Scar formation following excisional and burn injuries in a red Duroc pig model

Scar research is challenging because rodents do not naturally form excessive scars, and burn depth, size, and location cannot be controlled in human longitudinal studies. The female, red Duroc pig model has been shown to form robust scars with biological and anatomical similarities to human hypertrophic scars. To more closely mimic the mode of injury, recreate the complex chemical milieu of the burn wound environment and enhance scar development, an animal model of excessive burn‐induced scarring was developed and compared with the more commonly used model, which involves excisional wounds created via dermatome. Standardized, full‐thickness thermal wounds were created on the dorsum of female, red Duroc pigs. Wounds for the dermatome model were created using two different total dermatome settings: ～1.5 mm and ≥ 1.9 mm. Results from analysis over 150 days showed that burn wounds healed at much slower rate and contracted more significantly than dermatome wounds of both settings. The burn scars were hairless, had mixed pigmentation, and displayed fourfold and twofold greater excess erythema values, respectively, compared with ～1.5 mm and ≥ 1.9 mm deep dermatome injuries. Burn scars were less elastic, less pliable, and weaker than scars resulting from excisional injuries. Decorin and versican gene expression levels were elevated in the burn group at day 150 compared with both dermatome groups. In addition, transforming growth factor‐beta 1 was significantly up‐regulated in the burn group vs. the ～1.5 mm deep dermatome group at all time points, and expression remained significantly elevated vs. both dermatome groups at day 150. Compared with scars from dermatome wounds, the burn scar model described here demonstrates greater similarity to human hypertrophic scar. Thus, this burn scar model may provide an improved platform for studying the pathophysiology of burn‐related hypertrophic scarring, investigating current anti‐scar therapies, and development of new strategies with greater clinical benefit.     

Thermal injury model in the rabbit ear with quantifiable burn progression and hypertrophic scar

Hypertrophic scar is a major clinical outcome of deep‐partial thickness to full thickness thermal burn injury. Appropriate animal models are a limitation to burn research due to the lack of, or access to, animal models which address the endpoint of hypertrophic scar. Lower species, such as rodents, heal mainly by contracture, which limits the duration of study. Higher species, such as pigs, heal more similarly to humans, but are associated with high cost, long duration for scar development, challenges in quantifying scar hypertrophy, and poor manageability. Here, we present a quantifiable deep‐partial thickness burn model in the rabbit ear. Burns were created using a dry‐heated brass rod for 10 and 20 seconds at 90 °C. At the time of eschar excision on day 3, excisional wounds were made on the contralateral ear for comparison. Burn wound progression, in which the wound size expands over time is a major distinction between excisional and thermal injuries, was quantified at 1 hour and 3 days after the injuries using calibrated photographs and histology and the size of the wounds was found to be unchanged from the initial wound size at 1 hour, but 10% in the 20 seconds burn wounds at 3 days. A quantifiable hypertrophic scar, measured by histology as the scar elevation index, was present in both 20 seconds burn wounds and excisional wounds at day 35. ImageJ measurements revealed that the 20 seconds burn wound scars were 22% larger than the excisional wound scars and the 20 seconds burn scar area measurements from histology were 26% greater than in the excisional wound scar. The ability to measure both burn progression and scar hypertrophy over a 35‐day time frame suits this model to screening early intervention burn wound therapeutics or scar treatments in a burn‐specific scar model.     

Topical silicone gel for the prevention and treatment of hypertrophic scar

We studied the effects of a silicone gel bandage that was worn for at least 12 hours daily on the resolution of hypertrophic burn scar. In a second cohort, the prevention of hypertrophic scar formation in fresh surgical incisions by this bandage was also evaluated. In 19 patients with hypertrophic burn scars, elasticity of the scars was quantitated serially with the use of an elastometer. An adjacent or mirror-image hypertrophic burn scar served as a control. Scar elasticity was increased after both 1 and 2 months compared with that in controls. There was corresponding improvement clinically that persisted for at least 6 months. In the other cohort, scar volume changes in 21 surgical incisions were measured before and after 1 and 2 months. Gel-treated incisions gained less volume than control incisions after both intervals. Clinical assessment corroborated this quantitative demonstration of a decrement in scar volume. We concluded that topical silicone gel is efficacious, both in the prevention and in the treatment of hypertrophic scar.     

