title: The efficacy of combined herbal extracts gel preparation in the prevention of postsurgical hypertrophic scar formation.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The objective of preventing surgical scar formation is to improve the quality of life for patients. Many medical products have been used in preventing hypertrophic scarring but an optimal treatment method has not been established yet. At the present, there are several studies demonstrating the potential of herbs in scar prevention. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of combined herbal extracts gel (CHG) in the prevention of surgical scar formation.
  
  
  METHODS
  All the patients who underwent bilaterally symmetric surgical procedures were selected using inclusion and exclusion criteria and were then treated with both the CHG (CHG group) and placebo gel. Each gel was applied on separate scars twice daily for 12 weeks. The scars were photographed and evaluated using Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (PSAS and OSAS, respectively).
  
  
  RESULTS
  The CHG-treated scars showed lower median PSAS scores than the placebo group in color, stiffness, thickness, irregularity, and overall scores, with statistically significant difference at 12 weeks. For OSAS, the scars in the CHG group showed lower median scores than the placebo group in pigmentation, thickness, and overall scores at 12 weeks. The median OSAS scores in vascularity, relief, and pliability differed from placebo group and were statistically significant at 8 weeks. No side effects were observed in either group.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The CHG might be effective in the prevention of surgical scarring.
authors: Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand, apirag@gmail.com.
authors: Apirag
authors: A
authors: Chuangsuwanich
authors: Krit
authors: K
authors: Jongjamfa