Surgical techniques for cutaneous scar revision
Authors: Vivek Iyengar, Ida F. Orengo
Journal: Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (2001)

Surgical techniques for cutaneous scar revisionMarwali Harahap, MD, editor, Basel, Switzerland, 2000, Marcel Dekker AG. 475 pages. $195.Surgical Techniques for Cutaneous Scar Revision, edited by Marwali Harahap, is a thorough textbook. A discussion of the dreaded “scar” is a staple of all dermatologist-patient interactions. As a result, the patient's impression of the dermatologic surgeon's competence is primarily based on the scar. Furthermore, as aptly stated in the Foreword, “without fundamental skills in scar revision, patients with scars will turn to other physicians (non-dermatologists) and attorneys for assistance.” For this reason, this book written by multiple internationally recognized cutaneous surgeons is a must read for all budding and current practitioners of skin surgery.The chapters are well referenced, and with few exceptions detailed descriptions of procedures are accompanied by illustrative diagrams and pictures. The biggest drawbacks are the inconsistency in the quality of illustrations between chapters and the lack of color photographs. However, these are minor understandable quibbles with a multiauthored text that is attempting to remain affordable.As part of a series of books written on basic and clinical dermatology, the text has as its aim to be the primary source for fundamental and advanced techniques in scar revision. This goal is achieved by the editor covering all relevant topics from basic scar biology through fundamentals of scar placement and more recent advanced procedures. With individual chapters discussing newer techniques, the book will be a good source for even the experienced dermatologic surgeon looking to expand his or her repertoire of procedures. Furthermore, a section on coping with the psychologic aspects of patients with scars is an important and well-written addition.Surgical Techniques for Cutaneous Scar Revision is an excellent up-to-date reference source. It will undoubtedly be found on the shelves of many future and current practitioners of cutaneous surgery. Surgical techniques for cutaneous scar revision Marwali Harahap, MD, editor, Basel, Switzerland, 2000, Marcel Dekker AG. 475 pages. $195. Surgical Techniques for Cutaneous Scar Revision, edited by Marwali Harahap, is a thorough textbook. A discussion of the dreaded “scar” is a staple of all dermatologist-patient interactions. As a result, the patient's impression of the dermatologic surgeon's competence is primarily based on the scar. Furthermore, as aptly stated in the Foreword, “without fundamental skills in scar revision, patients with scars will turn to other physicians (non-dermatologists) and attorneys for assistance.” For this reason, this book written by multiple internationally recognized cutaneous surgeons is a must read for all budding and current practitioners of skin surgery. The chapters are well referenced, and with few exceptions detailed descriptions of procedures are accompanied by illustrative diagrams and pictures. The biggest drawbacks are the inconsistency in the quality of illustrations between chapters and the lack of color photographs. However, these are minor understandable quibbles with a multiauthored text that is attempting to remain affordable. As part of a series of books written on basic and clinical dermatology, the text has as its aim to be the primary source for fundamental and advanced techniques in scar revision. This goal is achieved by the editor covering all relevant topics from basic scar biology through fundamentals of scar placement and more recent advanced procedures. With individual chapters discussing newer techniques, the book will be a good source for even the experienced dermatologic surgeon looking to expand his or her repertoire of procedures. Furthermore, a section on coping with the psychologic aspects of patients with scars is an important and well-written addition. Surgical Techniques for Cutaneous Scar Revision is an excellent up-to-date reference source. It will undoubtedly be found on the shelves of many future and current practitioners of cutaneous surgery.