Improvement in scar appearance with the usage of silicone gel containing vitamin C for pediatric Asian patients
- Author:
Si Youn KIM
1
;
Eun Jung YANG
;
Yong Oock KIM
Author Information
- Publication Type:Orginal Article
- From:Archives of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery 2024;30(3):94-100
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Background:Silicone gel has been introduced as a preventive measure for scarring, yet there is limited objective evidence supporting its effectiveness in the healing of pediatric traumatic scars. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of silicone gel enriched with vitamin C on facial scars in Asian pediatric patients.
Methods:Pediatric patients aged 3 months to 12 years who underwent debridement and primary repair for simple facial lacerations were included in this study. A topical silicone gel mixture containing vitamin C was applied from the time of stitch removal until 6 months post-operation. Scars were evaluated at baseline, 1-, 3-, and 6-month post-application using a simplified version of the Vancouver Scar Scale, which assessed vascularity, pigmentation, and height. Scar color and pigmentation were quantified using a spectrophotometer, with comparisons to the symmetrical area on the opposite side of the scar. Statistical analysis was conducted using the Student t-test and repeated-measures analysis of variance, with post hoc testing for pairwise comparisons.
Results:Of the participants, 33 were men, and 19 were women. By 6 months, there was a significant improvement in the scar score on the Vancouver Scar Scale across all parameters. The erythema index showed a statistically significant decrease at each timeline (P<0.001). Similarly, the melanin index demonstrated a significant difference between the baseline and 6 months (P<0.001).
Conclusions:The topical application of silicone gel containing vitamin C significantly improved the appearance of fine surgical scars on the face in Asian pediatric patients.
