Current management for the prevention of postoperative scar hypertrophy

ABSTRACT

Introduction:

Considering that nearly 51 million surgeries are performed annually just in the USA, we can state that scar hypertrophy is a relevant problem, since a thin, good quality scar can be the dividing line between a good outcome and an unsuccessful surgery. The objective is to perform a bibliographic review of the noninvasive methods currently available to prevent postoperative hypertrophic scars and discuss their evidence-based effectiveness.

Method:

A search was performed in PubMed, LILACS, and SciELO databases, using the terms “scar prevention” and “hypertrophic scars,” for clinical trials, meta-analyses, and review articles published since 2004 in English or Portuguese language.

Results and Conclusions:

Several studies using silicone were found, providing some evidence on its effectiveness; only 3 prospective clinical trials using Contractubex® were found; 2 controlled, randomized prospective clinical trials using 5% imiquimod were found, but only one was doubleblind; one well-designed clinical trial using a micropore adhesive tape was found; a similar clinical trial using vitamin E did not show good results. Clinical trials on the use of massage and local pressure were not found. Despite the limitations of the studies, silicone is considered the first treatment option for the prevention of postoperative hypertrophic scars. There is no evidence proving the effectiveness of micropore adhesive tape, massage, local pressure, Contractubex, 5% imiquimod, or vitamin E.

Keywords:
Hypertrophic scar; Hypertrophic scar/Prevention & Control; Cicatrization; Silicone; Vitamin E