Resultant Scar Research Articles

A Comparative Assessment of Scars Resulting From Skin Grafts in Facial Defects

The authors compared facial scars after split-thickness skin grafts (STSGs) performed with a dermal substitute or after full-thickness skin grafts (FTSGs) in facial defect. The medical records of patients who had undergone FTSG or STSG with dermal substitute after skin cancer surgery between March 2016 and December 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. The scars resulting from skin grafts were assessed using the patient and observer scar assessment scales (PSAS and OSAS) in our clinic after a minimum of 6 months postoperatively. Of the 50 study subjects, 35 patients (FTSG group) received FTSG only and 15 patients (STSG group) received STSG with the dermal substitute. The total scores of PSAS and OSAS were significantly lower in the FTSG group and it is suggested that both patients and observers thought that better scar outcomes were achieved when FTSGs were used. However, for defects smaller than 1.8 cm2 and defects located in the periorbital area, there was no statistically significant difference in the scores of PSAS and OSAS in the 2 groups. Interestingly, for defects located in the periorbital area, although there was no significant difference, PSAS and OSAS scores were lower in the STSG group than in the FTSG group. In other word, scar outcomes in the STSG group were better. Although there was no significant difference, unlike what we usually know, our result shows that STSG with dermal substitute tended to produce comparable or rather better results than FTSG under some conditions.

Pre-Emptive Priming of Human Skin Improves Cutaneous Scarring and Is Superior to Immediate and Delayed Topical Anti-Scarring Treatment Post-Wounding: A Double-Blind Randomised Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial.

The concept of pre-emptive priming of skin pre-surgery offers a novel approach in optimizing cutaneous scarring outcome. We previously showed an anti-scarring topical (epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG)) is effective in improving skin scarring when applied post-surgery. The objective was to deliver an active compound at the optimal time in order to maximize its impact and improve cutaneous scarring. Therefore, pre-emptive application of anti-scarring topical pre-surgery compared with post-surgery can potentially be superior on scarring outcome. This double-blinded randomized placebo-controlled trial compares the effects of pre-emptive priming of skin with an anti-scarring topical pre-surgery versus post-surgery. Healthy volunteers (n = 40) were split into 4-groups; each undergoing different modes of application versus placebo: Group-1 = priming (7Days) pre-injury, Group-2 = priming (3D) pre-injury, Group-3 = immediate (0D) day-of-injury, Group-4 = delayed application (14D) post-injury. Excisional skin-biopsies in upper-arms were evaluated weekly with multiple quantitative devices over 8-weeks. Histological, immunohistochemical, mRNA sequencing and QRT-PCR studies were performed on tissue-biopsies. EGCG reduced mast cells at weeks-4 and 8 by gene and protein analyses (p < 0.01). Group 1 was superior to other groups (p < 0.01) in both clinical (blood flow) and laboratory parameters (elastin and immune marker expression). Additionally, there was down-regulation of angiogenic-markers by mRNA-sequencing and of CD31 and VEGF-A at weeks-4 and 8 (p < 0.01) by immunohistochemistry and at week-4 (p < 0.05) by QRT-PCR. EGCG increased antioxidant levels (HO-1) at week-4 (p < 0.01) plus elastin at week-8 (p < 0.01). In conclusion, pre-emptive priming of skin pre-injury has significant beneficial effects on surgically induced skin scarring shown by reducing mast cells, blood flow and angiogenesis plus increasing elastin content. This clinical trial was registered with ISRCTN (ISRCTN70155584).

