What is a silicone gel?

Silicone gel is a synthetic material made of sodium silicate, on _{2 3 . It is often used for medical purposes such as scars treatment, scar reduction, cosmetic implants and artificial joints. It is also used during reconstruction surgery for the production of valves for the vascular system and is also a component in many prosthetic structures. Because it is a synthetic material, silicone gel can be easily handled into different densities and shapes for different uses. Silicone is most effective for cutting scars that are increased and red in color as hypertrophic scars. These scars are usually caused by surgical slices and burns. The gel should not be applied to an open wound, but can be used on older scars to reduce redness and inflammation.}

The silicone gel used to treat the scar is usually in the form of mastics for painting or self -adhesive. Generally silicone leaves are placed and sealed above the scar and should be worn for about 12 hours denny. Leaves require daily removal, wash and reuse. Newer gel ointments can be painted or rubbed into the scar and do not require removal, washing or avoiding other skin care products. Both were equally effective in the treatment and reduction of scar.

Since 2006, silicone gel has been approved by US food and drug administration (FDA) for use in breast implants and other cosmetic implants. A gel, which is stronger than a salt solution commonly occurring in other implants, is less likely that the leak if the implant is damaged. Silicone implants are also stronger than salt implants and cannot be compressed to the same degree. This has an impact on cosmetic surgery processy and surgeons must make a larger cut to allow less flexible implant. There were concerns about whether silicone gel implants increased the incidence of cancer but a lengthy study will not detectLA No connection between implants and increased risk of cancer in patients.

Silicone gel commonly occurs in many other areas of medicine due to its favorable properties. It is resistant to water, resistant to other chemicals and body fluids, capable of withstanding high and low temperatures, elastic and non -toxic. Its durability and flexibility associated with the fact that it can be formed into liquids, oils and solids, makes it a common finding in prosthetic devices throughout the body.