Theoretical basis for optimal surgical incision planning to reduce hypertrophic scar formation

After approximately 24 weeks of gestation, human cutaneous wounds and incisions heal by scar formation. Continued or unregulated stimulation of tissue fibroblasts is thought to lead to an activated state with ongoing collagen deposition resulting in a visible hypertrophic scar. There is evidence that mechanical forces as sensed by fibroblasts lead to downstream events such as excessive extracellular matrix deposition. Mechanical forces acting on the wound fibroblast are exerted by underlying muscles as well as intrinsic forces found in the dermal component of the surrounding skin. Under static conditions, collagen is oriented parallel to the direction of strain. In an effort to minimize resultant scar formation various and often contradictory lines of non-extension, lines of least tension, have been described for planning optimal surgical incisions.

We hypothesize that it is possible to avoid longitudinal stretch on incisions and thereby minimize resultant pathologic scars if defined anatomical considerations are respected. We hypothesize that placement of skin incisions parallel to lines of minimal longitudinal stretch, non-invasively measured by orientation of collagen orientation would in turn result in minimal scar formation.

Historical recommendations often derived from human post mortem studies and animal experiments have shed some light on cutaneously observed lines of non-extension. Theoretical considerations of non-extension lines have suggested possible directions of surgical incisions. Post surgical analysis of dermatological interventions have similarly added to our understanding of possible non-extension lines. Measuring anisotropy in the skin can determine collagen orientation in the skin and may therefore allow one to objectively place incisions parallel to non-extension lines. To date no randomized clinical study in humans has addressed whether such an approach would lead to less scarring. A study involving volunteers examining many body areas seems ethically challenged.

The hypothesis, although not proven, is supported by available evidence. If our hypothesis that measurable cutaneous collagen orientation guided incisions improved scar formation then surgical incision planning would deservedly require more clinical attention. Preoperative measurement or at least pre-closure assessment of anisotropy prior to surgical incision placement or closure would notably reduce the incidence of hypertrophic scars.