Learn · Choosing a format
Gel or silicone sheets?
Both are silicone, both go on closed scars. The difference is how they fit into your day — and the part of the body you are treating.
- Same material, different format
- Never at the same time
- Many people use both
Side by side
| Topic | Silicone gel | Sheets, strips & shapes |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | A thin film that covers and hydrates the scar | Covers and hydrates, with a slight rise in temperature and continuous light pressure |
| Best for | Face, neck, hair-bearing areas, joints, hands — curved or moving skin | Flatter areas: chest, breast, abdomen, back, arms, legs |
| Visibility | Invisible once dry; makeup can go over it | A visible clear or colored piece |
| Daily routine | Two to three times a day (website) or twice a day (instruction sheet) | 10–16 hours a day, removed about every 12 hours to check and wash |
| Water & exercise | Reapply after bathing, swimming or exercise | Remove for showers, baths, swimming and exercise |
| Upkeep | None — reapply | Wash every 2–3 days; replace after about 3–4 weeks |
| Under clothing | Yes, once dry — including compression garments | Yes; tape or a garment can help it stay on |
| Sun protection | Available with zinc oxide (Gel + SPF 30) | Not a sunscreen |
Routines from Silagen’s current directions. Your surgeon’s instructions come first.
Sources: Silagen Gel instructions for use (opens in a new tab) · Silagen Sheeting instructions for use (opens in a new tab) · Silagen frequently asked questions (opens in a new tab) · Silagen patient gel instruction sheet (MKL148V3, 0319) (opens in a new tab)
Common scenarios
Starting points for a conversation — not product recommendations.
Face & neck
A visible facial scar
Gel, often SPF gel by day. Sheets struggle on curves and hair.
Open guideAbdomen
A long abdominal scar
A long strip covers it in one piece and adds gentle pressure.
Open guideBreast
Breast lift or reduction
Pre-cut shapes match each incision pattern; gel can fill the gaps.
Open guideHands, knees, elbows
A scar over a joint
Gel bends with the skin; a strip may need tape.
Open guideUsing both — one at a time
Silagen describes using one product during the day and the other at night for round-the-clock coverage, especially on visible areas. One example of how a day could look:
Morning
Sheet off, skin washed
Remove the overnight sheet, wash and dry the scar, wash the sheet and let it air-dry.
Day
Gel (or SPF gel)
A thin layer of gel; reapply after exercise or swimming. SPF directions follow the Drug Facts.
Evening
Wash, then sheet on
Wash off the gel completely and dry — any gel left behind stops the sheet sticking.
Ask your surgeon whether combining formats suits your scar. Never apply gel under a sheet.
Watch: sheeting explained
Silagen Silicone Sheeting, Strips and Shapes · 74 sec · Silagen
Reading summary of on-screen text
Background music with vocals; information appears as on-screen text. This is a summary, not a verbatim transcript.
- Introduces self-adhesive, reusable 100% medical-grade silicone sheeting.
- States manufacturer aims: flatten and soften raised scars, reduce redness, itch and discomfort, and cushion new or sensitive scars.
- Shows strips, sheets and shapes designed for breast and abdominal surgery, and notes pieces can be cut to fit.
- Notes that Silagen is available through medical offices.
Frequently asked questions
Is one more effective than the other?
Both are silicone treatments. Sheets add light pressure; gel can reach areas sheets cannot. The right choice depends on your scar and routine.
Source: Silagen frequently asked questions (opens in a new tab)
Can I put gel under a sheet for extra effect?
No. Gel under a sheet stops it sticking. Silagen says never to use both at the same time.
Source: Silagen Gel instructions for use (opens in a new tab)
Which is easier to stick with?
The one that fits your day. Some people prefer gel’s invisibility; others prefer a sheet they put on once and forget.
Do I need a prescription?
Silagen is sold through authorized medical offices. Your surgeon’s office can advise which products they carry.
Source: Silagen warranty and unauthorized sellers notice (opens in a new tab)
Get help with your recovery
Questions about your scar care?
Your surgeon’s instructions come first. A TRC Care Planner can help you organize questions for your surgical team and recovery arrangements.
Silagen states its products are sold through authorized medical offices, not online retailers. Ask your surgeon’s office, or ask TRC about your next step. TRC does not sell Silagen products on this site.
Educational information from manufacturer materials, not medical advice. Silagen® is a trademark of Newmedical Technology, Inc. Follow your surgeon’s instructions.