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Hypertrophic ScarNCT04506255

Silicone Taping for the Improvement of Abdominal Donor Site Scars

A study testing Silicone tape in people with Hypertrophic Scar and Scar, run by Nova Scotia Health Authority at 1 site in Canada.

Recruiting

Looking for participants now. Contact the study team or a site below to ask about taking part.

Sites and contacts
Official record
Search all trials

Trial summary

This study will look at silicone tape compared to the current no dressing standard at the investigators institution, to determine if silicone tape provides a significant improvement in post-abdominoplasty scar appearance. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 to 65 years
Conditions the study is for
Hypertrophic Scar, Scar
What is being tested?
Silicone tape
Type of treatment
Medical device
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
32 participants
Where
1 siteCanada
Study dates
16 Nov 2020to Dec 2026
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
Not yet: the study is under way

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 18 to 65 years
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult, Older adult

Who may be able to join

  • undergoing de novo abdominoplasty procedures as part of their breast reconstruction

Who cannot join

  • patients with a history of collagen disease, connective tissue disorders, psoriasis or lupus
  • patients with scleroderma
  • patients with a history of adverse reaction to adhesives or silicone allergy
  • patients with signs of dehiscence or infection resulting in modification to the experimental or control dressings
  • patients who are unable to care for their incisions
  • patients who are current smokers
  • patients who are currently on steroids.

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.

Jason G Williams, MD contact

902-473-6315

Jason.Williams@nshealth.ca

Emily Burke, MD contact

902-694-8080

Emily.Burke@dal.ca

Canada1 site, 1 recruiting
  • Halifax Infirmary

    Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 3A7

    Jason Williams, 902-473-6315

    Recruiting

Other trials in Canada

About this study

Official title: Silicone Taping for the Improvement of Abdominal Donor Site Scars Following Autologous Breast Reconstruction; A Randomized, Prospective Controlled Trial

This study will look at silicone tape compared to the current no dressing standard at the investigators institution, to determine if silicone tape provides a significant improvement in post-abdominoplasty scar appearance. Silicone tape will be added to half of the abdominoplasty incision of patients undergoing abdominally-based breast reconstruction procedures two weeks after their operation. They will be followed up and assessed at specific timepoints to determine whether the silicone improves scar outcomes in these patients.

Read the detailed description

This is a prospective, single center, masked, randomized self-controlled clinical human trial to evaluate the appearance of abdominal scars after autologous free-flap breast reconstruction following post-operative application of silicone tape to improve scar quality. Incisions from 32 adult subjects will act as their own control and will be randomized to have silicone tape applied to one half of their abdominoplasty incision and control treatment using the current standard of care at the investigators institution to the other half, which is no dressing after the initial two week post-op period. A participant size of 32 leaves room in case of participant loss to follow-up, ensuring data will be available for the required sample size of 28 (see statistical analysis section below). A random number sequence generator will be used to randomize which half of the patient's wound will receive the treatment.

Patients will be recruited from plastic surgery clinics at the Queen Elizabeth II (QEII) Health Sciences Centre in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Plastic surgeons will be asked to participate and enroll their breast reconstruction patients, who will undergo a type of abdominoplasty as part of their reconstruction procedure.

Patients will undergo a de novo abdominoplasty procedure as part of a reconstructive breast surgery. Two weeks post-operatively, one side of the patient's abdominoplasty incision will be randomized to receive the silicone tape and the remaining half will be left to heal without any dressing application, which is the current standard at the investigators institution. Each patient will act as their own control. Patients will apply silicone tape on a daily basis, with each piece lasting 24 hours. Tape may be removed for showers and replied after drying. Total length of treatment will be two and a half months.

It is not possible to mask patients, as they will be responsible for ongoing application of the silicone tape. However, the staff surgeon will be masked. Patients will present to their first post-op visit at two weeks. After examination by the staff surgeon, the patient will be seen by the research coordinator who will provide the patient with their randomization treatment assignment. To ensure ongoing masking, at subsequent follow-up visits, patients will remove their dressings one day prior to their appointment with their surgeon. This will ensure no local reaction (i.e. redness after tape removal) that would compromise the masking of staff surgeons.

Patients will then follow up for scar assessment at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months and 12 months. Unless otherwise required, scar assessments will then be performed at each visit by both the patient and the surgeon using validated objective and subjective scar measures. Patients will also meet with the research coordinator at each follow up visit, to address any questions or concerns about the study and treatment.

The Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (PSAS \& OSAS) system will be used to measure scar appearance. The PSAS and OSAS are tools that the patient uses to assess the scar on color, irregularity, itch, pain, thickness, stiffness and overall opinion, and the surgeon uses to assess pigmentation, pliability, relief, surface area, thickness, vascularity and overall opinion (Appendix A). Of note, only the sum of the components of the OSAS portion of the assessment scale is included to calculate the power and sample size, and will therefore be the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes will include the sum of the components of the PSAS score and the overall scores out of 10 for both the PSAS and OSAS from the patient and masked surgeon.

