Does taping torso scars following dermatologic surgery improve scar appearance

Joint Event on 13^th International Conference and Exhibition on Cosmetic Dermatology and Hair Care & 7^th International Conference and Expo on Cosmetology, Trichology & Aesthetic Practices

October 26-27, 2017 Paris, France

H Rosengren, D Askew, C F Heal, P G Buettner, W O Humphreys and L A Semmens

James Cook University, Australia

Posters & Accepted Abstracts: J Cosmo Trichol

Abstract :

Background: Studies show that patients are significantly less satisfied with torso scars than scars elsewhere. Though not an uncommon practice, it has been unknown if application of adhesive tapes to reduce tension on the torso wound following dermatological surgery help improve cosmesis. Objective: To determine the effect of taping sutured torso wounds on overall scar appearance, scar width and patient satisfaction with the scar. Patients & Methods: Participants having elliptical torso skin excisions in a primary care setting in regional Australia were randomized in a single-blinded, controlled trial to 12 weeks taping (intervention) or usual care (control) following deep and subcuticular suturing. A blinded assessor reviewed scars at three and six months. Results: Of 195 participants recruited, 136 (63 taped, 73 controls) completed six months follow-up. Independent blinded assessment of overall scar appearance was significantly better in taped participants (p=0.004). Taping reduced median scar width by 1 mm (p=0.02) and when stratified by gender, by 3.0 mm in males (p=0.04) and 1.0 mm in females (p=0.2). High participant scar satisfaction was not further improved by taping. Conclusion: Taping elliptical torso wounds for 12 weeks after dermatologic surgery improved scar appearance at six months.