SCAR MANAGEMENT

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SCAR MANAGEMENTCOMPRESSION GARMENTS

• Carol Amos
• August 2004

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SCAR MANAGEMENT

• 3 MAJOR INFLUENCES ON SCAR TISSUE FOR A
  SUCCESSFUL COSMETIC OUTCOME
• PATIENTS SKIN TYPE
• SURGICAL TECHNIQUE
• POST OPERATIVE CARE

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PATIENTS SKIN TYPE3 types of scarring

• Normal scar tissue
• Hypertrophic scar tissue
• Keloid scars

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SURGICAL TECHNIQUE

• Appropriately skilled surgeon for type of surgery
  to be performed
• Appropriate atraumatic suture for specific area
  of body
• Appropriate surgical closure to reduce tension on
  wound

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POST OPERATIVE CARE

• Timely removal of sutures
• Support for the scar in early stages-dressings
  and steri strips
• Long term scar support
• MASSAGE

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BENEFITS OF MASSAGE

• Decreases the inflammatory phase
• Breaks down Blocks off scar tissue
• Increases Capillary Proliferation healing
• Assists in de-sensitization of scars
• Re-hydrates scar tissue

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METHOD OF MASSAGE

• Commence 1 week after the removal of sutures-only
  if wound is fully healed
• Start gently and increase until after the 1st
  week the massage is as firm as possible.
• Must be continued for 3 months and done at least
  2-3 times per day for 5-10 minutes
• Type of Moisturiser used is not important to the
  outcome.

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HYPERTROPHIC AND KELOID SCARS

• Scar reduction silicone dressings
• Must be used for a period of months
• Can be expensive
• Directions for use must be adhered to
• Discontinue if adverse effects to surrounding skin

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COMPRESSION GARMENTS

• Creates Faster Wound Healing
• Controls swelling
• Increases Blood Flow to the wound
• Supports the scar, skin, muscle and fat
• Reduces risk of complications

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IMPORTANCE OF ESPECIALLY DESIGNED GARMENTS

• Garments without a crotch not necessary to
  remove them during the day
• Zippered sides easy to put on.
• Stretch fabric engineered especially for post
  operative garments- Latex free
• Cooler and dryer- more comfortable and helps
  healing
• Better compression