Microporous Tape and Post Surgical Scars

The aim of this study is to determine the effect of microporous taping on improving scar characteristics in post-surgical HTS.

A scar can be defined as a mark or a blemish resulting from a healed wound. Scars are an integral part of human existence. All surgical incisions give rise to scars. Some scars are thin lines which are almost unnoticeable, whereas others become hypertrophic scars or keloids. Mechanical forces including tension have been shown to influence scarring as demonstrated in animal models and clinical experience. Wounds closed with excess tension are known to produce more scar tissue.A normal scar is characterized by minimal fibrosis; it is thin, flat and has a good colour match with the surrounding skin without distortion of the adjacent tissue. A scar is however considered abnormal when the amount of fibrosis is excessive or suboptimal or when it causes functional disability, psychosocial trauma or aesthetic distress to the patient. The conversion of normal scarring to hypertrophic scarring or the apparent overgrowth of scar support especially with the use of tape is critical during this period when increased tension across the scar would result in exaggerated scarring. The good management of scars is very important for patient to solve these consequences. Hypertrophic scars have seven times greater collagen production than normal due to increasing in collagenase activity. The hypertrophic scar develops at the third stage of wound healing. Scar maturation or remodeling lasts from three weeks to six months but may last for years.

The hypertrophic scars usually lead to connective tissue and muscles contracture resulting in limited R.O.M at the area of the scar Hypertrophic scars and keloids are Overgrowth of fibrous tissue that usually develop after healing of a skin injury and extend beyond the 2 original defect.

They often occur after local skin trauma as lacerations and burn injuries. Scarring following surgery or trauma is difficult to predict and physicians are highly concerned with minimizing scar appearance and value even small improvements in scarring as clinically meaningful.

to hypertrophic scarring or the apparent overgrowth of scar support especially with the use of tape is critical during this period when increased tension across the scar would result in exaggerated scarring. Hypertrophic scars cause cosmetic, psychological, physical (pain, and disabilities),financial and social consequences in addition to that , Hypertrophic scars lead to hypo-mobility ,connective tissue and muscles contracture.

The good management of scars is very important for patient to solve these consequences

.Hypertrophic scars have seven times greater collagen production than normal due to increasing in collagenase activity. The hypertrophic scar develops at the third stage of wound healing. Scar maturation or remodeling lasts from three weeks to six months but may last for years . The hypertrophic scar usually lead to connective tissue and muscles contracture resulting in limited R.O.M at the area of the scar Hypertrophic scars and keloids are Overgrowth of fibrous tissue that usually develop after healing of a skin injury and extend beyond the 2 original defect. They often occur after local skin trauma as lacerations and burn injuries . Scarring following surgery or trauma is difficult to predict and physicians are highly concerned with minimizing scar appearance and value even small improvements in scarring as clinically meaningful.

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

1. The patients' age will range from 20-45 years, and will be selected from both genders .
2. All patients will have hypertrophic scars after surgeries.
3. The general size of the scars will range from 5 to 7 cm'2

Exclusion Criteria:

1. The patients who will excluded from the study including those with infected post-operative wounds .
2. The patients whose wounds were closed secondarily or healed by secondary intention.
3. patients who are keloid formers.
4. Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus
5. Uncontrolled hypertension.
6. The patients who had a deep venous thrombosis (DVT).
7. Hypersensitivity reaction to Microporous tape.