Silicone and atrophic scars

Silicone creates a flexible covering that helps manage moisture at the outer skin layer. It is more commonly discussed for raised or thick scars; a depressed scar has a different structural problem below the surface.

Atrophic scars develop where healing leaves too little collagen or supporting tissue. A topical product sits on the surface and cannot release deeper fibrous attachments or rebuild a sharply defined pit.

Silicone may still be part of care for a recently closed wound when a clinician recommends it, particularly if there are mixed scar features. Any improvement in dryness or surface comfort should not be confused with filling the indentation.

Apply a product only to fully closed, clean skin and follow its instructions. Stop if trapped moisture, itching, a rash, or skin breakdown develops. Do not place silicone over an infected, draining, or open area unless a clinician specifically directs wound care.

If the main concern is a stable indentation, request an assessment of scar type rather than layering on more topical products. Options such as microneedling, subcision, laser treatment, or filler address different structural features and require selection based on depth, tethering, location, and skin tone.

Remove the silicone and seek advice if the covered skin becomes persistently sore, blistered, weepy, or increasingly red. Urgent evaluation is appropriate for rapidly spreading redness, marked swelling, fever, or severe pain.

Have the diagnosis checked if a supposed scar keeps crusting, bleeds without clear injury, changes quickly, or does not heal. These are active skin changes and should not be managed as a cosmetic indentation alone.

Ask whether the area is truly atrophic, whether the skin is closed enough for silicone, and what outcome the product could reasonably provide. If a procedure is planned, check when to pause topical products and when silicone can be restarted afterward.