A Split-Scar Study Investigating the Effectiveness of Early Intervention With Electroabrasion on Improving the Cosmetic Appearance of Postsurgical Scars.

Background: Electroabrasion, which uses an in-office electrosurgical device, is a method of surgical planning that ablates the skin to the papillary dermis. Several reports demonstrate that intraoperative ablative interventions with lasers or dermabrasion can modulate scar formation more effectively. This investigation uses electroabrasion intraoperatively to mitigate scar formation.

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of intraoperative electroabrasion for scar revision.

Materials And Methods: This was a prospective, randomized, observer-blinded, split-scar study with 24 linear scar segments resulting from primary closures in patients undergoing Mohs micrographic surgery. After placement of dermal sutures, half of the wound was randomly treated with electroabrasion. The other half was used as the control. Scar appearance was assessed by a blinded observer and by the patient using the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale at 1 to 2 weeks, 1 month, and 3 months after surgery.

Results: At the 3-month follow-up, both patient and observer variables measuring scar contour improved on the treated side, whereas erythema was worse. Overall, no difference was seen in total scores between the 2 sides.

Conclusion: Based on this pilot study, scars treated with electroabrasion revealed improved surface topography but worsened erythema. Future studies with more refined electrosurgical settings are needed for further evaluation.