Topical Management of Postsurgical Scars

The proper management of wounds that result from surgical procedures is important in preventing the formation of excessive scarring, as both functional and aesthetic alterations secondary to surgical scars can cause psychologic problems for patients. Dermatologists are becoming more involved than ever in the cosmetic management of patients postprocedure. It is well-known that the final cosmesis of a scar will depend on numerous factors, including the patient’s ethnicity, wound location, surgical technique, suturing materials, and tension of the wound. Because many patients inquire about OTC products for scar treatment, it is important for the dermatologist to be familiar with the latest research on this topic.