What does fact checked mean?
At Healthfully, we strive to deliver objective content that is accurate and up-to-date. Our team periodically reviews articles in order to ensure content quality. The sources cited below consist of evidence from peer-reviewed journals, prominent medical organizations, academic associations, and government data.
- NIH: Treatment of Acne Scars with Liquid Silicone Injections
- NIH: Treatment of Acne Scars with Liquid Silicone Injections
The information contained on this site is for informational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for the advice of a professional health care provider. Please check with the appropriate physician regarding health questions and concerns. Although we strive to deliver accurate and up-to-date information, no guarantee to that effect is made.
Silicone for Acne Scars
A host of over-the-counter creams and gels are marketed for the treatment of acne scars. But beware, says Mayo Clinic experts–there's only a small chance that you'll notice results if you use these. However, silicone for acne scars, particularly raised scar types, is one readily available, over-the-counter treatment with which you might note slight improvement 2.
About Raised Acne Scars
Although most people experience depressed scars after acne resolves, some may instead notice that a scar forms above the skin's surface after an acne lesion resolves. These scar types, called hypertrophic scars and keloids, occur when connective tissue in the skin continues to grow even after a wound in the skin has closed. This may result in scars with a gristle-like appearance that are often darker than the skin's natural hue. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) notes that keloids are more likely to form on the chest, shoulders, back and earlobes 1. These scars are particularly problematic because they tend to grow larger with time and often re-form even after a patient has received medical treatment.
- Although most people experience depressed scars after acne resolves, some may instead notice that a scar forms above the skin's surface after an acne lesion resolves.
- These scars are particularly problematic because they tend to grow larger with time and often re-form even after a patient has received medical treatment.
Silicone Treatment
How to Fill in Acne Scars With New-Skin Liquid Bandage
Learn More
Silicone products appeal to many patients who want to avoid more costly, invasive scar removal treatments, says the AAD. Silicone can be incorporated into creams, gels and bandages (tape), which are available at drugstores and pharmacies without the need for a physician's prescription. The AAD notes that silicone has the added benefit of reducing tenderness and itching associated with raised scars.
- Silicone products appeal to many patients who want to avoid more costly, invasive scar removal treatments, says the AAD.
- Silicone can be incorporated into creams, gels and bandages (tape), which are available at drugstores and pharmacies without the need for a physician's prescription.
Silicone Use
To receive optimal benefits from a silicone scar product, the AAD stresses that these must be used regularly. Additionally, it may take several months before a raised acne scar shows signs of improvement. One study found that after six months of continuous use, 34 percent of participants noted that keloid scars flattened slightly. However, silicone won't eliminate acne scars entirely, cautions the AAD 2. More effective medical treatments for raised acne scars include corticosteroid injections, scar surgery, laser surgery and cryotherapy.
- To receive optimal benefits from a silicone scar product, the AAD stresses that these must be used regularly.
Other Uses
Dermabrasion or Laser Resurfacing for Acne Scars
Learn More
Silicone also has another application for acne scars when used in a medical setting. The AAD states that liquid silicone may be used as an injectable filler to plump up depressed scars. A 2005 study conducted by the Columbia University Medical Center in New York indicated that use of medical-grade liquid silicone was effective in permanently eliminating depressed acne scars when administered through multiple injections in five patients 2.
- Silicone also has another application for acne scars when used in a medical setting.
- The AAD states that liquid silicone may be used as an injectable filler to plump up depressed scars.
Other
Silicone gels are more appropriate for treating raised acne scars on the face and parts of the body where it's difficult to apply silicone sheeting, points out the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine & Public Health. Recommended products include Cimeosil brand silicone gels and sheeting and Hanson Medical’s Scarfade gel (see Resources).
Related Articles
References
- American Academy of Dermatology: AcneNet: Raised Acne Scars
- NIH: Treatment of Acne Scars with Liquid Silicone Injections
- Fabbrocini, G, Annunziata, MC, D'Arco, V, et al. Acne scars: pathogenesis, classification and treatment. Dermatol Res Pract. 2010;2010:893080. doi:10.1155/2010/893080
- Kravvas G, Al-niaimi F. A systematic review of treatments for acne scarring. Part 1: Non-energy-based techniques. Scars Burn Heal. 2017;3:2059513117695312. doi:10.1177/2059513117695312
- Gozali MV, Zhou B. Effective treatments of atrophic acne scars. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2015;8(5):33-40.
- Wollina U, Goldman A. Fillers for the improvement in acne scars. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2015;8:493-9. doi:10.2147/CCID.S86478
- Kravvas G, Al-niaimi F. A systematic review of treatments for acne scarring. Part 2: Energy-based techniques. Scars Burn Heal. 2018;4:2059513118793420. doi:10.1177/2059513118793420
- Ogawa R. Keloid and hypertrophic scars are the result of chronic inflammation in the reticular dermis. Int J Mol Sci. 2017;18(3). doi:10.3390/ijms18030606
- Rabello FB, Souza CD, Farina júnior JA. Update on hypertrophic scar treatment. Clinics (Sao Paulo). 2014;69(8):565-73. doi:10.6061/clinics/2014(08)11
- França K, Keri J. Psychosocial impact of acne and postinflammatory hyperpigmentation. An Bras Dermatol. 2017;92(4):505-509. doi:10.1590/abd1806-4841.20175645
- Tosti, A, De Padova, MP, Beer, KR, eds. Acne Scars: Classification and Treatment. London: Informa UK Ltd.; 2010.
Resources
Writer Bio
Lisa Sefcik has been writing professionally since 1987. Her subject matter includes pet care, travel, consumer reviews, classical music and entertainment. She's worked as a policy analyst, news reporter and freelance writer/columnist for Cox Publications and numerous national print publications. Sefcik holds a paralegal certification as well as degrees in journalism and piano performance from the University of Texas at Austin.