title: Optimal elective scalp incision design.
abstract: Scalp incisions of an elective nature are commonly used as an approach in upper cranial maxillofacial surgery. Similarly, isolated linear parietal incisions are occasionally used to harvest outer table calvarial bone grafts. Although morbidity from these incisions is generally minimal, there is a tendency, particularly when a scar is widened, for it to be more visible if it is of a linear nature. In this review we will present our results with 16 consecutive patients in which a geometric pattern incision was used instead of a straight incision in hopes of improving the ultimate appearance of this scar. We have found that, in general, incisions made in a geometric fashion are less noticeable than traditional linear elective scalp incisions. This is particularly true when there was widening of the scar.
authors.affiliation: Division of Otolaryngology, Department of Surgery, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM 87131-5341, USA.
authors.forename: J L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Frodel
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Mabrie
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D017439:Cicatrix, Hypertrophic / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004954:Esthetics; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019647:Oral Surgical Procedures; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D012535:Scalp / Q000601:surgery*; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000502:physiology*