Optimizing Postsurgical Scars: A Systematic Review on Best Practices in Preventative Scar Management

Background: Scar management is critical for every plastic surgeon's practice and, ultimately, the patient's satisfaction with his or her aesthetic result. Despite the critical nature of this component of routine postoperative care, there has yet to be a comprehensive analysis of the available literature over the past decade to assess the best algorithmic approach to scar care. To this end, a systematic review of best practices in preventative scar management was conducted to elucidate the highest level of evidence available on this subject to date. Methods: A computerized MEDLINE search was performed for clinical studies addressing scar management. The resulting publications were screened randomized clinical trials that met the authors' specified inclusion/exclusion criteria. Results: This systematic review was performed in May of 2016. The initial search for the Medical Subject Headings term cicatrix and modifiers therapy, radiotherapy, surgery, drug therapy, prevention, and control yielded 13,101 initial articles. Applying the authors' inclusion/exclusion criteria resulted in 12 relevant articles. All included articles are randomized, controlled, clinical trials. Conclusions: Optimal scar care requires taking into account factors such as incisional tension, anatomical location, and Fitzpatrick skin type. The authors present a streamlined algorithm for scar prophylaxis based on contemporary level I and II evidence to guide clinical practice.