An investigation of the effectiveness of prolonged taping of scars to improve their appaerance following surgery

This study is testing whether applying adhesive tapes across a surgical wound on the torso (chest, abdomen, or back) helps wounds heal with a better-looking, less noticeable scar. Scars on the torso often look worse because the skin is under tension from breathing and movement. Applying tape across the wound after surgery may reduce that tension and allow the skin to heal with less pulling and scarring. One half of the wound will have tape applied and the other half will not, so each patient acts as their own comparison. You may be eligible if: - You are 18 to 80 years of age - You are having minor skin surgery on the torso that will leave a wound at least 8 mm long You may NOT be eligible if: - The wound is on your back and you have no one to help you apply the tape - You have a physical disability that would prevent you from applying the tape - You have a mental disability that prevents you from giving informed consent - You have a chronic cough - You are taking immunosuppressive (immune-reducing) medications - You have a known tendency to develop raised, thick scars (keloid scarring) - You are allergic to sutures, tape, or dressings used in the study - You are having flap surgery or removal of a deep skin lesion Talk to your doctor about whether this trial might be right for you.