Undermining Apices in Surgical Wounds

When patients have surgery on the neck, trunk, arms, or legs, stitches are the standard way to close the wound. Wounds always result in a scar, but doctors are always looking for ways to reduce scarring. Several studies have been done to test ways to close wounds that reduce scarring. One idea is to reduce the tension around the cut. One way to reduce tension is to free up the skin around the wound. This procedure is also called "undermining". Some studies have shown that freeing up the skin near the tips of the wound, called the "apices," is helpful for improving the cosmetic outcome of scars. This study will investigate if there are any differences in the appearances of the scar if one tip is undermined and the other is not.

Inclusion Criteria:18 years of age or olderAble to give informed consent themselvesPatient scheduled for cutaneous surgical procedure on the neck, trunk, and extremities with predicted primary closureWilling to return for follow-up visitExclusion Criteria:IncarcerationUnder 18 years of agePregnant womenUnable to understand written and oral EnglishWounds with predicted closure length less than 3cm