The purpose of this study is to determine whether undermining during cutaneous surgery improves scar cosmesis compared to wound closure without undermining.
The purpose of this study is to determine whether undermining during cutaneous surgery improves scar cosmesis compared to wound closure without undermining. Our aims are to compare outcomes using a split wound model, where half the wound is undermined and the other half is not. This will be measured via the physician observer scar assessment scale, a validated scar instrument and via wound width. Our hypothesis is that wound undermining will result in cosmetically superior wound outcomes.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
SUPPORTIVE_CARE
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
50
The side assigned to undermining will have undermining performed prior to wound closure in the subcutaneous plane. The amount of undermining will range from 1 cm for wounds with low tension to 2 cm for those with moderate tension. Since wound diameter will be 3 cm or less and exclude the scalp, high tension wounds are not anticipated.
One side of the wound will remain un-undermined.
Assessment of Scar on the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale
After surgical procedure, half of the subject's wound will be closed after undermining, while the other half is closed without undermining. After 3 months, subjects will return to clinic for evaluation of the cosmesis of both types of closure techniques.
Time frame: 3 months
Measurement of Scar Width
The width of the scar will be measured 1 centimeter from the midline on both sides. There is no defined width that is considered satisfactory or not satisfactory. The measurements will be compared between subjects.
Time frame: 3 months
Assessment of Complications
Noting the presence or absence of bleeding, dehiscence, infection or spitting sutures.
Time frame: 3 months
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