Objective- To evaluate glycerin and high absorption polymer dressings in post-operative wounds for the following parameters: time of healing, post-op complications, prevention and quality of scars.

Methodology- A prospective, random and single blind clinical study was done on 102 patients, operated consecutively for a period of 8 months. The patients were randomized in two groups: Group A- Patients treated with glycerin and high absorption poymer dressings, immediately after surgery and up to 6 weeks. Group B- Control group treated with conventional dressings in immediate post-op and up to 6 weeks.

Results- A significant reduction in the number of post-op complications was observed, up to 50% on the second to the 12th day post-op, showing reduced hyperemia and improved cosmetic results. Dressings did not adhere to wound or newly formed cicatrization.

Conclusion- Use of this type of dressings, in our plastic surgery procedures, did improve patient outcome in almost all cases. Time of healing was reduced up to 50% less than with coventional dressings and there was a 92% overall reduction in post-op complications. These new glycerin and high absorption strip dressings reduce hyperthropic scarring as well as silicone products and carried a much lower cost to our facilities and patients.