Oxymatrine promotes hypertrophic scar repair through reduced human scar fibroblast viability,collagen and induced apoptosis via autophagy inhibition

Scars are common complications of burns and trauma, resulting in mental trauma, physical pain, and a heavy financial burden for patients. Specific and effective anti‐scarring drugs are lacking in clinical practice. Phytochemicals are easily accessible, low in toxicity, and have various biological and pharmacological properties. Oxymatrine is a phytochemical that regulates autophagy networks. Autophagy is closely related to the maintenance, activity, differentiation, and life‐death of skin fibroblasts during wound repair, which results in pathological scars. We hypothesised that oxymatrine may promote hypertrophic scar repair by inhibiting fibroblast autophagy. In vitro studies showed that inhibition of autophagy by oxymatrine decreased viability and collagen metabolism, and increased apoptosis of human scar fibroblasts (HSFs). In vivo studies showed that inhibition of autophagy by oxymatrine promoted scar repair, resulting in a significantly improved final outcome of the hypertrophic scars, a smaller scar area, decreased epidermal and dermal thickness, and a significant downregulation of CK10, P63, collagen I, α‐SMA, and TGF‐β1. In summary, oxymatrine promoted hypertrophic scar repair by decreasing HSF viability and collagen, and inducing apoptosis via autophagy inhibition. This study provides a new perspective on the mechanism of hypertrophic burn scar formation, as well as key scientific data for the application of the phytochemical oxymatrine as a new method for the prevention and treatment of hypertrophic scars.     

Epidemiology and risk factors for pathologic scarring after burn wounds

OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical characteristics of postburn scars and determine the independent risk factors specific to these patients. While burns may generate widespread and disfiguring scars and have a dramatic influence on patient quality of life, the prevalence of postburn pathologic scarring is not well documented, and the impact of certain risk factors is poorly understood. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted of the clinical records of 703 patients (2440 anatomic burn sites) treated at the Turin Burn Outpatient Clinic between January 1994 and May 15, 2006. Prevalence and evolution time of postburn pathologic scarring were analyzed with univariate and multivariate risk factor analysis by sex, age, burn surface and full-thickness area, cause of the burn, wound healing time, type of burn treatment, number of surgical procedures, type of surgery, type of skin graft, and excision and graft timing. RESULTS: Pathologic scarring was diagnosed in 540 patients (77%): 310 had hypertrophic scars (44%); 34, contractures (5%); and 196, hypertrophic-contracted scars (28%). The hypertrophic induction was assessed at a median of 23 days after reepithelialization and lasted 15 months (median). A nomogram, based on the multivariate regression model, showed that female sex, young age, burn sites on the neck and/or upper limbs, multiple surgical procedures, and meshed skin grafts were independent risk factors for postburn pathologic scarring (Dxy 0.30). CONCLUSION: The identification of the principal risk factors for postburn pathologic scarring not only would be a valuable aid in early risk stratification but also might help in assessing outcomes adjusted for patient risk.     

