Do topical products reduce postincision scars?

BACKGROUND A common question asked by patients who are healing from a surgical incision is, “What is the best product to use to minimize a scar?” Commercially, the many topical products on the market make it difficult to decide what is the best product to recommend. Each product claims to have its advantages in reducing scarring with its combination of ingredients. Often, many of these products are not regulated by the US Food and Drug Administration, because over the counter (OTC) products are not classified as a drug or device. Thus, the chosen topical antiscar product is frequently based on anecdotal evidence, physician bias, or patient preference. Silicone gel, paper tape, cyanoacrylates, onion extract, and vitamin E are commonly used topical products for postincision scars. This article reviews the evidence surrounding the use of these topical products to reduce postincision scarring (Table I).