Scar Fading - What products help?

Scar fading can occur naturally during the healing process of scarring caused by injury or surgery. Remodeling, the process by which a scar assumes its final size, color, and feel, can take up to 2 years. Abnormalities can form soon after wound closure (hypertrophic scars) or even months later (keloids).The risk of developing abnormal scars depends on your age, the location of the wound, genetic factors (such as skin type) and complications arising from exposure to wound infections.

Formation is a natural part of the healing process that occurs when the skin repairs itself after a wound. The time it takes to heal the wound and begin the scar fading process will vary depending on the degree of damage, and the longer it takes to heal the greater the chance of a noticeable scar.

The process of scar fading also depends on the type. Hypertrophic scars are usually red, thick and elevated and can be itchy or painful. With hypertrophic scars, scar fading may occur naturally. They often appear red or darker in color when compared with the surrounding skin. Keloid scars are thick, rounded, irregular clusters of scar tissue that extend beyond the original wound.

There are products on the market that help with scar fading and the overall appearance. Kelo-cote® scar therapy products have been shown to help scar fading. Kelo-cote® is a patented topical silicone gel for the management and prevention of abnormal scars in the form of hypertrophic scars and keloids.

Silicone is the clinical gold standard for scar treatment and abnormal scar prevention. The International Clinical Recommendations on Scar Management recommended silicone as first-line therapy for scar treatment and abnormal scar prevention.1

The Siliclear Complex™ is the foundation of Kelo-cote® scar treatment products; it refers to our patented combination of silicone ingredients including long chain polymer liquid, volatile, and solid silicones. This precise formula, combined with a highly specialized manufacturing process, transforms these ingredients into our highly effective scar treatment gels and spray.

The Siliclear Complex™ formulation enables the use of higher molecular weight, long chain polymers which will form a waterproof, semi-occlusive layer that adheres well to the surface of the skin. The volatile silicones allow for a spreadable consistency that will not damage the skin or cause pain during application. It is “smear proof” upon drying, and does not feel tacky or sticky to the touch. This silicone layer acts as a custom-fitted silicone sheet on the skin, providing all the benefits of silicone sheeting without the bulk, maceration or inconvenience.

Regardless of the origin of the scar, Kelo-cote® consistently delivers good results, as evidenced by clinical studies and satisfied healthcare professionals and customers from around the world. Kelo-cote® is the most studied topical scar product, with more than 2,000 patients participating in a variety of published clinical studies.

Kelo-cote® Gel is available in tubes of 6g (0.2 oz), 15g (0.5 oz) and 60g (2 oz). Our patented Kelo-cote® Spray, developed for the treatment of larger, sensitive, painful or hard to reach scars, is available in cans of 50 ml and 100 ml. Kelo-cote® has been cleared by the FDA as a Class 1 510(k) medical device. Whether gel or spray, Kelo-cote® Advanced Scar Therapy solutions help to reduce abnormal scars and restore confidence.

Kelo-cote® should be used to help treat, reduce, prevent or soften abnormal scars from the following sources: Keloid, Hypertrophic and Burn scars as well as surgical scars from plastic surgery, breast augmentation and reduction, tummy tuck, Caesarian section, mastectomy, Mohs surgery, hysterectomy, body

contouring and body piercing, as well as cleft lip surgery.

References

1. Mustoe TA et el. Plast Reconstr Surg 2002;110:560-571.