General
1. What is a scar?
A scar is part of the normal healing process. The type of
scar that forms can depend on a variety of factors including the nature of the
injury, which part of the body, the size and the depth of the wound. Scars
consist of a non-living protein called collagen which is the most common tissue
in the body.
Some injuries will leave a flat white scar that will
virtually fade away in time. SSCP is not effective on this type of scar.SSCP is
appropriate for red and raised scars resulting from injury to any part of the
body, including the face, from surgery or accidents, and may be cuts or burns.
But, other scars known as hypertrophic and keloids can cause great discomfort
both by restricting movement and by emotional distress.
A keloid scar is a red and raised area which can be
uncomfortable and restricting. This type of scarring is a result of the build
up of collagen in the area, making the scar larger than the actual size of the
wound.
Hypertrophic scarring is also red and raised, but without
the excess collagen build-up leaving the scar confined to the original wound
area.
2. What are the types of scars/how many types are there?
There are a several types of scars. Normal scars are
usually flat and light coloured. SSCP is not effective on this type of
scar.SSCP is appropriate for red and raised scars. Hypertrophic scars are red
and raised and remain within the boundaries of the original injury. Keloids are
also red and raised, but usually grow outside the original boundaries of the
injury. Keloids can also be quite itchy.
3. Why do some skin types scar more than others?
It is not totally clear why some skin types scar more
easily or readily than others. Nevertheless, it is believed that darker skinned
people are usually at a higher risk.
SSCP can be used to prevent scarring when used as soon as
the wound has healed.
4. Can the SSCP used for New and Old Scars ?
SSCP is designed for the management of both old and new
hypertrophic and keloid scars. It can also be used as a prophylactic therapy on
closed wounds for the prevention of hypertrophic or keloid scarring.
5. How do I know if SSCP will work on my scar?
The scar needs to be red and/or raised for SSCP to be
effective - it doesn't work on old white, flat scars.
6. How soon can SSCP be used after an injury?
SSCP may be used on any old or new closed wounds,
including red or raised scars resulting from surgical incisions such as
cesarean sections, cosmetic surgery or accidental injury such as burns and
cuts. Always ensure that the wound is fully closed before using SSCP. Do not
use on open wounds, infected wounds, scabs, or over stitches.
7. Will it prevent scarring? Will it work with old scars?
Yes, SSCP has been shown to reduce the incidence of red
and raised (Hypertrophic & Keloid) scars, if used immediately after wound
closure. Results showed that most of red and hypertropic scars improved
in appearance by softening, flattening and fading the colour of the scar.
However, results are expected to be most effective on more recent scars than
old scars.
8. Will it work on hairy skin?
In order for SSCP to work, it must be in good contact
with the scar. If there is too much hair, then shaving may be an option.
9. How does SSCP work?
SSCP works through a combination of effects of Pressure
and Silicone Gel. The gel sheet covers the red, raised scar and produces a
moisturizing effect which helps to flatten the scar, improve the texture and
help to take away the colour. The optimal Pressure of 15-30mm Hg produced
positive effect on the raised scar.
10. How is SSCP used and how long will it take for the
scar to get better?
It can vary from person to person and from scar to scar.
Some people may see an improvement in a matter of days. When used correctly,
best results are seen after 2-4 months treatment time. For the first two days
of treatment SSCP should be used for 4 hours per day. For the next two days,
SSCP can be increased to 8 hours per day. After this, wear time should be
increased by 2 hours per day until a minimum of 12 hours per day is reached. If
possible, SSCP should be worn 20 hours per day. This build up is necessary to
get the skin accustomed to the gel sheet.
Each separate cut piece used should be cleansed twice
daily and will last up to one month in use. Painless to remove and easy to
replace, the adhesive sheet stays in place, and Pressure tape or pressure enhancer
is needed to add pressure to the Scar. The SSCP adhesive gel sheet is soft,
comfortable and easy to apply. It can be cut to size to fit most scars, it is
durable and reusable and is ideal for either day or night use.
11. Do I have to wear it forever / how long is the
treatment period?
No, it is intended as a temporary treatment but can be
worn until you stop seeing further improvement in your scar. The total
treatment time is likely to be from 2-4 months.
12. How do I care for SSCP?
SSCP gel sheet must be cleaned twice or more daily. This
may need to be increased in warm weather or during periods of physical
activity.
Mild soap can be used, but do not clean with household
cleaning products. For your own comfort and convenience, SSCP can be removed
for you to wash and bathe as normal.
13. Why do I have to wash SSCP?
As part of normal hygiene it is wise to keep the SSCP
clean. Also the stickiness of the product is restored after cleansing. This
will remove normal oils/secretions of skin.
14. How to store the SSCP for reuse?
The packing of SSCP is kept in rectangular shape plastic
tray covered with sterile paper bag. For the first time user, peel the lid of
the paper bag containing SSCP. With a pair of scissors, cut the SSCP sheet to
suit the size of the scar. Store the remaining SSCP sheet on the plastic tray
the SSCP came in and kept inside the paper bag. SSCP should be stored in a
cool, dust free and dry place away from direct heat or sunlight. The remaining
SSCP sheet can last for more than 6 months if stored properly.
15. What is the daily cost of SSCP?
As SSCP for surgical scar was designed to suit different
length of Scar. It will enable a 5cm scar to be treated for up to1 months
with the application of pressure enhancer such as pressure tube, tubigrip,
coban, taping or Pressure band etc. The daily expenses for the SSCP is
minimal for daily use.
16. Is it safe to use?
Yes. SSCP is a medically grade, silicone gel sheet. It is
safe for use on children and adults.
17. Will it work on elderly people and/or babies?
It is safe for use on children and adults.
The product has been tested on subjects from 2-60+ years
of age. We have no data on its use on babies below the age of 2 years.
18. What if I have a skin condition, e.g. eczema,
psoriasis, or acne?
Where there is broken skin, SSCP should not be used.
19. Once SSCP reduces my scar/makes it better, will the
scar come back?
Bear in mind that even though there will always be some
evidence of the scar, nobody has reported any recurrence of a scar after treatment
with SSCP