537 Autologous Skin Cell Suspension for the Treatment of Small (≤10% TBSA) Mixed-Depth Burns

Abstract Introduction Split-thickness skin grafts (STSGs) have been the standard of care for many decades. Despite their widespread use, STSGs frequently fail. Autologous skin cell suspension (ASCS) is an FDA approved point of care regenerative medicine technology that reduces donor skin requirements without compromising clinical outcomes. ASCS allows for early treatment and less donor skin harvested that may be useful for hard-to-treat anatomical locations, in compromised patients that have risks for impaired wound healing, or elderly patients with thinner skin. We examined ASCS treatment as an adjunct to meshed autografts in adults with small mixed-depth/full-thickness burns. Methods We obtained IRB-approval for a prospective, multi-center, uncontrolled observational study that allowed continued access to ASCS before FDA approval (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifiers: NCT03333941). Subjects with mixed-depth/full-thickness injuries that required skin grafting with a minimum treatment area of 320 cm2 and burns ranging from 5–50% TBSA were eligible for study enrollment. Our analyses included only patients &amp;gt;18 years of age and ≤10% TBSA mixed-depth/full-thickness injuries that had completed the trial. All subjects had ≥1 burn wounds treated with meshed autografts (2:1–4:1) in combination with ASCS. Healing outcomes were accessed following ASCS treatment by direct visualization of each individual wound and included healing, scar outcomes, and safety data. Results Analyses included 20 subjects older than 18 years of age with ≤10% TBSA mixed-depth/full-thickness injuries. Of these, compromised wound healing was seen in 50.0% of subjects. Burn wounds with ≥90% re-epithelialization increased over time, with 62%, 80%, and 100% of wounds achieving closure at Weeks 1, 2, and 8, respectively. Similar results were seen in subjects with comorbidities known to affect wound healing and in elderly subjects despite their risks for impaired healing. Total POSAS patient (37.8 and 35.4) and observer scores were comparable (23.3 and 18.4) at Weeks 12 and 24. Safety events were typical for this patient population, and no serious adverse events occurred for any of the wounds. Conclusions This analysis provides additional information supporting the use of ASCS for the treatment of small, mixed-depth/full-thickness acute thermal burn injuries in adults, notably those with risk factors for impaired wound healing.

605 Representation Matters: An Assessment of Diversity in Current Major Textbooks on Burn Care

Abstract Introduction Racial and gender disparities in health care have been well described. The Association of American Medical Colleges states they are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in preparing medical trainees. Increasing attention is paid to representative diversity in the images and educational resources utilized during medical training. One recent example of this is the Instagram account, “Brown Skin Matters,” that focuses on the representation of dermatologic diseases in the skin of people of color. Nearly 40% of the population of the United States identifies as a person of color, and patients of color reflect 41% of the total burn population seen in the United States. In comparison, national data on providers suggests about 5% of the Burn Team would be people of color. As representation matters, a better understanding of the diversity represented by burn related medical literature could affect management of patients with diverse backgrounds and recruitment into this field. The goal of this study is to investigate the representation of diverse skin tones in the leading medical textbook of burn care. Methods The 5th edition of “Total Burn Care (TBC)”, 5th ed, DN Herndon editor, was reviewed from cover to cover. All photographs that contained people were evaluated for the number of people present and the depicted role of person present (i.e.: provider, patient or other). Each picture was considered as an isolated image, regardless of whether it was part of a series. Diversity count was assessed in a binary fashion - was the individual represented a person of color or not? Additional information was collected on the gender of providers present. Results 690 total individuals were identified in images in TBC. There were 3 providers of color identified in TBC images out of a total of 63(5%); 24 providers were women (38%), of whom none were women providers of color. People of color were represented in 107 of 627 non-providers shown in TBC (17%). There were 29 patients whose skin color was unable to be evaluated due to the nature of the injury, the quality of the image or the surface area of dressings visualized in the image (5%). Conclusions Both patients and providers of color are underrepresented in the leading textbook of burn care. Proper representation must be included in modern educational materials to better prepare providers for a diverse population of burn injured patients and appropriately address injury identification, wound healing properties, and scar outcomes. Diverse and proportional representation of potential outcomes needs to be a component of educational materials. to ensure effective and thoughtful care.

