Strataderm Silicone Gel

Overview

Strataderm is Stratpharma's professional-grade silicone scar gel, developed originally for burn and trauma care. It's a clear, fast-drying film that self-adheres to skin without tape or sheets. Within 60 seconds of application, it sets into a flexible protective barrier that stays put through normal daily activity.

The key differentiator from cheaper silicone gels is the formulation. Stratpharma's proprietary silicone dries to a hard-wearing film that tolerates sweat, clothing friction, and facial movement better than typical consumer gels. Dermatology and plastic surgery practices stock it. Burn centers use it.

For keloid and hypertrophic scar management, the mechanism is the same as any medical silicone: sustained occlusion hydrates the stratum corneum, reduces transepidermal water loss, and modulates fibroblast activity so collagen deposits in a more organized way. Published trials show meaningful improvement in scar thickness, pliability, and pigmentation with consistent 12+ week use.

Research and evidence

Silicone gel in general has strong evidence (multiple RCTs and meta-analyses) for reducing hypertrophic and keloid scar volume when worn consistently. Strataderm specifically has been evaluated in several post-surgical and burn trials and performs comparably to silicone sheets with better compliance. The advantage is wear-time: a formula that dries fast and stays on is one you actually use.

Pros and cons

Best for

• • Post-surgical and post-excision scars where top-tier silicone is worth the cost
• • Facial, jawline, and ear keloids where sheets can't stay on
• • Users who previously tried Kelo-cote or ScarAway gel without satisfaction

How to use it

1. 1Wait until the wound is fully closed and not weeping (usually 2-3 weeks post-surgery).
2. 2Clean and fully dry the scar area. Any oils, creams, or sunscreen underneath will prevent adhesion.
3. 3Apply the thinnest possible layer — a pinhead-sized drop covers several centimeters. Excess gel won't dry properly.
4. 4Let it air-dry for 60 seconds without covering. It should feel dry and slightly rigid, not tacky.
5. 5Apply once or twice daily for a minimum of 8 weeks. Most protocols run 60-90 days for post-surgical scars and longer for established keloids.
6. 6Reapply after bathing or heavy sweating if the film has rubbed off.

Alternatives to consider

• Kelo-cote Advanced Formula Silicone Gel →$32

  Choose this when: You want a gel format at a lower price point and don't need the premium wear-time. Kelo-cote is widely studied and often the first step before moving to Strataderm.

• Mepiform Self-Adherent Silicone Dressing →$42

  Choose this when: The scar is on a flat body area where a silicone sheet can stay on reliably. Sheets are cheaper per day of coverage than premium gels.

• ScarAway Silicone Sheets →$22

  Choose this when: Budget is the main constraint. ScarAway sheets at $22 can deliver real results on flat, stable scars.

Sources

• Silicone gel for scar prevention and treatment — systematic review (PubMed)
• Stratpharma Strataderm product information