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
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