117 Feasibility and Scar Outcome with a Single-use Adhesive Silicone in Pediatric Burn Survivors

Abstract Introduction Silicone sheets are commonly used for prevention and treatment of burn scars and silicone-based products have recently been recommended as the gold standard non-invasive treatment choice. One problem with silicone gel sheets application is that the sheets lose their adhesive qualities making them difficult to affix to the patient and costly to replace when lost. A new ultra-thin, clear and adhesive silicone gel sheet layered on a semi-permeable polyester backing was trialed at our burn center. The silicone is designed to be a one-time application, worn during all activities until it naturally falls off, thus eliminating the need for daily removal and cleaning. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of the single-use adhesive silicone sheets with pediatric burn survivors. Methods Medical records of pediatric burn survivors who used the adherent silicone sheets between September 2019 and July 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Information regarding details of silicone use and scar outcome scores were extracted from the records. Data were analyzed using paired Student t-tests and Wilcoxon Signed Rank to compare scars before and after using the silicone. Results The silicone was applied to 22 body areas of 9 patients. The average age of the patients was 7.4 (±8.5) years and TBSA 53 ±17%. The time from injury or grafting to when the silicone was applied was 200.5 (±13.4) days. The silicone was worn without interruption for an average of 12.8 days. Total Patient Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) scores for both the patient and observer evaluations significantly improved after use with the single-use adherent silicone (↓13.83 patient p=.005, ↓5.4 observer p=.01). Evaluating individual scar parameters showed 4/7 patient reported and observed areas of the POSAS evaluation improved significantly with adherent silicone use (Figure 1). Only one patient reported a complication of itch at day 5 and the silicone was removed. Conclusions The single-use adhesive silicone investigated in this study appears to adequately adhere to patients over multiple days, thus overcoming common barriers to silicone use of the products falling off, getting lost and needing to be replaced. Use of such a product could improve ease and continuity with scar management. In addition, for this small cohort of patients, scar improvement was noted with silicone use. The results of this study indicate that larger prospective studies evaluating the silicone efficacy may be beneficial.

33 An Evidence Based Laser Therapy Algorithm for the Treatment of Burn Scars

Abstract Introduction Hypertrophic scarring after burn injury can be extremely painful, cause profound itching, and affect the way patients view themselves and how the outside world perceives them. We have utilized laser therapy as a modality for scar modulation for our patients since 2013. In 2014, we initiated and completed a prospective IRB approved study to evaluate the outcome of scars treated with fractional CO2 laser therapy (FLT) utilizing objective and subjective tools. Recently, we have completed a prospective study evaluating the use of pulse dye laser (PDL) therapy and the impact on post-burn pruritis. In reviewing the outcomes from these two studies, we have developed an evidence-based laser therapy algorithm for burn scar management. Methods The FLT study entailed a series of three CO2 laser treatments minimally 4–6 weeks apart with scar measurements and POSAS form completion performed prior to each laser treatment and four weeks after the last FLT. Scar measurements that included color, pliability, and scar thickness; and completion of the POSAS form were obtained prior to each laser therapy session and four weeks after the third laser treatment. The measurements of color, pliability, and scar thickness were measured with the Colorimeter, Cutometer, and ultrasound. The PDL study utilized the 5-D Itch scale to evaluate post-burn pruritis. A baseline measurement was obtained prior to any laser treatments. Each patient underwent two PDL sessions and a 5-D itch scale was completed four to six weeks after the second PDL session. The baseline measurement was then compared to the final 5-D itch scale measurement. Results Data from the FLT study is in Table 1 and shows that there were statistically significant improvements in the Patient and Observer POSAS scores, patient rated Itch score, scar thickness, and measured skin density. Changes to patient rated scar pain, scar color, and pliability were noted but were not of statistical significance. Data from the PDL study is in Table 2 and shows a statistically significant decrease in the treated patients’ post-burn pruritis. Conclusions In reviewing the outcomes of these two studies, we have developed an algorithm based on our studies. All of our patients undergoing laser therapy receive two PDL sessions that are four to six weeks apart followed by 3 FLT sessions. The use of both PDL and FLT decreases post-burn pruritis, decreases scar thickness, decreases pain, and increases patient satisfaction as shown in our research.

Postoperative quality of life and cosmetic outcome between minimally invasive video-assisted thyroidectomy and bilateral axillo-breast approach robotic thyroidectomy: a single center retrospective cohort study.

