that you can stick it and forget it.
Yana, 26 years old
AnitaMAMA – Shop for modern mothers and pregnant women
ScarFx® (SkarFix) is a self-adhesive silicone plate for long-term use for the correction of scars. The effect of using silicone sheets for the prevention and treatment of keloid and hypertrophic scars, as well as scars from burns and surgical interventions, has been proven in more than 50 scientific studies conducted around the world. That is why doctors recommend this method as the best option for non-surgical (conservative) and safe treatment of scars for any skin type.- ScarFx® silicone plates (ScarFix) can improve the appearance of both new scars and old scars.
- The use of ScarFx® (ScarFix) is effective even for hypertrophic and keloid scars of any age. In addition, ScarFx® (ScarFix) has proven itself as an excellent remedy for use on post-burn scars and scars.
- The use of ScarFx® silicone plates (ScarFix) is one of the lowest-cost, but at the same time very effective types of non-surgical scar treatment.
ScarFx® (ScarFix) are flexible silicone plates that precisely follow the contours of the body, which are very convenient and easy to use, and have no side effects. ScarFx® (ScarFix) is available in various shapes and sizes, and also offers ready-made solutions for the correction and prevention of scars after plastic surgery (mammoplasty, liposuction, abdominoplasty, etc.).
Indications for use of ScarFx® (SkarFix):
— For use on closed wounds, without drainage after removal of sutures — Hypertrophic scars — Keloid scars — Burns, surgical and traumatic scars.
How to use ScarFx® (ScarFix):
1. Remove the plastic protective material from both sides of the silicone and stick to a clean, dry scar.
2. Place the sticky side on the area of your scar; if necessary, the ScarFx® (ScarFix) plate can be secured with hypoallergenic tape to ensure proper placement. 3. Apply only to healed and non-wet area of skin. 4. ScarFx® (ScarFix) plate must be of a suitable size to cover the scar, overlapping the edge of the scar by 1 cm. 5. ScarFx® (ScarFix) plate can be used for 12 hours daily. 6. When the ScarFx® silicone sheet begins to stick poorly, you can secure it in place with hypoallergenic tape or a suitable type of film. Caring for ScarFx® plates:
- Scar Fx® plates can be washed before use at least once a week with mild soap and water. The skin should be clean and dry. - Do not use talc, ointments, skin moisturizers or any medications under ScarFx® (ScarFix) silicone sheets. - You can use ScarEsthetique® (SkarEstetik) scar cream when you are not wearing ScarFx® (ScarFix). — When not wearing ScarFx® (SkarFix) silicone plates, they should be stored in a closed place.
Duration of use of ScarFx® (ScarFix):
— You can use ScarFx® (ScarFix) until the scar is pale, soft and smaller in size. The result may take from 72 hours to 3 months. — ScarFx® (SkarFix) plates are non-sterile, they can be sterilized in an autoclave, gamma radiation or ethylene oxide if necessary. For best results: - Use ScarFx® silicone sheets for 12 hours daily and use ScarEsthetique® scar cream or RejuvaSil® when not wearing silicone sheets. Warning: If a rash appears, stop use for 24 hours or until the rash goes away. When reusing ScarFx® (ScarFix), follow standard recommendations.
§2. How to choose an effective silicone scar patch
They will help with both hypertrophic scars and keloids. The patch also protects against irritation and various damage.
Treatment of scars with a silicone patch should begin as early as possible, preferably immediately after the wound has healed.
Mode of application:
- cleanse the skin;
- take the silicone patch out of the package, cut off a piece from it so that it covers the scar or scar completely (it should extend slightly beyond its borders, about 1 centimeter);
- if the scar is too long, you can cut the product into several parts, stick them so that the ends of the pieces touch, but do not overlap each other;
- keep on the affected area of skin for at least twelve hours (some can be worn for up to 23 hours);
- rinse the scar and patch once a day with running water.
Since the product can be used several times in a row, there is no need to throw away the protective film. After the silicone patch is removed from the skin, it needs to be glued back.
Popular silicone patches and their features
- Mepiform. They do an excellent job of removing and reducing scars: smoothing the skin, making it soft, and eliminating redness. They are suitable for the treatment of fresh and old scars and burns. Wear throughout the day. It is removed only once a day to clean its surface and skin. Usually one plate is enough for a week.
- Since the patch repels water, it can be left on even while showering. It has practically no contraindications, except for individual intolerance to silicone. One plate 4 by 30 centimeters will cost approximately 1000 rubles.
- Dermatix. Available in two forms - bandage and transparent gel. The main active component is a mixture that consists of both organic and inorganic silicon compounds. Creates a protective film on the surface of the skin, but the coating is breathable.
- The film helps the skin regenerate, increasing its elasticity, will eliminate small scars, and make large ones less noticeable. One tube of scar gel will cost about 2,000 rubles. The patch costs about 1400. But it is worth noting that the product is used very economically and will last for a long time.
- CICA-CARE. Aimed at removing scars, including those after surgical interventions. In 90% of cases, it is possible to completely get rid of small marks. The patch shows good results when used to reduce old scars. The main indications for using the patch are as follows: scars are red, inelastic and convex;
- old scars;
- scars after surgery;
- damage to the skin resulting from burns, cuts, injuries.
