BACKGROUND: The use of silicone gel on surgical wounds began in the 1980's. Since then, a large number of scientific papers and dozens of different formulas have been published and experimented, attesting the benefits of this product in the prevention of hypertrophic scars and keloids. Although the exact mechanism of action of silicone gel has not yet been elucidated, the most widely accepted theory explains that the occlusive film stimulates the keratinocytes to increase the local secretion of growth factors, subsequently influencing the regulation of fibroblasts. METHODS: A prospective study was undertaken at the 38th Ward of the Santa Casa General Hospital, Rio de Janeiro, to evaluate the positive effects of silicone gel on surgical wounds, in a mixed race population. RESULTS: Silicone gel demonstrated a positive effect on surgical wounds following plastic surgery. CONCLUSION: Silicone gel is useful to enhance the quality of recent scars, in both subjective and objective parameters, such as erythema, pruritus and firmness.
Plastic surgery; Silicone gels; Wound healing
