Core extirpation of post-burn hypertrophic scar of the auricle.

Oh, Se Won; Chung, Chul Hoon; Burm, Jin Sik; Oh, Suk Joon

Original Article

Journal of the Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons 1998;25(4):628-632.
Published online June 1, 1998.

Core extirpation of post-burn hypertrophic scar of the auricle.

Se Won Oh, Chul Hoon Chung, Jin Sik Burm, Suk Joon Oh

Abstract

Hypertrophic scarring is common in burn patients. The treatment of such scarring is difficult, and recurrence of the hypertrophic change after scar revision is not uncommon. It has been done intramarginal excision to diminish the chances of recurrent hypertrophic scarring. Core scars in the auricle are easily separated from auricular cartilage and overlying soft tissue because there is loose areolar tissue between them. We therefore reviewed our experience with core extirpation of post-burn hypertrophic scars in the auricle. Between June 14, 1991, and August 6, 1994, we excised 10 hypertrophic scars in the auricle in 5 burn patients. Core extirpations of hypertrophic scars were performed under local anesthesia with longitudinal incision along long axis of scars. The wounds were closed directly in one layer after marginal trimming. We observed that core extirpation yielded good results in post-burn hypertrophic scars in the auricles.