Wavy line closure for revision of abdominal scars with suture marks in children

Abstract

Although various methods are available to treat scars, it is difficult to manage those with suture marks that look like fish-bones, mainly because a large amount of tissue between the suture marks must be discarded with the scar. We report the wavy line closure for revision of abdominal scars with suture marks in three children who were operated on for congenital abdominal diseases. The entire scar, including all the suture marks, was excised using an incision consisting of a pair of smoothly waved lines. This incision makes it possible to reduce the tension on the wound by preserving the normal skin between the suture marks, which is followed by fine scars. The resulting wave-shaped scar is less noticeable and more resistant to postoperative contracture than a straight scar.

• Scar revision
• suture mark
• abdominal scar
• wave incision

Notes

Previously presented at the 50th meeting of the Japan Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, April 11-13, 2007, Tokyo, Japan.