Ideal Surgical Incision Lines Minimizing Tension: A Proposal Based on Observations of Hypertrophic Scars and Keloids.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Hypertrophic scars and keloids can develop from surgical incisions. These pathologic scars grow progressively due to chronic dermal inflammation, which is exacerbated by skin tension. Postsurgical wound tension can be mitigated by various surgical tactics. One underrecognized aspect is surgical incision orientation. Here, we discuss the principles underlying existing surgical incision line systems, including Langer and Pinkus lines, and propose a new system based on our observations of pathological scar growth.

Methods

We review the biological mechanisms that drive pathological scar growth, describe existing surgical incision line systems and their limitations, and propose our "ideal surgical incision line" system.

Results

Keloids grow in the direction of p

SUBMITTER: Huang C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12714326 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature