Using a special dressing to improve healing of surgical wounds

Aesthetic Outcome of Tie-over Bolster Application in Surgical Wounds: a Randomized Evaluator-blinded Split-wound Comparative Effectiveness Trial.

Not applicable Interventional University of California, Davis · NCT05758168

This study tests whether a special dressing can help surgical wounds on the head and neck heal better and reduce scarring compared to regular methods.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of California, Davis Academic / other
Locations1 site (Sacramento, California)
Trial IDNCT05758168 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the use of a tie-over bolster dressing applied to surgical wounds on the head and neck to reduce scarring. The bolster dressing is designed to minimize tension on the wound, which can lead to better aesthetic outcomes. Participants will be adults scheduled for cutaneous surgical procedures with primary closure, and they will be monitored for follow-up visits to assess scar formation. The study aims to compare the effectiveness of this dressing against standard wound closure methods.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who are scheduled for surgical procedures on the head or neck with predicted primary closure.

Not a fit: Patients who are under 18, pregnant, or unable to understand written and oral English may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to improved healing and reduced scarring for patients undergoing surgery on the head and neck.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promise with similar tension-reducing methods, indicating potential for success with this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* 18 years of age or older
* Able to give informed consent themselves
* Patient scheduled for cutaneous surgical procedure on the head or neck with predicted primary closure
* Willing to return for follow-up visit

Exclusion Criteria:

* Incarceration
* Under 18 years of age
* Pregnant women
* Unable to understand written and oral English Wounds with predicted closure length less than 3cm

Where this trial is running

Sacramento, California

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions ScarringTie-over Bolster
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.