[Edwina Lee (OP)]

After 7 years post-op of a major heart operation, I decided to do something about the big scar on my sternum. (The bone that the ribs are attached to on the front chest). To get at the heart, the sternum was sawn in half along the whole length of the sternum).

At the hospital, the nurse assured me that my scar will eventually heal although there are usually spots where a red swelling would occur and heals last. In my case, 2 spots. My GP did not examine my scar anymore after the skin had fully grown over, and the specialist heart consultants didn't even take a look nor listen to my heart.

In Hong Kong, there are numerous products which claim to heal scars, including silicone tape (£12 for 4 inches), and rose bud oil (£30 for a one month supply). {American level of pricing}. In UK, I bought an unspecified scar healing oil in a bottle for £1 in Poundland but never tried it.

Anecdotally, the silicone tape appears to have a quick result. Been using it for almost 48 hours.

One of my curiosity is how does the silicone tape work, and to what extent? And whether rose bud oil will work.

[Bored chemist]

One of my curiosity is how does the silicone tape work

Have you ruled out the placebo effect?

[sciencefreak24]

All silicone products work to reduce the size and overall appearance of the scar. It will often help heal discoloration and the texture of the scar. They contain antioxidants that make the scar heal more effectively. They heal skin by adding moisture, oxygen, and hydration. Sheets work faster because you can leave them on all day under clothing.  Sheets can be worn overnight too.

Silicone sheets reduce redness, and itchiness of the scar. They come in many sizes and can fit almost any size scar. It is the safest method around.  Silicone sheets, tape, and gel are an effective say to heal scars after surgery. How to heal scars is easy with silicone gel products. This is one of the most effective scar treatments with the least side effects. Ask your doctor to recommend a brand like scarheal to aid with your recovery after surgery.

[Bored chemist]

They heal skin by adding moisture, oxygen, and hydration.

So, they add water as well as adding water?
That's good.
I see you also think they add oxygen- which is interesting since the plainly get in the way of absorbing oxygen.

[Edwina Lee (OP)]

All silicone products work to reduce the size and overall appearance of the scar. It will often help heal discoloration and the texture of the scar. They contain antioxidants that make the scar heal more effectively. They heal skin by adding moisture, oxygen, and hydration. Sheets work faster because you can leave them on all day under clothing.  Sheets can be worn overnight too.

Silicone sheets reduce redness, and itchiness of the scar. They come in many sizes and can fit almost any size scar. It is the safest method around.  Silicone sheets, tape, and gel are an effective say to heal scars after surgery. How to heal scars is easy with silicone gel products. This is one of the most effective scar treatments with the least side effects. Ask your doctor to recommend a brand like scarheal to aid with your recovery after surgery.

Hydration appears to be the mechanism in action in my scars as there is no medication in the silicone tape.
Redness, itchiness & size have all reduced beneath the tape, but I won't know if the result will last until I stop using it.
I shall report back with photos of the stages.

[set fair]

I would try duct tape first. And if it didn't work, then live with the scar.

[Edwina Lee (OP)]

2021-04-23. It has been 14 months & 4 days since the silicon tape was applied to the scar 24x7 on 2020-06-27.

Disappointingly, there has been no  clear noticeable improvement.
However, the tape gives protection against pain caused by clothes rubbing against it. So I persevere hoping one day it may show significant improvement.

[Bored chemist]

Thanks for letting us know.
I'm sorry to hear that the tape hasn't been the success you hoped for, but, by posting your experience, you have helped others to make a better-informed choice.

[Edwina Lee (OP)]

Interestingly, silicone tape is used for skin cosmetic treatment. It gives a watery shine on the skin after wearing for a while.