Comparative Evaluation of Postoperative Scarring with Nasolabial Flap Reconstruction Using Silicone Gel Versus Silicone Gel Sheet: Randomized Controlled Trial

To evaluate and compare the postoperative scarring with nasolabial flap reconstruction using silicone gel versus silicone gel sheet.

This was an in vivo comparative study carried out in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. 10 patients who fit into the inclusion criteria were selected. The surgical procedure was carried out as per the standard protocol. The fishbowl method was used to allocate groups, group A where silicone gel application was prescribed and group B where silicone gel sheets were applied. On postoperative day 10, sutures were removed and the modality was advised as per the study protocol. In group A, silicone gel application was prescribed twice daily for 3 months. In group B, silicone gel sheet application was prescribed for 4 hours on day 1, increasing it by 2 hours a day till 1 week and then 24 hourly until 3 months. The patients were evaluated by a second investigator every 2 weeks until 3 months and at the end of 6 months. The healing of scars was evaluated as per the Vancouver Scar Scale.

Silicone gel showed superior results than silicone gel sheet statistically in terms of pigmentation, vascularity, height and pliability (p<0.05).

In our study, we found an appreciable difference in the healing of scars in both groups. Although both methods aid in better healing of nasolabial scars, silicone gel offers better healing and is well tolerated by the patients.