Perioral Skin Exhibits a Higher Propensity for Scarring Compared With Nasal Skin: A Retrospective Analysis

Scar formation remains a significant clinical challenge in facial trauma repair, with the anatomic region-specific propensity poorly understood. This study investigates differential scarring outcomes between the perioral and nasal regions following refined cosmetic suturing.

A retrospective analysis was conducted on 23 patients with nasal or perioral trauma treated using cosmetic suturing techniques. Scar evaluation was performed using the Scar Cosmesis Assessment and Rating (SCAR) scale by professional plastic surgeons, assessing parameters including scar spread, erythema, depigmentation, track marks or suture marks, hypertrophy or atrophy, and overall impression.

Despite identical surgical techniques, perioral scars exhibited significantly higher SCAR scores (5.56±2.40) compared with nasal scars (3.41±1.90) ( P <0.05). Specifically, perioral scars demonstrated greater spread (1.79±0.59 versus 1.09±0.48, P <0.01) and hypertrophy or atrophy (1.43±0.46 versus 0.98±0.58, P <0.05). No significant differences were observed in erythema, depigmentation, or patient items.

The perioral region demonstrates a higher predisposition to scarring than the nasal region despite equivalent repair techniques, highlighting the influence of biomechanical factors. These findings emphasize the need for region-specific preventive strategies in facial scar management.