Silicone Scar Tape: What Is It and How Does It Work?
Silicone scar tape is a commonly used therapy that helps hydrate, protect, and gently compress healing skin. With consistent daily use, it may help flatten raised scars, ease itch, and even give fine facial lines a brief plumping boost. Below, we explain how it works, share usage guidance, and offer safety tips so you can decide if silicone scar tape may be a good addition to your first-aid kit.
What Is Silicone Scar Tape?
Silicone scar tape (also called silicone gel sheeting) is a soft, self-adhesive sheet of medical-grade silicone that adheres to fully closed skin. When applied over a surgical incision, burn, or cut, the tape forms a barrier that keeps the area moist, shields it from friction, and applies gentle pressure. These factors together may help scars stay flatter, softer, and less noticeable.
Modern silicone tapes are reusable, washable, and thin enough to flex with joints, making them easy to wear discreetly under clothing.
How Does Silicone Scar Tape Work?
Silicone’s benefits come from several interlocking mechanisms:
- Hydration & Occlusion – Helps reduce water loss and maintain a moist healing environment, which may signal the body to slow down collagen production.
- Microclimate Control – Slightly raises skin temperature and lowers oxygen tension, creating conditions that may reduce excessive scar tissue.
- Mechanical Support – Light compression helps disperse tension around the wound, which may reduce the risk of scars becoming raised or wide.
Because of these combined effects, silicone sheeting is often recommended by specialists as part of scar management.
Does Silicone Scar Tape Work in Different Situations?
Fresh Surgical or Injury Scars
Consistent use of silicone tape may support scar healing, helping them appear flatter and less red over time.
Older or Keloid Scars
Older scars may improve more gradually, but ongoing use may still lead to visible softening and flattening.
Silicone Scar Tape for Wrinkles
Some people use silicone “wrinkle patches” to temporarily smooth fine lines by locking in moisture and limiting facial movement during sleep. These effects are temporary and fade within a few hours after removal.
How Long to Wear Silicone Scar Tape
Results vary depending on the type and age of the scar, as well as consistency of use. In general, silicone sheets are worn for many hours each day over several weeks or months to see improvement.
To use safely:
- Clean the tape and underlying skin daily with mild soap.
- Let both air-dry before reapplying.
- Replace the strip once adhesion weakens.
Safety Tips and Best Practices
Most people tolerate silicone well, but mild rash or irritation can occur if the area stays damp or unclean. Always apply tape only on fully healed skin. Pair it with sunscreen on exposed body parts, and pause use if you notice worsening pain, heat, or discharge.
If a scar remains raised or uncomfortable after several months, Baptist Health specialists can discuss advanced options such as steroid injections, laser therapy, or surgical revision. You can learn more about Wound Care, talk with Primary Care about next steps, or explore Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery options.
When to Talk With a Provider
Seek medical advice if your scar grows rapidly, becomes painful, or does not improve with over-the-counter care. A Baptist Health provider can help tailor advanced treatments or refer you to our Wound Care or Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery teams.
If you don’t have a Baptist Health provider, call 1-844-622-7847 you can find one in our online provider directory.
Next Steps and Helpful Resources
Learn More About Primary Care at Baptist Health
The Importance of Primary Care
What Is Virtual Primary Care?
From Primary Care to the ER: Understanding Your Options
