Littekenvolume

Littekenvolume is a term used in dermatology and plastic surgery to describe the three‑dimensional amount of scar tissue in a given area, relative to surrounding healthy skin. It accounts for both volume loss in atrophic scars and volume gain in raised scars such as hypertrophic scars or keloids. Assessing scar volume helps gauge cosmetic and functional impact and informs treatment planning, particularly in burns, trauma, and reconstructive procedures.

Measurement and assessment of littekenvolume combine clinical evaluation with quantitative techniques. Clinically, clinicians assess height, contour, and pliability of the scar. Quantitative methods include 3D surface imaging, laser profilometry, and, in some cases, ultrasound or MRI to compute the volumetric difference between the scar and adjacent tissue. Consistent measurement is important for tracking treatment outcomes and comparing results across patients or studies.

Clinical relevance and management. Knowing the scar volume supports decisions about contouring and restoration of tissue. Treatments aimed at adjusting scar volume include fat grafting or dermal fillers to augment depressed areas, and surgical debulking or release for overly bulky scars. In raised scars, adjunctive therapies such as laser treatment, corticosteroid injections, or other modalities may help remodel tissue and reduce volume. Noninvasive approaches like silicone therapy or pressure therapy may complement volume-focused interventions for selected scars.

Time course and prognosis. Scar volume evolves during wound remodeling, typically changing most in the first months to a year after injury. Standardized volume assessment is an area of ongoing research, with the goal of improving comparability and guiding objective treatment decisions.