Different approaches to endoscopic thyroidectomy utilize incisions that result in inevitable physical trauma to patients since postoperative tissue fibrosis and scars will influence their quality of life for a lifetime. Over the past few years, most studies have discussed the safety concerns of different kinds of endoscopic thyroidectomy; conversely, there has been less discussion on postoperative quality of life. Because most patients undergoing thyroidectomy for cancer or benign diseases are likely to have long-term survival, it is essential to study the cosmetic outcome of patients' scars from minimally invasive video-assisted thyroidectomy (MIVAT) and bilateral axillo-breast approach (BABA) robotic thyroidectomy on quality of life. From July 2015 to December 2017, 95 patients-60 who underwent MIVAT and 35 who underwent BABA robotic thyroidectomy-were retrospectively studied. Patient demographics, operative indications, pathologic findings, pain scores after surgery, complications, perception of scars, and overall satisfaction were compared between the two groups. The cosmetic outcome and overall satisfaction were evaluated at least 2years after the operation using the patient scar assessment questionnaire and the 36-item short form health survey (SF-36). There was no statistically significant difference in scar perception between the two groups. However, in the SF-36, the MIVAT group had better satisfaction than the BABA robotic group regarding general health, vitality, mental health, and health change. MIVAT and BABA robotic thyroidectomy can be safely performed in selected patients, and patients who underwent MIVAT had better postoperative qualities of life than those who underwent the BABA robotic approach.

Acute Management of Thermal Hand Burns in Adults: A 10-Year Review of the Literature.

Advances in the evidence base of acute thermal hand burns help to guide the management of these common injuries. The aim of this literature review was to evaluate recent evidence in the field over 10 years. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis Protocols methodology was used as a guide for this literature review. PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and Google Scholar were searched for English language articles related to hand burns published between 2009 and 2018 inclusive, and the Cochrane Library was reviewed. Exclusion criteria were as follows: participants younger than 18 years, scar or contracture management, rehabilitation, outcomes assessment, late reconstruction, and electrical or chemical burns. An initial search retrieved 6493 articles, which was narrowed to 403 full-text articles that were reviewed independently by 3 of the authors and categorized. Of 202 included articles, there were 8 randomized controlled trials and 2 systematic reviews. Six evidence-based guidelines were reviewed. Referral of hand burns to specialist centers, use of telemedicine, early excision and grafting, and immediate static splintage have been recommended. Enzymatic debridement results in earlier intervention, more accurate burn assessment, preservation of vital tissue, and fewer skin grafts, and ideally requires regional anesthesia. Guidance on escharotomy emphasizes indication, technique and adequate intervention, and potential for enzymatic debridement. Inclusion of topical negative pressure, dermal regenerative templates, acellular dermal matrices, and noncellular skin substitutes in management has helped improve scar and functional outcomes. The results of this literature review demonstrate that multiple national and international societies have published burns guidelines during the decade studied, with aspects directly relevant to hand burns, including the International Society for Burn Injuries guidelines. There are opportunities for evidence-based quality improvement across the field of hand burns in many centers. More than 200 articles globally in 10 years outline advances in the understanding of acute management of thermal hand burns. Incorporating the evidence base into practice may facilitate optimization of triage referral pathways and acute management for hand burns.

Pharmaceutical Prophylaxis of Scarring with Emphasis on Burns: A Review of Preclinical and Clinical Studies.

Significance: The worldwide estimate of burns requiring medical attention each year is 11 million. Each year in the United States, ∼486,000 burn injuries receive medical attention, including 40,000 hospitalizations. Scars resulting from burns can be disfiguring and impair functions. The development of prophylactic drugs for cutaneous scarring could improve the outcomes for burns, traumatic lacerations (>6 million/year treated in U.S. emergency rooms), and surgical incisions (∼250 million/year worldwide). Antiscar pharmaceuticals have been estimated to have a market of $12 billion. Recent Advances: Many small molecules, cells, proteins/polypeptides, and nucleic acids have mitigated scarring in animal studies and clinical trials, but none have received Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval yet. Critical Issues: The development of antiscar pharmaceuticals involves the identification of the proper dose, frequency of application, and window of administration postwounding for the indicated wound. Risks of infection and impaired healing must be considered. Scar outcome needs to be evaluated after scars have matured. Future Directions: Once treatments have demonstrated safety and efficacy in rodent and/or rabbit and porcine wound models, human testing can begin, such as on artificially created wounds on healthy subjects and on bilateral-surgical wounds, comparing treatments versus vehicle controls on intrapatient-matched wounds, before testing on separate cohorts of patients. Given the progress made in the past 20 years, FDA-approved drugs for improving scar outcomes may be expected.

