Singer et al reported a score for evaluation appearance of a scar. The authors are from Stony Brook University and the University of Pennsylvania.
Patient selection: scar appearance 1 week to 12 months after surgery
Parameters:
(1) width in mm
(2) vertical extent relative to skin surface
(3) discoloration
(4) suture or staple marks
(5) overall appearance
Parameter
|
Finding
|
Points
|
width in mm
|
<= 2 mm
|
0
|
|
> 2 mm
|
1
|
vertical extent
|
flush
|
0
|
|
elevated
|
1
|
|
depressed
|
1
|
discoloration
|
no
|
0
|
|
yes
|
1
|
suture or staple marks
|
no
|
0
|
|
yes
|
1
|
overall appearance
|
poor
|
1
|
|
excellent to fair
|
0
|
total score =
= SUM(points for 5 parameters)
Interpretation:
• minimum score: 0
• maximum score: 5
• The greater the score the worse the appearance.
• One modification would be to add extra levels. For example, an elevated scar might range from slight to marked.