The aim of this study is to determine whether wound edge eversion, achieved by careful placement of dermal sutures, improves the cosmetic outcome of operative wounds closed on the head or neck.
It has been established that as wounds heal, the resultant tissue remodeling results in wound contracture. Surgeons are taught that by everting wounds' edges with well-placed dermal sutures, there is less depression of the resultant scar. A prior study conducted by us at this center found that wound eversion was not associated with better cosmetic outcome (1). However, it was noted that most of the procedures were performed off the head and neck, places where the effects of eversion were thought to be most beneficial (2) Thus our goal is to now study the effects of eversion exclusively on the face and neck.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
OTHER
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
33
Suturing technique to obtain wound eversion. Type of suturing technique at surgeon's discretion
The planar side will be closed with traditional buried simple closure and running cuticular sutures
University of California, Davis, Department of Dermatology
Sacramento, California, United States
Patient Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS)
The primary endpoint will be the score of two blinded reviewers using the physician observer assessment score at a three-month assessment visit.
Time frame: Within 3 months
Incidence of sunken scars
The incidence of sunken scars or elevated scaring on each treatment side will also be determined
Time frame: Within 3 months
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