The efficacy of combined herbal extracts gel in reducing scar development at a split-thickness skin graft donor site

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of combined herbal extracts in a gel preparation (Cybele® Scagel) in reducing scar development at a split-thickness skin graft donor site. Methods: A prospective, randomized, double-blind control study was performed to evaluate the efficacy of Scagel in 15 patients who underwent a split-thickness skin graft operation. Both Scagel and placebo were applied equally to the donor site within 1 month after complete epithelialization. Scar assessments using the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) and patient self-evaluation were taken at 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks. Results: Of the 15 patients, 10 were enrolled and evaluated in this study. There was no significant difference in each parameter of the VSS. The total VSS was significantly lower in the Scagel group compared to the placebo group after 4 weeks (p = 0.003, 0.003, and <0.001 at 4, 8, and 12 weeks, respectively). The patient satisfaction score in the Cybele® Scagel group was significantly higher (p = 0.002) at the 12-week evaluation. Conclusion: Application of combined herbal extracts in gel preparation might reduce scar development at split-thickness skin graft donor sites. There was a positive trend in the reduction of postinflammatory hyperpigmentation. Level of Evidence IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266. © 2013 Springer Science+Business Media New York and International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.