National expert consensus on early management of scars (2020 version)

Recently, more and more clinical and basic studies have shown that early intervention of scars after wound healing can shorten the immature period of scars, improve the final outcome of scars, effectively prevent and control the occurrence and development of pathological scars. However, there are many methods for early management of scars with varying quality, and there is a lack of expert consensus on early scar management. Based on the existing clinical evidence of each intervention method and clinical experience of experts, more than 40 domestic experts from Standing Committee of Chinese Association of Plastics and Aesthetics Scar Medicine Branch have reached a consensus on definition, therapeutic principles, therapeutic methods, and other aspects of early scars after multiple discussions and revisions, providing reference for clinical treatment.

The Use of Semi-Absorbable Mesh and its Impact on Donor-Site Morbidity and Patient-Reported Outcomes in DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction.

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of semi-absorbable mesh on donor-site morbidity and patient-reported outcomes in deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap breast reconstruction. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of all patients who had DIEP flap breast reconstruction in our department from July 2007 to March 2019. Patients were invited to a comparative follow-up visit and grouped according to donor-site closure: primary fascial closure (the no-mesh group) and fascial reinforcement with semi-absorbable mesh in a subfascial position (the mesh group). The primary outcome of interest was donor-site morbidity, including bulging, hernia formation and rectus abdominis muscle strength. We also surveyed, surgical site complications and patient-reported outcomes using Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale v2.0 and BREAST-Q© version 2.0. A total of 191 patients had received DIEP flap breast reconstruction. Eighty-five patients (44.5%) with 108 DIEP flaps (53 patients in the mesh group and 32 patients in the no-mesh group) were included in the study. The mean BMI of the patients was significantly higher in the mesh group (mesh group, 26.9 vs. no-mesh group, 25.0, with p = 0.03). The incidence of hernia was significantly reduced in the mesh group (mesh group, 2.8% vs. no-mesh group, 13.5%, with p = 0.03). The incidence of bulging and the extent of rectus abdominis muscle strength were similar for both groups. Operative surgical site complications were reduced in the mesh group (mesh group, 7.5% vs. no-mesh group, 18.8%). There was no difference in patients' physical well-being and satisfaction with the donor site between groups. Patient-reported scar outcome was significantly better in the no-mesh group (p < 0.001). Our novel method of donor-site closure with semi-absorbable mesh in a subfascial position for reinforcement of the anterior rectus fascia on the DIEP donor site is safe. It has no negative impact on surgical site complications and patient-reported outcomes, while reducing the incidence of hernias on the donor-site in DIEP flap breast reconstruction. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Randomised Controlled Clinical Trial of Scalpel Versus Diathermy for Abdominal Skin Incisions

Since the early twentieth century, diathermy has been increasingly used for tissue dissection and haemostasis, but the surgeons, however, are reluctant to use surgical diathermy for making skin incisions. This reluctance is now being challenged by multiple studies suggesting diathermy to be a safer option. This was a randomised, clinical study conducted in the department of General and Gastrointestinal Surgery at Calcutta Medical Research Institute, Kolkata in 2017. The study was done to evaluate the diathermy as an effective alternative to scalpel blade in making skin incisions in elective abdominal surgeries. A total of 72 patients undergoing abdominal surgeries were included and randomly divided into diathermy and scalpel groups. Both groups were compared based on incisional blood loss, early postoperative pain, wound complication rates, and cosmetic outcome of scar by Patient-Observer Scar Assessment Scale. After exclusion, a total of 72 patients, 36 each from the two groups, were analysed based on the above mentioned parameters. We found that the incisional blood loss is significantly lesser in the diathermy group in comparison to that of the scalpel group (p < 0.001). Also, the early postoperative pain was significantly lesser in the diathermy group (p < 0.001). Postoperative wound complication rates were comparable between the two groups, and postoperative scar cosmesis is significantly better with the use of diathermy (p < 0.001). In our study, we found that the diathermy is an effective and safe alternative to the steel scalpel blade for making abdominal skin incisions in elective procedures.