Being tested
Silicone tape
Keywords
Silicone, Scar, Abdominoplasty, Breast Reconstruction
Medical subject headings
Cicatrix, Hypertrophic, Cicatrix

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Silicone tapeDevice

    Medical grade tape with silicone adhesive

Study groups in NCT04506255
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Silicone tapeExperimentalAdult subjects will act as their own control and will be randomized to have silicone tape applied to one half of their abdominoplasty incision. Patients will apply silicone tape on a daily basis, with each piece lasting 24 hours. Tape may be removed for showers and replied after drying. Total length of treatment will be two and a half months.
Receives: Device: Silicone tape
No dressingNo interventionControl treatment using the current standard of care at our institution to the other half, which is no dressing after the initial two week post-op period, will be used on the other half of the incision for comparison. Each individual patient will act as their own control.

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (PSAS & OSAS) System

    The POSAS is a tool that the patient uses to assess the scar on color, irregularity, itch, pain, thickness, stiffness and overall opinion, and the surgeon uses to assess pigmentation, pliability, relief, surface area, thickness, vascularity and overall opinion. Each component is scored out of 10, with a lower score indicating a better scar. Of note, only the sum of the components of the OSAS portion of the assessment scale is included to calculate the power and sample size, and will therefore be the primary outcome.

    Measured: 6 week follow up, 3 months, 6 months and 12 months.

  2. Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (PSAS & OSAS) System

    The POSAS is a tool that the patient uses to assess the scar on color, irregularity, itch, pain, thickness, stiffness and overall opinion, and the surgeon uses to assess pigmentation, pliability, relief, surface area, thickness, vascularity and overall opinion. Each component is scored out of 10, with a lower score indicating a better scar. Of note, only the sum of the components of the OSAS portion of the assessment scale is included to calculate the power and sample size, and will therefore be the primary outcome.

    Measured: 3 month follow up

  3. Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (PSAS & OSAS) System

    The POSAS is a tool that the patient uses to assess the scar on color, irregularity, itch, pain, thickness, stiffness and overall opinion, and the surgeon uses to assess pigmentation, pliability, relief, surface area, thickness, vascularity and overall opinion. Each component is scored out of 10, with a lower score indicating a better scar. Of note, only the sum of the components of the OSAS portion of the assessment scale is included to calculate the power and sample size, and will therefore be the primary outcome.

    Measured: 6 month follow up

  4. Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (PSAS & OSAS) System

    The POSAS is a tool that the patient uses to assess the scar on color, irregularity, itch, pain, thickness, stiffness and overall opinion, and the surgeon uses to assess pigmentation, pliability, relief, surface area, thickness, vascularity and overall opinion. Each component is scored out of 10, with a lower score indicating a better scar. Of note, only the sum of the components of the OSAS portion of the assessment scale is included to calculate the power and sample size, and will therefore be the primary outcome.

    Measured: 12 month follow up

Secondary outcomes (4)
  1. Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (PSAS & OSAS) System

    Secondary outcomes will include the sum of the components of the PSAS score and the overall scores out of 10 for both the PSAS and OSAS from the patient and masked surgeon. A lower score in each component indicates an improved scar.

    Measured: 6 week follow up

  2. Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (PSAS & OSAS) System

    Secondary outcomes will include the sum of the components of the PSAS score and the overall scores out of 10 for both the PSAS and OSAS from the patient and masked surgeon. A lower score in each component indicates an improved scar.

    Measured: 3 month follow up

  3. Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (PSAS & OSAS) System

    Secondary outcomes will include the sum of the components of the PSAS score and the overall scores out of 10 for both the PSAS and OSAS from the patient and masked surgeon. A lower score in each component indicates an improved scar.

    Measured: 6 month follow up

  4. Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (PSAS & OSAS) System

    Secondary outcomes will include the sum of the components of the PSAS score and the overall scores out of 10 for both the PSAS and OSAS from the patient and masked surgeon. A lower score in each component indicates an improved scar.

    Measured: 12 month follow up

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted10 Aug 2020
  2. Study start16 Nov 2020
  3. Primary completionSep 2026 (estimated)
  4. Study completionDec 2026 (estimated)

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase N/A
Primary purpose
Prevention
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Single group
Model description
This is a prospective, single center, masked, randomized self-controlled clinical human trial to evaluate the appearance of abdominal scars after autologous free-flap breast reconstruction following post-operative application of silicone tape to improve scar quality.
Masking
Double blind
Who is masked
Care provider, Outcomes assessor
Enrolment
32 participants (estimated)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT04506255
Sponsor's protocol ID
1025794
Status last verified
Feb 2025
First submitted
5 Aug 2020
Last updated
18 Feb 2025
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
No

Publications

  • Longaker MT, Rohrich RJ, Greenberg L, Furnas H, Wald R, Bansal V, Seify H, Tran A, Weston J, Korman JM, Chan R, Kaufman D, Dev VR, Mele JA, Januszyk M, Cowley C, McLaughlin P, Beasley B, Gurtner GC. A randomized controlled trial of the embrace advanced scar therapy device to reduce incisional scar formation. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2014 Sep;134(3):536-546. doi: 10.1097/PRS.0000000000000417.

