Role of silicone derivative plus onion extract gel in presternal hypertrophic scar protection: a prospective randomized, double blinded, controlled trial

Use of silicone derivative and onion extract had been reported in the prevention of hypertrophic scarring. Our experience showed the preventive use of silicone derivative plus onion extract gel on hypertrophic scars after median sternotomy. In a randomized, double blinded, placebo‐controlled study, 60 patients after median sternotomy incisions were separated into two groups. All patients were treated either with silicone derivative plus onion extract gel (Cybele^® scagel) or placebo gel twice daily for a total treatment period of 12 weeks. During each visit, pain and itching scores were graded by the patients and scar characteristics were observed by surgeons using the Vancouver scar scale. Pain and itch score values from patients' who applied silicone derivative plus onion extract gel was less than another group (P < 0·05). Pigmentation was significantly different between two groups (P < 0·05) and the reduction of scores on vascularity, pliability, height in treated group was not superior to the untreated group. No adverse events were reported by any of the patients. A silicone derivative plus onion extract gel is safe and effective for the preventing the hypertrophic scarring after median sternotomy.