Who We Are
The quality of a scar depends on individual and racial factors, the nature of the trauma and the condition of the scar tissue. Changes in these various factors can predispose to an unsightly scar, causing itching, hypertrophy, pain, sleep disorders, anxiety and a decrease in quality of life, especially if the unsightly scar is in exposed areas.
Silicone gel entered the market in 1980 for scar treatment because it is easy to apply, can be used on sensitive skin without causing irritation, maintains skin hydration, is inert (does not allow the growth of bacteria and fungi), and can be used in areas of movement such as knees, elbows, and face, regardless of the size of the scar.
In 1983, silicone sheets were introduced because there was a need to compress scars and thus prevent hypertrophic and keloid scars. Several studies have been published showing that silicone sheets improve scar size, elasticity, erythema, pain and itching by increasing skin hydration and occlusion. From then on, silicone became the gold standard for treating scars, with silicone gel being used in the first few days after surgery and silicone sheets being used after 20 to 30 days.
After 38 years treating scars and seeing patients' dissatisfaction with their unsightly scars, which often generate high costs, and to contain hypertrophy, keloids and widened scars (due to the tension of the skin over the scar tissue and/or the use of injectable corticosteroids), I saw the need to improve the silicone plate available on the market for scar prevention.
Nullscar silicone tape was born 6 years ago and it took 2 to 3 years to find the ideal raw material. The choice of raw material outside Brazil was concentrated among countries such as Germany, USA, China, in addition to the raw material being silicone in both, the bases and glue are two-component.
Our biggest challenge was finding someone who could build the machine to manufacture it. It took almost 6 years of trial and error (and there were many…) Despite all the challenges, we did not give up. We persisted because we believed that Nullscar tape would make a big difference in preventing enlarged, hypertrophic and keloid scars.
When I designed the tape, I had in mind that it would have to have an adhesion that would withstand longer use, that it would not require micropore to hold the skin and that it could be used in areas of the body where it did not need to be held by clothing, and that it could be used in areas of flexion such as the knee, elbow and ankle. In addition to being malleable and providing comfort, it would have to have an anatomical width and design and several sizes.
It was thought to place beams to better contain the tension that the skin exerts on the surgical incision and a gradual compression, being greater on the scar to produce vasoconstriction and reduce erythema and the formation of fibroblasts that would cause the hypertrophic or keloid scar.
The active ingredients came later to help with hydration and healing.
Finally, a color with a light nude tone would bring a better aesthetic to the product and would help the patient not to be bothered by the appearance of the scar while the healing process matures.
Through these care in designing this new Nullscar product, made to maintain special care for scars, and after being approved by Anvisa, it became a patent in Brazil, and soon after in the USA, Europe and China and soon in other countries.
Finally, the Nullscar tape has just been recognized as an innovative product in the health sector by Brics Woman 2021.