The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the collagen type I/III ratio and scarring in patients who underwent immediate reconstruction with the round block technique (RBT) after breast conservation surgery. Seventy-eight patients were included, and demographic and clinical characteristics were recorded. The collagen type I/III ratio was measured using immunofluorescence staining and digital imaging, and scarring was assessed using the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS). The mean VSS scores were 1.92 ± 2.01 and 1.79 ± 1.89, as assessed by two independent plastic surgeons, with good reliability of the scores. A significant positive correlation was found between VSS and the collagen type I/III ratio (r = 0.552, p < 0.01), and a significant negative correlation was found between VSS and the collagen type III content (r = −0.326, p < 0.05). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that the collagen type I/III ratio had a significant positive effect on VSS (β = 0.415, p = 0.028), whereas the collagen type I and collagen type III content had no significant effect on VSS. These findings suggest that the collagen type I/III ratio is associated with scar development in patients undergoing RBT after breast conservation surgery. Further research is needed to develop a patient-specific scar prediction model based on genetic factors affecting the collagen type I/III ratio.

Surgical-site infection (SSI) is a common postoperative complication, primarily caused by Staphylococcus aureus. S aureus produces hyaluronidase which degrades hyaluronic acid (HA). HA prevents bacterial proliferation and has anti-inflammatory effects to promote wound healing. We evaluated the effect of HA injection with systemic antibiotics for prevention and treatment of SSIs caused by S aureus. An open wound was created on the dorsum of 40 rats. The wound bed was sutured with S aureus inoculated thread. The test group was injected with HA (HA group), and the control group received a subcutaneous injection of normal saline (NS group). All groups were then treated with intraperitoneal cefazolin injection. The sutures were removed 2 days after the procedure. Gross pathology, bacterial count, and wound histology were assessed at days 2, 4, 6, and 8 postprocedure. The HA group showed a significant reduction in the wound area compared with the control group on gross pathology (at days 8 postprocedure, 36.54% ± 6.12% vs 50.59% ± 5.50%, P < .001). The HA group showed significantly better wound healing than the control group on histological analysis, including assessment of abscess, neutrophilic infiltration, and necrosis (4.2 ± 1.2 vs 11.5 ± 2.1, P < .001). The HA group showed a lower bacterial count compared with the NS group, but the result was not significant statistically (at days 6 postprocedure, 5.11 ± 0.31 vs 5.91 ± 0.35 logCFU/mL, P = .706). In conclusion, immediate local injection of HA in wounds can reduce SSI occurrence and promote wound healing in an animal model.

Postoperative scars inevitably occur after surgical procedures and can impact both aesthetic and functional aspects of healing. With advancements in medical research, various strategies have been developed to prevent and manage surgical scars. This review explores mechanisms of wound healing, the classification of postoperative scars, and the latest approaches in scar prevention and treatment. The wound healing process consists of the following phases: hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and maturation. Understanding this process is essential for effective scar management. Factors such as tension, infection, and individual patient characteristics can influence scar formation. Preventive strategies, including optimal suture techniques, taping methods, silicone therapy, and corticosteroid injections, have demonstrated significant benefits in minimizing scar severity. Additionally, advanced treatments such as laser therapy and surgical scar revision techniques, including Z-plasty and W-plasty, offer effective solutions for improving established scars. Relaxed skin tension lines in surgical planning also play a crucial role in minimizing scar prominence. Evidence suggests that a multidisciplinary approach that integrates prevention and treatment modalities can optimize wound healing and improve patient outcomes. Implementing these evidence-based strategies can significantly improve postoperative scar management, ultimately enhancing both functional and cosmetic results for patients.

Yi HS. Arch Craniofac Surg. 2015 Aug;16(2):58-62. http://dx.doi.org/10.7181/acfs.2015.16.2.58

Background Several oncoplastic approaches have been implemented in recent years to enhance cosmetic results and to reduce complications. The round block technique is a volume displacement technique for breast reconstruction after breast-conserving surgery (BCS). However, its indications are currently limited according to tumor location, and its cosmetic results and complications have not been clearly established. We hypothesized that the round block technique could produce favorable cosmetic results without major complications regardless of tumor location or nipple-tumor distance, below a certain resected tumor volume and tumor-breast volume ratio. Methods All breast reconstructions using the round block technique after BCS were included in this analysis. Patients’ data were reviewed retrospectively to investigate complications during follow-up, and clinical photos were used to evaluate cosmetic results. The relationships of tumor location, nipple-tumor distance, tumor volume, and the tumor-breast volume ratio with cosmetic results were investigated. Results In total, 108 breasts were reconstructed. The mean resected tumor volume was 30.2±15.0 mL. The cosmetic score was 4.5±0.6 out of 5. Tumor location, nipple-tumor distance, tumor volume, tumor-breast volume ratio, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy had no significant effects on cosmetic results or complications. There were no major complications requiring reoperation. Conclusions Breast reconstruction using the round block technique after BCS can lead to good cosmetic results without major complications regardless of the tumor location, nipple-tumor distance, radiotherapy, or chemotherapy. Below the maximum tumor volume (79.2 mL) and the maximum tumor-breast volume ratio (14%), favorable results were consistently obtained.