De Leon J, Wali M, Romanos GE. Beveled vs. Perpendicular Incisions and The Effects on Wound Healing: A Review.
SURGERY IN PRACTICE AND SCIENCE 2023;
15:100226. [PMID:
39844815 PMCID:
PMC11749916 DOI:
10.1016/j.sipas.2023.100226]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2025] Open
Abstract
Proper surgical technique is crucial for optimizing wound healing and reducing scar tissue formation. There are numerous measures a surgeon can take to improve wound healing; however, the angle of the incision made at the surgical site has been suggested to potentially play a role in wound healing, particularly between beveled and perpendicular incisions.
Objectives
The goal of this study was to analyze the literature and observe whether a discrepancy exists between using beveled vs perpendicular incisions in surgical procedures, as well as to understand the relationship between incision angles and physiologic wound healing.
Methods
Google Scholar, Pubmed, and MEDLINE searches regarding incision techniques were made to find relevant articles in the fields of plastic surgery, dermatologic surgery, periodontal surgery, and ophthalmic surgery which included studies from 2004 to 2023. The exclusion criteria consisted of studies that did not have a comparative design and/or were not revolved around incision angle.
Results
After filtering out irrelevant studies, we selected six studies that addressed the dichotomy between beveled and perpendicular incisions. Out of the six studies, four were in favor of beveled incisions, and the remaining studies either found no significant difference or reported benefits to some degree of using perpendicular cuts.
Discussion
The literature seems to suggest that beveled incisions have an advantage over perpendicular incisions in wound healing, particularly in the aspects of esthetic and accelerated wound healing. This is potentially due to the increased surface area of the dermis, preservation of hair follicles, and decreased incidence of infection.
Conclusion
Although the literature seems to favor beveled incisions, a definitive conclusion cannot be made as there is not sufficient evidence to support the superiority of one incision type over the other.
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