Evaluation of a self-adherent soft silicone dressing for the treatment of hypertrophic postoperative scars

The primary objective was to compare the efficacy of a self-adherent soft silicone dressing (Mepiform) with 'left-alone' management of hypertrophic scars using theVancouver Scar Scale. Secondary objectives were to follow photographs of the scars, patients' opinions of the scars, and doctors' and patients' assessments of the overall dressing performance, safety and tolerance.

An exploratory open randomised controlled clinical investigation was undertaken on 11 female patients aged 21-43 years with postoperative scars (nine following breast surgery, two following lower abdominal-glutealplasty). Treatment was initiated between two weeks and two months (mean 4.7 weeks) after surgery. Ten patients completed the 12-month investigation; one patient in the treatment group discontinued for personal reasons.

All parameters in the Vancouver Scar Scale improved in both groups, although patients treated with the soft silicone dressing showed greater and more rapid improvements compared with the non-treated patients, while their assessments of the condition of the scar were more favourable. Medical staff rated the overall dressing performance as 'very good' or'good'. One adverse event was reported--local skin irritation at the site of the scar.

The results suggest that patients treated with the soft silicone dressing experienced greater and more rapid improvements compared with non-treated patients. These results concur with those of previous studies. The fact that Mepiform is self-adhesive and causes limited damage to the stratum corneum on removal gives it an added value compared with non-adhesive silicone gel dressings.