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Does taping torso scars following dermatologic surgery improve scar appearance?
Helena Rosengren1, Deborah A Askew, Clare Heal
1School of Medicine, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia.
Dermatology Practical & Conceptual
|June 21, 2013
Summary
Applying adhesive tapes to sutured torso wounds for 12 weeks after dermatologic surgery significantly improves overall scar appearance. This intervention also reduced scar width, particularly in males, though it did not increase patient satisfaction.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Surgical Outcomes
- Wound Healing
Background:
- Patient dissatisfaction with torso scars is common following dermatologic surgery.
- The efficacy of post-surgical adhesive taping for improving torso scar cosmesis remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of 12-week adhesive taping on torso scar appearance.
- To assess the effect of taping on scar width and patient satisfaction.
Main Methods:
- A single-blinded, randomized controlled trial was conducted in regional Australia.
- Participants with elliptical torso skin excisions received either 12 weeks of taping or usual care.
- Scar assessment by a blinded evaluator occurred at three and six months post-surgery.
Main Results:
- Taping significantly improved overall scar appearance at six months (p=0.004).
- Adhesive taping reduced median scar width by 1 mm (p=0.02), with greater reduction in males.
- Patient satisfaction with scar appearance was not significantly enhanced by taping.
Conclusions:
- Post-dermatologic surgery taping of torso wounds for 12 weeks enhances scar appearance.
- Taping is an effective method for improving the cosmetic outcome of torso scars.
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