Could a gauze pad make scars less noticeable? new trial tests 'tie-over' trick
NCT ID NCT05758168
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Sep 16, 2026 · Updated 2 times
Summary
This study tests whether adding a special gauze dressing (called a tie-over bolster) on top of regular stitches can reduce scarring after surgery on the head or neck. Sixty adults will have their wound closed normally, then half the wound gets the extra bolster. Doctors and patients will rate the scar months later to see if the bolstered side looks better.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- tie-over bolster dressing (a gauze pad stitched over the wound)
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this simple extra dressing could become a standard way to improve scar appearance after surgery on the head or neck.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage trial with only 60 people. The benefit may be minor or not apply to other body areas. There is a small risk of infection or discomfort from the extra stitches.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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50 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Oct 2023
- Expected to finish
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Dec 2026
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 years and older
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
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Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * 18 years of age or older * Able to give informed consent themselves * Patient scheduled for cutaneous surgical procedure on the head or neck with predicted primary closure * Willing to return for follow-up visit Exclusion Criteria: * Incarceration * Under 18 years of age * Pregnant women * Unable to understand written and oral English Wounds with predicted closure length less than 3cm
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
The full official record for this study. This one lists no contact details, but it is the first place any would appear.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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University of California, Davis - Dermatology Department
Sacramento, California, 95816, United States
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