- Suitable for 24/7 wear. In the first days of use, it should be kept on the skin for two to four hours. This is necessary for the dermis to get used to it. Then, every day, the duration of wear gradually increases by two hours.
- But you should remove it a couple of times a day to wash it. The CICA-CARE silicone patch is expensive - about 3,000 rubles. But since the same record can be used many times in a row, the price can be justified.
Read more in our article about the use of silicone patches for scars, their types and cost.
How does silicone scar patch work?
Scars and marks that remain on the skin after various injuries and operations often become a cause for concern. After all, it happens that they are located in the most prominent places and become visible to strangers. Experts have developed a silicone patch, the purpose of which is to get rid of annoying scars.
It is a plate, one of the sides of which is self-adhesive. Silicone, which is located on this surface, provides the skin with the necessary level of moisture. In combination with the compression effect, this leads to the fact that the scar begins to dissolve and smooth out.
Silicone patches will be an effective tool in the fight against both hypertrophic scars and keloids. If a person has a mark of the second type, the plate also protects against irritation and various damages.
Expert opinion Tatyana Somoilova Cosmetology expert Treatment of scars with silicone patches should begin as early as possible. It is recommended to start using the product immediately to completely heal the wound. Then the maximum effect will be achieved, which often results in complete disappearance of the scar.
Mode of application
The silicone scar patch is very easy to use. To glue it to the affected area of the skin, you need to do a few simple manipulations:
- First you need to cleanse the skin. The area where the scar is located should be washed using mild soap. Then carefully remove it from the skin. It must be absolutely clean, without traces of cosmetics or other products for the face or body.
- Remove the silicone patch from the package. Cut a piece of the required size from it so that it covers the scar or scar completely. In this case, the patch should extend slightly beyond its boundaries, about one centimeter.
- If the scar or scar is too long, you can cut the remedy into several pieces. In this case, the silicone patch should be glued in such a way that the ends of the segments touch, but do not overlap each other.
- Since the product can be used several times in a row, there is no need to throw away the protective film. After the silicone patch is removed from the skin, it needs to be glued back.
- For the anti-scar product to be as effective as possible, it should be left on the affected area of skin for at least twelve hours. In general, as manufacturers of silicone patches note, they can be left on for almost a whole day. Wearing time can be up to 23 hours. But these indicators depend on the brand of the product.
- Once a day, it is necessary to wash both the scar itself and the patch with running water and soap. The plate must be thoroughly cleaned of it in order to be able to use it again. After washing, leave the silicone patch to dry.
Popular silicone patches and their features
There are several varieties of the product available in pharmacies. All of them are aimed at combating scars and scars. But each brand has a number of features, and also differs in price and contraindications.
Mepiform: instructions for use, analogues
Silicone patches of this brand do an excellent job of removing and reducing scars: smoothing the skin, making it soft, and eliminating redness. They are suitable for the treatment of fresh and old scars and burns.
It is recommended to wear the product throughout the day. The patch is removed only once a day to clean its surface and skin. The time after which the drug should be changed depends on individual characteristics. Usually one plate is enough for a week.
Among the distinctive properties of the Mepiform silicone patch, it should be noted its ability to repel water. Therefore, you can leave it on even while taking a shower. But bathing should not be too long.
Silicone scar patch Mepiform has virtually no contraindications. Among the reasons why it should not be used is only silicone intolerance. If no allergic reactions occur when applying the plate to the skin, then it can continue to be used to treat scars.
Watch the video about the silicone bandage Mepiform:
As for price indicators, they depend on the number of silicone patches purchased, as well as their size. For example, one plate 4 by 30 centimeters will cost approximately 1000 rubles. A patch with parameters 10x18 - 1200 will cost more. And very small plates, measuring 5 by 7.5 centimeters, are sold only in a package of five pieces and will cost 2000 rubles.
Mepiform or Dermatix: which is better?
Mepiform and Dermatix equally exhibit their medicinal properties, so the difference between them lies in the price and manufacturer - the first costs an average of 1,500 rubles, and the second - 1,600 rubles.
Mepiform or Dermatix are plates made of medical silicone (silicon dioxide) and are prescribed for:
- pressure that prevents the accumulation of extracellular fluid (decongestant);
- maintaining moisture in the rumen area;
- shrinking capillaries, reducing redness;
- inhibition of the entry of substances into the scar that cause inflammation;
- stopping the formation of excess collagen fibers.
All this not only helps healing, but also prevents the formation of a rough scar.
Contractubex or Mepiform: which one to choose?
To compare Contractubex and Mepiform, you need to take into account their characteristics given in the table.
| Sign | Contractubex patch | Mepiform patch |
| Compound | Allantoin, heparin, onion extract | Silicone |
| Action | Smoothes, relieves inflammation, protects the scar area | Moisturizes the scar, relieves pain, itching, redness |
| Purpose | Prevention of rough scars and treatment of fresh ones | |
| Advantages | Suitable for softening and smoothing old scars | Most effective when used early |
| Flaw | To get the effect you need to use from 3 to 6 months | 2 years after scar formation, it has very little effect |
Mepiform bandage
The names Mepiform patch and bandage refer to the same product, they just come in different sizes: 10x18 cm, 4x30 cm and 5x7.5 cm.
