Scar recollagenation

Objectives: This study was designed to show that native collagen could be regenerated in an area of prior tissue loss. Study Design: Prospective. Methods: Preserved, irradiated human cadaver fascia lata was inserted intradermally to restore topographic skin irregularities. Graft insertion was performed through a skin perforation created by a sterile, hypodermic 20-gauge needle hole into an intradermal pocket. Eighteen subjects with posttraumatic depressions were treated over a 13-month period and examined periodically afterward Biopsies of selected sites were taken. Results: Of the 44 defects treated in the study group, 14 were judged to be excellent or resolved, 23 were improved, and seven were unchanged at 24 weeks' follow-up. Biopsies showed graft preservation and fibroblast invasion at 12 weeks. Discussion: Recollagenation is the application of a stimulator material into an area of prior collagen destruction to induce collagen production. Commonly, banked human cadaver fascia has been used to enhance the tissue volume in depressed acne scars, but this process has been successfully performed on a variety of postinflammatory and posttraumatic lesions. The process of fascia graft assimilation into human skin is demonstrated histologically. Conclusion: Recollagenation is an effective process for elevation of depressed, posttraumatic scars.