Surgeons, burns units and hand therapists have used silicone on scars for more than thirty years. Worn for most of the day over weeks and months, it softens, flattens and fades raised scars and helps prevent hypertrophic and keloid scarring. What confuses people is the form: sheets, fabric-backed sheets, elastic sheets, gels and tapes all claim the same benefit. Here is how they differ and which we'd suggest.

Flat scars on flat skin: a clear sheet

For a surgical scar on the abdomen, chest, thigh or forearm, a standard self-adhesive sheet is the simplest choice. DermaGel ($65, 14.5 × 12 cm) is the one our clinics order most: thin, translucent, cut to shape with scissors, and reusable for weeks with washing. It comes clear, or fabric-backed in a skin tone that's easier to handle and less visible under clothes. ScarTreat ($55) is a comparable clear sheet.

Scars over joints and curves: an elastic sheet

A flat sheet lifts at the edges on a knee, elbow, shoulder or knuckle. Scarban Elastic ($145, 15 × 20 cm) has a stretch backing so it moves with the joint and keeps even contact. It includes 50 ml of cleaning soap, which extends the life of the sheet considerably — a sheet that lasts is cheaper than one replaced every fortnight. Gel Mate Flex ($70) is the smaller, thinner option for fingers and wrists, and its grid backing lets a therapist record how the scar changes.

Face, hands and sun: a glide-on gel

Sheets are hard to wear on the face and impractical on hands that are washed all day. Prosil Sport ($54.50) is silicone in a stick applicator with SPF 15 — fresh scars burn easily, and sun exposure darkens them permanently. Apply several times a day for 8–12 weeks. It doesn't apply the gentle pressure a sheet does, so for a raised scar on the body, a sheet is still the better tool.

What about scar tape?

"Silicone scar tape" sold online is usually a narrow silicone strip on a roll. It works the same way as a sheet and suits long, straight incisions. For anything wider than a couple of centimetres, or over a joint, a sheet gives better coverage per dollar.

How to get results

• Start once the wound has fully closed and any stitches are out.
• Wear it 12 hours a day at minimum, working up to 20–24. Consistency matters more than brand.
• Wash the sheet daily with mild soap, air-dry, and reapply. Replace when it stops sticking.
• Expect to continue for two to three months; mature scars take longer and improve less.

These products are used as part of a scar-management plan from a treating clinician, who may also prescribe pressure garments or massage. If you're a hand therapist or burns unit buying in quantity, call 02 9878 6188 for clinic pricing.