Nasalis-Based V to Y Flap Versus the Bilobed Flap.

Reconstructing defects on the nose can be challenging. The bilobed transposition flap and the nasalis-based V to Y (NBVY) flaps can be excellent repair options, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. To compare bilobed and NBVY flap scar appearances, postoperative complications, scar revision rates, flap sizes, and relative costs. We reviewed 95 cases of Mohs surgery defects on the nose repaired with either a bilobed or a NBVY flap from 2010 to 2018 at our institution. Eleven reviewers judged postoperative scar images using a modified visual analog scale. There were no significant differences in reviewer-rated scar appearances, complication rates, or revision rates between bilobed and NBVY flaps. The NBVY flaps were 50% smaller than bilobed flaps, with significantly lower CPT billing codes. The NBVY flaps yielded better scar appearance scores compared with bilobed flaps on highly sebaceous noses. The NBVY and bilobed flaps demonstrated similar scar appearance outcomes, but the NBVY flap has several advantages. Compared with the bilobed flap, the NBVY flap is smaller, less expensive, and may yield better cosmetic outcomes in patients with highly sebaceous noses.

IL-10 alleviates lipopolysaccharide-induced skin scarring via IL-10R/STAT3 axis regulating TLR4/NF-κB pathway in dermal fibroblasts.

Hypertrophic scar (HS) is a severe fibrotic skin disease. It has always been a major problem in clinical treatment, mainly because its pathogenesis has not been well understood. The roles of bacterial contamination and prolonged wound inflammation were considered significant. IL‐10 is a potent anti‐inflammatory cytokine and plays a pivotal role in wound healing and scar formation. Here, we investigate whether IL‐10 alleviates lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced inflammatory response and skin scarring and explore the possible mechanism of scar formation. Our results showed that the expression of TLR4 and pp65 was higher in HS and HS‐derived fibroblasts (HSFs) than their counterpart normal skin (NS) and NS‐derived fibroblasts (NSFs). LPS could up‐regulate the expression of TLR4, pp65, Col I, Col III and α‐SMA in NSFs, but IL‐10 could down‐regulate their expression in both HSFs and LPS‐induced NSFs. Blocking IL‐10 receptor (IL‐10R) or the phosphorylation of STAT3, their expression was up‐regulated. In addition, in vitro and in vivo models results showed that IL‐10 could alleviate LPS‐induced fibroblast‐populated collagen lattice (FPCL) contraction and scar formation. Therefore, IL‐10 alleviates LPS‐induced skin scarring via IL‐10R/STAT3 axis regulating TLR4/NF‐κB pathway in dermal fibroblasts by reducing ECM proteins deposition and the conversion of fibroblasts to myofibroblasts. Our results indicate that IL‐10 can alleviate the LPS‐induced harmful effect on wound healing, reduce scar contracture, scar formation and skin fibrosis. Therefore, the down‐regulation of inflammation may lead to a suitable scar outcome and be a better option for improving scar quality.

Utilization of Nonabsorbable (Polyamide Black) Buried Subcutaneous Suture Material in Closure of Elliptical Excision in Various Indications for Better Aesthetic Outcome.

