ABSTRACT
Some individuals heal better than others but the quality of the final scar is unpredictable. Body site is important – areas such as the chest are more likely to produce hypertrophic scars, and the lower legs heal much more slowly than the upper body. The principles are the same for all procedures in which the full thickness of the skin is removed. The overall impact will be much less with small procedures but it is important to be aware that although good results are the norm it is possible to have complications from minimal surgical intervention. Wound infections, wound dehiscence and hypertrophic scars are not infrequent. The best-known drug that promotes bleeding is warfarin, and a large number of people take it. It is important to have a blood test, usually within 48 hours before surgery, to make sure the blood is not too thin and likely to create bleeding problems.