The correlation of in vivo burn scar contraction with the level of α-smooth muscle actin expression

This study describes the direct association of in vivo burn scar contraction with the level of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) in scar tissue, in a porcine burn model. The expression of α-SMA was investigated in 100 biopsies from 44 6-week old burn scars and in 85 biopsies from 16 2-week old burn wounds. Statistical analysis showed that the levels of α-SMA in 6-week old scars were significantly negatively correlated to scar size (r = −0.68) and the higher levels of α-SMA were observed in smaller scars. Moreover, α-SMA was also found to be significantly positively correlated to re-epithelialisation time (r = 0.57) and scar thickness (r = 0.58) and higher levels of α-SMA were detected in thicker scars with delayed wound closure. Further statistical analysis revealed that scar contraction can be explained best by the level of α-SMA expression and partially by scar thickness. Other variables, such as different dressings and individual pig, may also partly contribute to scar contraction. At week 2 after-burn, the level of α-SMA expression in 16 burn wounds was significantly related to the depth of burns and wound healing outcome. To our knowledge, this is the first study to provide in vivo evidence of the association of α-SMA expression with scar contraction, scar thickness, re-epithelialisation time and the depth of burn in a large animal burn model with scars similar to human hypertrophic scar.     

The importance of biomechanics and the kinetic chains of human movement in the development and treatment of burn scars – A narrative review with illustrative cases

BackgroundBurn scars are a major clinical sequelae of severe burn wound healing. To effectively establish a successful treatment plan and achieve durable results, understanding the pathophysiology of scar development is of utmost importance.MethodsA narrative review of the principles of the kinematic chain of movement and the hypothesised effect on burn scar development based on properties of burn scars was performed. An examination of the literature supporting these concepts is presented in conjunction with illustrative cases, with a particular focus on the effect of combination treatments that include ablative fractional resurfacing with surgical contracture releases.DiscussionAblative fractional resurfacing combined with the surgical release of contractures are an effective treatment modality for burn scar reconstruction. This treatment approach seems particularly effective because it is one of the only approaches where the principles of functional kinematics can be addressed when tailoring a reconstructive approach to an individual burn patient. The presented cases illustrate the importance of recognising and including the principles of functional kinematic chains in any reconstructive treatment approach for burn scars. Further, epifascial contracture bands are cord like structures which can be found underneath the subcutaneous fat of scar contractures which follow the principles of functional kinematics. Contractures can be more efficiently released if these structures are divided as well.ConclusionAblative fractional resurfacing combined with local tissue re-arrangements is a promising approach to address the underlying forces leading to hypertrophic burn scarring. To achieve an optimal outcome, it is essential to recognise and address the origin of the pathology when treating burn scars. Ablative fractional laser resurfacing allows a different scar approach as it is not limited to one surgical site and thus enables for effective treatment at the cause of the pathology.     

Children's post-burn scars in Mongolia

This study aimed to identify some risk factors for post-burn scarring in children aged 0–18 years. One hundred and eighty two participants were involved in this cohort study. Under the age of 18 who were admitted to the Department of Burn Reconstructive Surgery with a diagnosis of upper and lower extremity burns were followed for 6 months. A total of 182 participants (62.1% male, and 37.9% female participants) enrolled in this study. Age ranged from 1 to 17 and the average age was 3.95 ± 3.35. The degree of burn and the anatomical location of the burn had a statistically significant effect on the development of hypertrophic scars. The length of the patient's hospitalisation days and the area of ​​the burn were statistically correlated with wound healing (P = 000, P = .074). For example, the average length of hospitalisation days was 8 ± 5 days in the hypertrophic scars group of patients, and in the group with normal scars, average bed days were 6 ± 3 days (P = .000). Grade IIIb burns increased the risk of hypertrophic scar development by 4.9 times and grade IV burns increased it by 2.5 times. In addition, when the area of burns was 11% or more, the risk of hypertrophic scar development was increased by 58.8%. In the case of wound swab infection, the risk of hypertrophic scar development was 12.4% higher (B = 1.124, 95 EI = 0.55; 2.28, P = .748). Participants' age, burn area and degree of burn are statistically significant risk factors for post-burn scarring in children aged 0–18 years.     

Effect of TGF-beta2 on proliferative scar fibroblast cell kinetics.

