A NEW randomised, placebo-controlled study reports that topical silicone gel significantly improves scar quality in patients with head and neck skin wounds, offering a simple and non-invasive strategy to enhance postoperative aesthetic outcomes.
Scarring in the head and neck region can have a profound impact on appearance and patient self-esteem. Although silicone-based products are widely used in scar management, evidence specific to this highly visible anatomical area has been limited. In this study, researchers set out to evaluate the efficacy of silicone gel compared with a placebo in improving scar characteristics following incisions or lacerations.
Blinded, Controlled Study Confirms Silicone Gel Scar Improvement
The trial included 19 patients, each with a minimum of two comparable head and neck scars. In a within-patient design, one scar was randomly assigned to receive topical silicone gel, while the other received a placebo gel. Scars were assessed at 10, 30, and 90 days postoperatively using the modified Vancouver Scar Scale (mVSS), which measures pigmentation, vascularity, pliability, and height.
To ensure methodological robustness, the investigators employed statistical analyses tailored to the paired design, including within-subject ordinal comparisons and mixed-effects modelling to account for repeated measures over time. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Silicone Gel Outperforms Placebo in Head and Neck Scar Management
Results demonstrated statistically and clinically significant improvements in all measured parameters in scars treated with silicone gel compared with placebo. Improvements were observed in pigmentation, vascularity, pliability, and scar height. Patients also reported higher satisfaction with silicone-treated scars. Importantly, no adverse reactions were recorded in either group, and blinded assessment was used to minimise detection bias.
The authors conclude that topical silicone gel, as a non-invasive and accessible intervention, significantly enhances scar quality in head and neck skin wounds. They recommend early postoperative application to optimise aesthetic outcomes.
These findings strengthen the evidence base for silicone gel use in facial and cervical scar management, highlighting its role as a safe and effective option in routine postoperative care.
Reference
Jahnavi G et al. Efficacy of silicone gel application in improving scar quality of head and neck skin wounds: a randomised placebo-controlled study. J Maxillofac Oral Surg. 2026;doi: 10.1007/s12663-025-02917-2.