The aim of this report was to study the effectiveness of nonabsorbable (polyamide black) subcutaneous buried suture (6-0) in elliptical excision of various indications for better outcome of the scar. Clinical data of 155 patients, who underwent nonabsorbable buried subcutaneous closure in elliptical excision for different indications, were collected randomly and analyzed retrospectively. By using a modified Vancouver Scar Scale, which includes an assessment of pliability, the height of scar, vascularity, and pigmentation, all postoperative scars were classified into five categories: excellent, good, moderate, hypertrophic scar, or keloid. A total of 155 patients of elliptical excision with different indications were included in the study. In this study, the male-to-female ratio was 1:2, and patients in the age-group between 10 and 70 years were involved. Of 155 patients, 72% of patients had excellent cosmetic outcome (0 score), 21.29% had good cosmetic outcome (1 score), and 2.58% had a moderate cosmetic outcome (2 score) without any hypertrophic scar or keloid by using a modified Vancouver Scar Scale. No complaints were reported during the study. Scar closure by nonabsorbable buried subcutaneous suture will reduce cutaneous tension, so there will be a better approximation of wound edges and thus better outcome of the scar.

Longitudinal monitoring and prediction of long-term outcome of scar stiffness on pediatric patients.

BackgroundHypertrophic scarring after burn injury is one of the greatest unmet challenges in patients with burn injuries. A better understanding of the characteristics of scar maturation and early prediction of the long-term outcome of scarring are prerequisites for improving targeted therapies and pivotal for patient counselling.MethodsRepeated measurements of scar stiffness in 11 pediatric patients were performed over the course of 1 year using 2 suction devices, the Cutometer and the Nimble. In addition, the observer pliability score of the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale was applied. This longitudinal study allowed quantification of the ability of each of the measured parameters to reflect scar maturation, as indicated by change in skin pliability/stiffness, over time (using linear regression); the ability to distinguish individual patients (intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC)); the correlation of the devices (Spearman correlation coefficient); and the ability to predict long-term scar maturation based on early scar assessment (using receiver operating characteristic).ResultsAll the tools used showed significant longitudinal decrease of scar stiffness from 3 months until 12 months after the injury. The Nimble (ICCpatientNimble = 0.99) and the Cutometer (ICCpatientCuto = 0.97) demonstrated an excellent ability to distinguish between individual patients. The Nimble seemed to be able to predict the 12-month pliability of scars based on early (3-month) measurements (area under the curve (AUC)12mPOSAS = 0.67; AUC12mC = 0.46; AUC12mN = 0.79).ConclusionsThe results of this preliminary study suggest that all 3 tools provide suitable means to quantify alterations in scar stiffness over time. Initial evidence suggests the Nimble is most favorable for predicting changes in stiffness associated with long-term scar maturation. Further studies with a larger sample size are required to validate tissue suction as a clinical tool for analysis of changes of scar stiffness over time.

Hypertrophic Scar Outcomes in Fractional Laser Monotherapy Versus Fractional Laser-Assisted Topical Corticosteroid Delivery: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Topical corticosteroid delivery following fractional laser treatment is an effective means of treating hypertrophic scars. However, the relative efficacy of adjuvant corticosteroid treatment vs fractional laser monotherapy alone is unclear. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of fractional laser-assisted topical corticosteroid delivery with fractional laser monotherapy in the treatment of hypertrophic scars. In this randomized, comparative, split-scar trial of 19 subjects, a borderline significant reduction in scar thickness was observed at 3-month follow-up in the laser+steroid group compared with laser+petrolatum (p = 0.049). However, no significant long-term difference in scar flattening was observed between the 2 groups. Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale scores showed significant improvement in scar appearance from baseline without significant differences between treatment groups. In conclusion, fractional laser monotherapy is an effective treatment for hypertrophic scars, and the application of topical corticosteroid provides no long-term synergistic effect to fractional laser monotherapy.

