Silicone tape is a great adjunct to scar care. It works on its own, but it also is a great second layer to protect scars as you are healing acting as a physical barrier so clothing does not rub and irritate the scar. I recommend doing a topical (we currently use kelocote/biocorneium), letting that dry, and then adding a second layer of scar care with silicone sheet. For breast cases, I recommend silicone round nipple covers.
This is the most important for breast lift, breast reduction, and tummy tuck patients. For breasts, do not forget the scar around the areola and for abdominoplasties, don’t forget the belly button.
When can you start silicone sheets?
That is time dependent. You do not start these until the skin has healed more, so usually 1-2 weeks out. And the length of time you wear the sheet varies. As you are farther out, you are able to wear it longer. You should take off the sheets and be cleaning your incisions and visually looking at them – are there scabs? discharge? redness? spitting suture?
How do you do silicone sheets?
- Apply to clean and dry skin. Any lotions, gels, or oils will keep it from sticking.
- Press on firmly to release air under to form suction.
- Wash by hand with mild soap and water to remove oil or residue. Do not use alcohols.
- Do not use towels or tissues to wipe it, as the fabric sticks to the silicone.
- Air dry with adhesive side up. You can keep the plastic film and put that on to store it.
DO NOT USE SHEETS IF:
- If there is redness or irritation, consider is it due to the sheet? There are rare allergies.
- If there is redness, eczema, or irritation, you do not want to cover it/seal it. Try to figure out the cause. Pause doing any scar care until the skin is calm.
- If there is an open wound or discharge, that wound should NOT be covered. Wash it with soap and water to clean it, apply topical antibiotic cream, and pad with gauze.