Comparative Efficacy of Silicone Sheets and Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Post-Surgical Scar Prevention: A Prospective...

Background: Postoperative scarring can significantly impact physical function, aesthetic outcomes, and overall quality of life. Effective scar management is crucial to mitigate these effects. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of silicone sheets (SS) and hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) in minimizing postoperative scar formation and improving wound healing outcomes. Methods: A total of 40 patients with clean, non-infected linear postoperative wounds were enrolled in a 12-week prospective observational study. Participants were randomly assigned to either the HBOT or SS group. The HBOT group underwent seven sessions of HBOT starting 4 weeks postoperatively, while the SS group applied silicone sheets to the wound from 4 to 12 weeks postoperatively. Scar outcomes were evaluated at 4, 8, and 12 weeks using the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS), which measures various parameters, including vascularity, pigmentation, thickness, relief, pliability, surface area and overall opinion. Results: After applying exclusion criteria, 33 patients completed the study, with 18 in the HBOT group and 15 in the SS group. Both interventions significantly improved scar parameters such as vascularity, thickness, relief, pliability, and overall opinion over 12 weeks. SS was particularly effective in reducing pigmentation, while HBOT achieved greater reductions in scar surface area. By the study's conclusion, SS demonstrated superior outcomes in vascularity, pigmentation, scar thickness, relief, pliability, and overall appearance, whereas HBOT excelled in reducing surface area. Conclusion: Both HBOT and SS are effective scar management options, each with unique benefits. Selecting the appropriate treatment based on patient-specific needs and wound characteristics is essential to achieve optimal outcomes and enhance patient satisfaction.