    PubMed 24804638
  • Bleasdale B, Finnegan S, Murray K, Kelly S, Percival SL. The Use of Silicone Adhesives for Scar Reduction. Adv Wound Care (New Rochelle). 2015 Jul 1;4(7):422-430. doi: 10.1089/wound.2015.0625.

    PubMed 26155385
  • Hsu KC, Luan CW, Tsai YW. Review of Silicone Gel Sheeting and Silicone Gel for the Prevention of Hypertrophic Scars and Keloids. Wounds. 2017 May;29(5):154-158.

    PubMed 28570253
  • Sidgwick GP, McGeorge D, Bayat A. A comprehensive evidence-based review on the role of topicals and dressings in the management of skin scarring. Arch Dermatol Res. 2015 Aug;307(6):461-77. doi: 10.1007/s00403-015-1572-0. Epub 2015 Jun 5.

    PubMed 26044054
  • Meaume S, Le Pillouer-Prost A, Richert B, Roseeuw D, Vadoud J. Management of scars: updated practical guidelines and use of silicones. Eur J Dermatol. 2014 Jul-Aug;24(4):435-43. doi: 10.1684/ejd.2014.2356.

    PubMed 25141160
  • Finnerty CC, Jeschke MG, Branski LK, Barret JP, Dziewulski P, Herndon DN. Hypertrophic scarring: the greatest unmet challenge after burn injury. Lancet. 2016 Oct 1;388(10052):1427-1436. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(16)31406-4.

    PubMed 27707499
  • Lorenz HP, Adzick NS. Scarless skin wound repair in the fetus. West J Med. 1993 Sep;159(3):350-5.

    PubMed 8236977
  • Gurtner GC, Werner S, Barrandon Y, Longaker MT. Wound repair and regeneration. Nature. 2008 May 15;453(7193):314-21. doi: 10.1038/nature07039.

    PubMed 18480812
  • Mustoe TA. Evolution of silicone therapy and mechanism of action in scar management. Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2008 Jan;32(1):82-92. doi: 10.1007/s00266-007-9030-9. Epub 2007 Oct 30.

    PubMed 17968615
  • Mustoe TA, Cooter RD, Gold MH, Hobbs FD, Ramelet AA, Shakespeare PG, Stella M, Teot L, Wood FM, Ziegler UE; International Advisory Panel on Scar Management. International clinical recommendations on scar management. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2002 Aug;110(2):560-71. doi: 10.1097/00006534-200208000-00031.

    PubMed 12142678
  • O'Brien L, Jones DJ. Silicone gel sheeting for preventing and treating hypertrophic and keloid scars. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2013 Sep 12;2013(9):CD003826. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD003826.pub3.

    PubMed 24030657
  • van de Kar AL, Corion LU, Smeulders MJ, Draaijers LJ, van der Horst CM, van Zuijlen PP. Reliable and feasible evaluation of linear scars by the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2005 Aug;116(2):514-22. doi: 10.1097/01.prs.0000172982.43599.d6.

    PubMed 16079683
  • Draaijers LJ, Tempelman FR, Botman YA, Tuinebreijer WE, Middelkoop E, Kreis RW, van Zuijlen PP. The patient and observer scar assessment scale: a reliable and feasible tool for scar evaluation. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2004 Jun;113(7):1960-5; discussion 1966-7. doi: 10.1097/01.prs.0000122207.28773.56.

    PubMed 15253184
  • Truong PT, Lee JC, Soer B, Gaul CA, Olivotto IA. Reliability and validity testing of the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale in evaluating linear scars after breast cancer surgery. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2007 Feb;119(2):487-94. doi: 10.1097/01.prs.0000252949.77525.bc.

    PubMed 17230080
  • Fearmonti R, Bond J, Erdmann D, Levinson H. A review of scar scales and scar measuring devices. Eplasty. 2010 Jun 21;10:e43.

    PubMed 20596233

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Silicone tape in people with Hypertrophic Scar and Scar, run by Nova Scotia Health Authority at 1 site in Canada.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 1 inclusion and 7 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 18 Feb 2025. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in Canada. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

Contact Jason G Williams, MD (902-473-6315, Jason.Williams@nshealth.ca), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (PSAS & OSAS) System (time frame: 6 week follow up, 3 months, 6 months and 12 months.). The study lists 4 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?

On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT04506255, which also lists 19 linked publications.

Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 18 Feb 2025.

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