Effectiveness of dermasanding (manual dermabrasion) on the appearance of surgical scars: a prospective, randomized, blinded study.

Abstract

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. Our purpose was to assess the effectiveness of dermasanding on the appearance of surgical scars of the face. 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. 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. Dermasanding is an effective procedure in the treatment of surgical scars.