Aside from tretinoin, AHAs, BHA, and antioxidants, one way to consider treating raised scars is with a pliable sheet of silicone. Some examples of silicone sheets are ReJuveness ($39.50 to $95, depending on the size) and Syprex Scar Sheet ($20 to $40 depending on the size). It is not clear how these sheets of silicone work. They may increase the amount of water in the scar, and continuous rehydration of scars may soften the tissue, making it more elastic and pliable, thus encouraging the flattening process. (Sources: Dermatologic Surgery, November 2007, pages 1291-1302; and European Journal of Dermatology, December 1998, pages 591-595.)
There is also research that has challenged the effectiveness of these sheets. The clinical trials performed were described as either of poor quality or highly susceptible to bias, meaning they were paid for by the companies selling the sheets (Source: Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, January 2005, CD003826).
If you decide to give silicone sheets a try, there are disadvantages to think about. Users purchase one relatively inexpensive sheet of silicone that is worn over and over again. The sheet must be kept clean, which requires care and maintenance time. Most importantly, the sheet must be worn over the scar for prolonged periods of time, so you might not want to wear one on your face or other exposed parts of your body, at least not during the day. Also, the silicone sheet can stick to the skin and skin reactions such as rashes or irritation can occur.
As mentioned, you must wear the sheet for two to three months or longer for 12 to 24 hours a day to see a difference. But patience can pay off. The longer you wear it, the more likely it is that the scar will dissipate to some extent. Of course, these sheets work best over new scars, but they can make a difference with old ones, too. Even acne scarring—thick, raised scars, not pits—can be reduced if the scars have been present for less than 16 years. Do not try these if you are hoping for extraordinary results, of the kind the advertising implies. Dr. Loren Engrav, associate director and Chief of Plastic Surgery for the University of Washington burn unit at Harborview Medical Center, explains that the “silicone strips are standard treatment for helping reduce scars, and though the results may be good, they are absolutely not a miracle.”
Some women buy silicone sheets to use over stretch marks, but there is no clinical evidence that this product will have any effect on them whatsoever. These sheets create a flattening process, while a raising process is what would be required for stretch marks.