The Use of Silgel STC-SE, a Topical Silicone Gel for the Treatment and Reduction of Hypertrophic and Keloid Scars

Abstract

Background: A single-center study assessing the efficacy of Nagor's Silgel STC-SE silicone gel to reduce the appearance of hypertrophic and keloid scars.

Methods: A 16-week controlled study of 36 patients with hypertrophic or keloid scars. The subjects were divided between 2 cohorts: one assessing recently healed scars (<6 mo) and other assessing older scars (6 mo to 2 y). The efficacy of Silgel STC-SE on the scar was evaluated by skin hydration, skin moisture evaporation, skin elasticity, basic scar measurements, subjective patient questionnaire data, and image analysis. All subjects had data collected at baseline and weeks 1, 4, 8, 12, and 16. Photographs were taken for image analysis at baseline, week 8, and week 16. Statistical analysis was conducted on all data.

Results: Twenty-nine patients completed the study (27 presented with hypertrophic scars and 2 with keloid scars), and 90% reported a marked improvement in their scar appearance. Patient questionnaire data showed great satisfaction with the product. Image analysis showed visual improvement with a statistically significant reduction of the "red" color of scars. Overall, scar dimensions were significantly reduced. There was a significant decrease from baseline levels in average scar length. Skin elasticity, skin hydration, and skin moisture evaporation did not change significantly from baseline.

Conclusions: The results of this study indicate that Silgel STC-SE is an effective treatment in reducing the appearance and red color of hypertrophic scars up to 2 years old. Further study is required to draw significant conclusion in regard to the treatment of keloid scars.

Fig. 1.

Flow chart illustrating the study protocol.

Fig. 2.

Graph illustrating the mean change in scar width (mm) at the various time points (0, 1, 4, 8, 12, and 16 wk). Linear trend lines were included to more clearly illustrate the data. The data are represented as 3 groups: all subjects, <6 months, and >6 months.

Fig. 3.

High-resolution photographs of 6 patient’s scars at 0, 8, and 16 weeks with Silgel treatment. A, Hypertrophic scar on the right forehead, (B) hypertrophic scar on posterior neck, (C) hypertrophic scar on right upper abdomen, (D) hypertrophic scar on midabdomen, (E) hypertrophic scar on right neck, (F) hypertrophic scar on lower abdomen (C-section).

Fig. 4.

Graph illustrating the mean change in a* at the various time points (0, 1, 4, 8, 12, and 16 wk). Linear trend lines were included to more clearly illustrate the data. The data are represented as 3 groups: all subjects, <6 months, and >6 months.

Fig. 5.

Patients (as a percentage) agreed with the listed statements in the subjective questionnaire. Note: Remaining percentage of patients were “neither agreed or disagreed.”