Effectiveness of dermasanding (manual dermabrasion) on the appearance of surgical scars: a prospective, randomized, blinded study.
BACKGROUND
Dermasanding using sterile sandpaper has been described as a simple treatment for scars but has not been evaluated in a prospective randomized fashion. It could provide a safe, simple, and cost-effective option for the treatment of scars.


OBJECTIVE
Our purpose was to assess the effectiveness of dermasanding on the appearance of surgical scars of the face.


METHODS
We evaluated 15 patients using a blinded, split-scar model. Each scar was divided into 2 equal portions, and half of the scar was treated according to randomized assignment. Scars were treated with dermasanding 6 to 8 weeks after operation. The treatment half was compared with the control half by blinded observers at 3 time points.


RESULTS
Improvement in the treated half of scars was seen in 80% of patients at 6 months (95% confidence interval, 60%-100%), and 47% had an excellent response. In 20% of patients the unsanded side was better.


CONCLUSIONS
Dermasanding is an effective procedure in the treatment of surgical scars.
Poulos
Elena
E
Division of Dermatology, Women's Campus, Sunnybrook and Women's College Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Taylor
Christopher
C
Solish
Nowell
N
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002921:Cicatrix / Q000601:surgery*; D003869:Dermabrasion / Q000379:methods*; D005145:Face / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome