When wounds are created whether after skin cancer surgery or trauma, scarring will occur. These scars can cause significant emotional and psychological issues for the patient. With skin cancer increasingly affecting a younger population, these scars can also create socioeconomic hardship. The question is how to optimize these scars both on the face and on the rest of the body.

The biology of scarring is well known, yet it has been difficult to alter the molecular aspects of this process to reduce the scar both from both functional and aesthetic aspects. Scar prevention through the proper repair and meticulous surgical technique is an important method for producing acceptable scars. Yet even with precise reconstruction, scars may still result in an unacceptable cosmetic appearance.

Surgical revision has been the traditional mainstay for scar optimization. The most common techniques include Z-plasty; W-plasty; geometric broken line. In dermatologic surgery, less invasive methods such as manual dermabrasion, steroid injections, and silicone sheeting have often been utilized. Lasers, including the carbon dioxide laser, pulse dye laser, and fractionated resurfacing, have also lessened the appearance of scars. Pharmacologic agents from botulinum toxin and over the counter cosmeceuticals have also been used to reduce scars. Despite their common use, most therapies are unproven. We invite authors to present original research articles as well as review articles that will stimulate the continuing efforts to optimize the healing of scars and their appearance. Reviews that summarize the latest clinical trials are also welcomed.

Potential topics include but are not limited to:

• The molecular basis of scars
• The molecular basis for abnormal scarring including keloids
• Clinical trials using molecular agents such as anti-TGF-beta to reduce scarring
• Innovative methods in wound closure such as using botulinum toxin or 2-octyl cyanoacrylate
• Clinical studies or reviews examining the psychosocial issues from scarring particularly after skin cancer surgery
• Clinical studies evaluating the optimal time for scar revision
• Computer-generated models to reduce scarring
• Innovative surgical methods for reducing scars including different anatomic sites
• Innovative light based or radiofrequency treatments
• Clinical studies evaluating topical agents for scar reduction
• Comparison treatments for scar revision including split scar studies

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