Electrochemotherapy and basal cell carcinomas: First-time appraisal of the efficacy of electrochemotherapy on survivorship using FACE-Q

SummaryIntroductionThe establishment and success of new treatments are significantly influenced by patient satisfaction. Post-operative scarring is an important outcome for patients, and subsequently influences overall satisfaction with treatment. The objective was to measure post-treatment scarring satisfaction using a novel scale, the FACE-Q Skin Cancer Module, to compare electrochemotherapy (ECT) to traditional surgical excision (SE) to demonstrate equivalence of ECT and SE regarding outcome and survivorship.Methods and materialsThis was a multicentre first-time appraisal study of the efficacy of ECT. All patients with facial BCCs treated with either ECT or SE were deemed eligible and subsequently recruited from either a previous clinical trial or outpatient clinics, respectively. Of the 40 participants invited, 25 responses were received. Patient information recorded included age, gender, location and size of BCCs, and time since treatment. Patient outcomes were measured using the FACE-Q Skin Cancer Module.ResultsThe ECT and SE groups consisted of 14 and 11 patients, respectively. Mean age was 68 years (M:F = 16:9), while mean time since treatment was 4.98 years (range 0.3–9.58 years). Appraisal of scars was significantly higher in the ECT cohort versus SE (p = 0.034). Cancer worry was equivalent across both cohorts (p = 0.804). According to treatment type, no correlation was detected between time since treatment and both appraisal of scars (ECT p = 0.466 and SE p = 0.214) and adverse effects (ECT p = 0.924 and SE p = 0.139).ConclusionBased on this study, ECT has superior scar outcomes and overall equivalence to SE. This demonstrates high patient satisfaction for those treated with ECT without any additional cancer worry.

Scar Appearance and Patient Satisfaction after the Tear Trough Incision for External Dacryocystorhinostomy

Background: Postoperative scar is the major disadvantage of external dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR). Modified incision should be performed to reduce postoperative scarring. Objective: To evaluate scar appearance and patient satisfaction after the tear trough incision for external DCR. Materials and Methods: The present study was a descriptive study with information collected by telephone survey and retrospective chart review. Patients that underwent external DCR over a period of eight years were enrolled and completed the validated Patient Scar Assessment Questionnaire (PSAQ). Scar appearance, consciousness, symptom, and satisfaction were determined. Patient demographics, surgical information, and postoperative scar evaluation using the Scar Cosmesis Assessment and Rating (SCAR) scale were obtained from the medical records. Results: Fifty-eight patients responded to the telephone interview with 71 DCR surgeries performed. The most common scar characteristic and symptom reported by patients was color mismatch in 11.3% of scars and itching in 15.5%. Scar evaluated by patients was invisible in 57.7% of scars, minimally visible in 40.8%, and moderately visible in 1.4%. Among all patients with noticeable scars, 92% of these made no attempt to conceal the scars. The average patient scar grade was 0.44 (scale 0 to 3). The majority (93.1%) of patients were very satisfied with the scar outcome. Of the 64 scars evaluated by physician using the SCAR scale, common scar characteristics were scar spread (40.6%), hypopigmentation (15.6%), and hypertrophic scar (12.5%). The scar evaluated by physician was invisible in 59.4% of scars, minimally visible in 34.4%, and moderately visible in 6.3%, with an average scar grade of 0.47 (scale 0 to 3). Conclusion: The tear trough incision for external DCR results in minimal postoperative scarring, providing a very high satisfaction rate in most patients. Keywords: External dacryocystorhinostomy, DCR, Scar, Tear trough incision, Patient satisfaction

Scarring at Donor Sites after Split-Thickness Skin Graft: A Prospective, Longitudinal, Randomized Trial.

To investigate if previous findings on the association between dressing treatments and subjective opinion on final donor site scar outcome using the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) can be confirmed objectively. The previous study showed that patients dressed with hydrofiber covered with film were more satisfied with their donor site scars than patients receiving porcine xenograft or polyurethane foam dressings. Scar outcome measurements were assessed by a blinded observer using POSAS and the Cutometer dual MPA 580 device to measure the viscoelasticity of skin. A total of 17 participants were included in this study, five of whom were treated with hydrofiber, six with polyurethane foam, and another six with porcine xenograft. There were no significant differences among groups in any of the POSAS items or in the viscoelasticity measurements made with the Cutometer. The investigators could not confirm previous associations between dressing treatment and long-term donor site scars. No associations between donor sites' healing times and final scarring were found. Hypopigmentation was reported in 15 of 17 donor sites evaluated.