Learn · Readiness
When scar care can begin
Silicone goes on closed skin only. The moment you can start depends on your incision — not a date on a calendar — and your surgeon confirms it.
- Closed skin only
- Your surgeon confirms
- Sources give different timings
Signs of readiness to confirm with your surgeon
All of these, together — and your surgeon’s go-ahead.
Fully closed
No gaps, open spots or raw areas anywhere along the incision, including the ends and junctions.
Dry
No bleeding, oozing or weeping.
No scabs
Scabs mean the surface is still healing underneath.
Stitches and strips out
Removable stitches are out and any surgical tape has come off or been removed.
Cleared
Your surgeon or care team has said you can begin, and with which product.
Sources: Silagen frequently asked questions (opens in a new tab) · Silagen patient gel instruction sheet (MKL148V3, 0319) (opens in a new tab)
What different Silagen sources say
Silagen materials word this differently. They are not contradictory rules to average — each describes its own context, and none overrides your surgeon.
| Topic | Source | What it says |
|---|---|---|
| Gel and sheeting directions | Website instructions | When the wound has healed or sutures have been removed. Do not use on any open wound. |
| FAQ | Website FAQ | As soon as the wound is fully closed — sutures removed, no scabbing or oozing. |
| Gel instruction sheet | Patient handout (0319) | Once the wound has closed, no bleeding or oozing, and removable stitches are out — or as directed by your physician. |
| Thyroid guide | Procedure guide | No sooner than 10–14 days after surgery, only when fully closed and your surgeon says it’s okay. |
| Mastectomy guides | LBBC and RUSH editions | Around 2–3 weeks post-op, incision closed, no scabs, when your surgeon says it’s okay. |
There is no universal start day. Your surgeon may choose a different time because of your procedure, your skin or other treatment.
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) · Silagen Thyroid Scar Care Guide (MKL546V1) · Heal With Confidence post-mastectomy guide — Silagen × LBBC edition
Situations that can change timing
Raise any of these with your surgeon.
Part of the incision opened up
Any open area — even a small one — should be checked by your surgeon. Scar care waits until it is closed.
You had radiation or are having it
Radiated skin can be more fragile. Ask both your radiation and surgical teams before using products on it.
Drain sites
Drain openings often close later than the main incision. They may start later.
Skin grafts and flaps
Grafted or moved skin heals on its own timeline. Your surgeon will tell you when each area is ready.
A rash or irritated skin
Silagen advises against use on rashes, irritated, cracked or open skin.
Why “as early as allowed” — but not earlier
Silagen’s FAQ notes that, in general, the sooner silicone is applied after a scar forms, the better the expected results. That is a reason to ask early — at your first follow-up — when you can begin.
It is not a reason to start on skin that is still healing. Silicone products are not designed for open wounds, and starting too soon can irritate a fragile incision.
Source: Silagen frequently asked questions (opens in a new tab)
What to ask at your follow-up
- Is every part of my incision closed enough to start?
- Which product should I start with, and how often?
- Are there areas — drain sites, junctions — that should wait?
- What should I do if my skin reacts?
- When will you check the scar again?
Frequently asked questions
Can I start the day my stitches come out?
Only if your surgeon confirms the incision is fully closed and gives the go-ahead. Some areas may need a little longer.
Why do different guides give different days?
Each guide covers a different situation. Use them as conversation starters, not as your personal start date.
Is it too late to start on an older scar?
Silagen states silicone can help some older raised or red scars, though earlier use is generally expected to give better results.
Source: Silagen frequently asked questions (opens in a new tab)
Can I use silicone on an open wound?
No. Silagen’s directions say never to use it on an open wound.
Source: Silagen Gel instructions for use (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.
Educational information from manufacturer materials, not medical advice. Silagen® is a trademark of Newmedical Technology, Inc. Follow your surgeon’s instructions.