Influence of a Silicone Gel (Dermatix®) on Thoracic Scar Formation After Harvesting of Autologous Rib Cartilage

Influence of a Silicone Gel (Dermatix®) on Thoracic Scar Formation After Harvesting of Autologous Rib Cartilage for Standardised Total Ear Reconstruction

So far the evaluation of scar treatment was based on subjective criteria. The patient groups were divided into treated versus non-treated.

In this study we use patients undergoing ear reconstruction with autologous rib cartilage. The thoracic scar of harvesting the rib cartilage is routinely reopened after 3 month during second stage of reconstruction. Therefore we have a ideal model of clinical, physiological and histological scar evaluation in a homologous patient group.

All patients randomly treat one half of the scar with a silicone gel (Dermatix). The other half is untreated as an internal control.

Inclusion Criteria:

• patients with high grade microtia requiring a reconstruction with autologous rib cartilage

Exclusion Criteria:

• diabetes mellitus
• vascular disease
• known allergic reaction to silicone