The effects of topically applied silicone gel and its silver derivative on the prevention of hypertrophic scarring in two rabbit ear-scarring models

Abstract

Topically applied silicone gel is an effective treatment in the management of hypertrophic scars. This early study of silicone gel predates other well-controlled scientific studies that demonstrate these findings. Our well-established rabbit ear scarring model creates 7 mm punch wounds down to the bare cartilage, including the removal of the perichondrium. In this study, we employ a new model that creates 10 mm punch wounds that leaves the perichondrium intact. Both the 7 mm and new 10 mm scar models were used to study the effectiveness of silicone gel and silicone gel silver respectively on hypertrophy and the inhibition of scar formation. All samples were harvested at post-wounding day 35 for histological analysis. Silicone gel significantly reduced scar area (p=0.005), scar elevation index (p=0.03), and epidermal area (p=0.016). Silicone gel silver significantly reduced scar elevation index (p=0.004). The new 10 mm scar model resulted in more hypertrophic scarring than the typical, 7 mm wound scar model (p=0.0001). In conclusion, silicone gel and its silver derivative are effective in preventing hypertrophic scarring and scar models that leave the perichondrium intact causes scars with more hypertrophy.