The use of fluid silicone gels in the prevention and treatment of hypertrophic scars: a systematic review and meta-analysis

•Fluid silicone gels are available in many different formulations with a wide variety of properties.•The majority of RCTs investigating the efficacy of silicone gels are at a moderate to high risk for bias.•Fluid silicone gels have a positive prophylactic and curative effect on scars.•Fluid silicone gels reduce the scarring incidence, improve pliability, pigmentation, height and scar quality in general.•A few studies suggesting the comparability of fluid silicone and silicone sheets are available, but are potentially biased.