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.

Keywords: prevention; scar; silicone gel; topical therapy; treatment.

Figure 1

Study flow diagram

Figure 2

Qualitative assessment. Green circle = low bias risk, red circle = high bias risk, yellow circle = unclear bias risk

Figure 3

Forest plot comparison of Vancouver Scar Scale scores between silicone gel and placebos or no treatment at 3 months after surgery

Figure 4

Forest plot comparison of Vancouver Scar Scale scores between silicone gel and placebos or no treatment at 6 to 8 months after surgery

Figure 5

Forest plot comparison of Vancouver Scar Scale scores between silicone gel and silicone gel sheet

Figure 6

Forest plot comparison of Vancouver Scar Scale total scores between silicone gel and non‐silicone therapies

Figure A1

Forest plot comparison of efficacy between silicone gel and onion extract divided by application purpose