The Use of Collagen-Glycosaminoglycan Copolymer (Integra) for the Repair of Hypertrophic Scars and Keloids

Abstract

Integra dermal matrix (Integra Life Sciences Corp., Plainsboro, NJ) was introduced in 1981, and its use in acute surgical burns is well established. However, Integra also has been found to be useful in the surgical treatment of scars. The Integra neodermis is placed at the time of scar excision and then overgrafted several weeks later with a very thin (6/1000-inch) skin graft. The stabilized matrix appears to resist recurrence better than traditional skin grafts, which have a reported recurrence rate of 59%. Many surgeons have had anecdotal success using Integra for both hypertrophic and keloidal scars. This case series presents several patients who underwent reconstructive surgery with the use of Integra to treat their debilitating scar formation. None of the patients developed significant scar morbidity at the donor site when the skin was harvested for grafting during the second stage of the procedure. All patients had documented success with improved appearance, range of motion, and skin quality.

Circular Dichroism Spectroscopy of Collagen Fibrillogenesis: A New Use for an Old Technique

“…It is a major component of scaffolds for tissue engineering (1,2) and in vitro cell substrates for studying cell adhesion (3), migration (4), and differentiation (5). Many implantable materials that are commonly used for the treatment of burns (6) and scars (7) are collagen based. Cosmetic companies produce a variety of collagen creams and injections as anti-aging treatments (8).…”

Use of Integra® in the Treatment of Third Degree Burns to the Penile Shaft: A Case Series With 6-Month Follow-Up

“…9,[11][12][13] The results have been so promising with respect to minimal scar formation that there are reports of using Integra as treatment of previously formed hypertrophic scars with good success. 14 Histological samples from patients grafted with Integra show that the newly laid collagen is indistinguishable from the normal collagen. 15,16 The artifi- cial skin matrix is eventually replaced with new host dermis.…”

Biologic dressings

“…This quality supports its use in keloid repair. 15 Alloderm is an acellular dermal matrix device derived from human cadaveric skin. It has been screened for transmissible agents, and cells that may induce rejection have been removed.…”