Background: Optimum postsurgical healing requires appropriate dressing use.
Objective: This study assessed effectiveness and tolerance of a novel, hydrocellular dressing in dermatologic surgery using validated tools, describing its use in clinical practice, and comparing surgeons' and patients' perceptions of scar evolution.
Methods: This study examined direct suture closures of surgical excisions of small- to medium-sized skin lesions on the extremities or trunk. Dressings were changed 3 times/week. The Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) and the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scales (POSAS) were used to assess outcomes. Data were collected at Day 0 (D0, FLC application), Day 15 to 21 (D15-21, suture removal), and Day 45 (D45) postprocedure by the surgeon and the patient.
Results: There were 128 patients (mean age: 55.1 years, 56.1% women). Mean length and width of the excisions were 3.5 × 1.65 cm and the most common FLC applied was 8 × 8 cm (67.7%). Most scars had normal pigmentation, pliability, and height at D15 to 21 and D45, as reported by patients and surgeons using VSS. Patient scores on visual analog scale (VAS) were high (>8/10) and global satisfaction measured by POSAS was generally high (>7/10 at D15-21; >8/10 at D45).
Conclusion: These dressings were effective in managing surgical excisions, as assessed by VSS, VAS, and POSAS. Further controlled studies investigating various dressings in wound repair are needed.