Outcomes of partial thickness skin graft donor site scar in patients treated with standard therapy versus. massage therapy.

Abstract

Objective: To compare the donor site scar outcomes of partial thickness skin graft in patients treated with standard therapy versus massage therapy. Study Design: Randomized Controlled study. Setting: Burns and plastic surgery center, Peshawar. Period: 15^th January 2025 15 July 2025. Methods: A randomized controlled study was conducted on 60 patients in Burns and plastic surgery center, Peshawar over a period of 6 months. They were divided two groups with 30 patients in each; Group A patients were treated with petroleum jelly only and Group B patients received massage therapy that is friction therapy for 30 minutes. Scar outcome was assessed using Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) at 12 weeks post operative time. Results: Both groups showed improvement in scar parameter. Group B showed significantly better VSS scores (1.9 ± 1.06) than Group A (4.3 ± 1.12), p < 0.001. Pliability of scar improved more in Group B followed by height of scar. Vascularity is improved moderately and Pigmentation differences were minimal between groups. Conclusion: Massage therapy improves partial thickness skin graft donor site scar outcomes in terms of scar pliability and height and it can be helpful adjunct in postoperative period. Patient education about treatment, their compliance largely affects the treatment outcome.