Keloids, hypertrophic scars, and burn hypertrophic scars are all forms of proliferative scarring characterized by overabundant matrix formation. Recently these dermal proliferative disorders have been linked clinically to the cytokine transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta), and in vitro tests have shown it to be responsible for the activation of fibroblasts and their production and deposition of collagen. Using an established in vivo animal model of proliferative scarring, the effects of this cytokine, specifically the isoform TGF-beta2, on these scars were examined. Proliferative scar specimens were implanted into athymic, asplenic nude rats and isolated in sandwich island flaps based on the superficial inferior epigastric pedicle. After establishment of the transferred flap, the scars were injected with varying doses of TGF-beta2 or vehicle for 5 consecutive days and then again on days 10, 15, and 20. The specimens were measured weekly during the period of dosing, and a biopsy was acquired on days 30 and 60. Fibroblasts from the explanted biopsies and the original scars were grown in cell culture, and cell proliferation studies were performed and the results compared. There was a dose response to TGF-beta2, with 200 ng showing the greatest effect. From the original scar specimens, keloid scars demonstrated the greatest cell proliferation kinetics--significantly faster than nonburn and burn hypertrophic scars. After treatment with TGF-beta2, both keloids and burn hypertrophic scars showed an increase in their cell proliferation kinetics compared with vehicle alone. This was not demonstrated with the nonburn hypertrophic scars. Elevated levels of TGF-beta2 are a major contributing factor to the process of proliferative scars, but because nonburn hypertrophic scars do not result in an equally increased response to this cytokine, a truly causative role for this cytokine cannot be promulgated. Rather, it is the combination of the proliferative scar fibroblasts' abnormal response to TGF-beta2 stimulation and elevated levels of this cytokine that controls more accurately the process of keloid and burn hypertrophic scar formation.     

The progress of hypertrophic scars monitored by ultrasound measurements of thickness.

Ultrasound scanning was used to measure the thickness of hypertrophic scars following burn injury. Scarred areas on patients receiving pressure therapy were monitored at regular intervals from the initial healing, through the hypertrophic stage, to maturation of the scars. The data, collected over a period of 30 months, allowed a comparison of scar development in children and adults and a comparison of the response at different anatomical sites. Measurements made on individual patients could be related to factors affecting the progress of their hypertrophic areas and provided a useful backup to visual assessment during pressure garment therapy.     

Application of tissue ultrasound palpation system (TUPS) in objective scar evaluation

One of the characteristics of hypertrophic scarring is its raised appearance. Its maturation often results in increased thickness. Therapists usually rely on subjective observation and palpation to document scar thickness. The result of these subjective assessments may reflect only the superficial scar thickness but is unable to measure the whole scar volume and thickness under the skin surface. Measurement of scar thickness using ultrasound imaging has been previously reported, but has not been commonly used in clinics due to its complex operation method and high cost. In this study, we have adopted a newly developed and user-friendly Tissue ultrasound palpation system (TUPS) for the assessment of scar thickness. It consists of a finger size palpation probe, connected to an ultrasound transducer and an in-series load cell to measure the thickness of the soft tissue over the human body. The method of operation is easy and it can be used to measure skin thickness on various parts of the body, thus reflecting the skin thickness. The reliability of the TUPS in clinical application was tested on 30 subjects with a hypertrophic scar at a local hospital. Three raters implemented two assessments on each subject to study its test-retest and inter-rater reliabilities. It was then used to assess 100 subjects with various severity of hypertrophic scar caused by trauma, scald, burn or surgery. They were assessed using TUPS as well as the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) for rating scar thickness, pliability, pigmentation and vascularity. Two-way mixed intra-class correlation showed a high test-retest reliability with Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC)=0.98 and inter-rater reliability ICC=0.84. Fair positive correlations with VSS thickness score and VSS total score r=0.34 (p<0.05) and 0.42 (p<0.05), respectively. A significant difference between two scar type groups (50 burn scald scars and 50 surgical scars) was demonstrated (d.f.=52.94, t=3.99, p<0.01). TUPS was proved to have high inter-rater, test-retest reliability and it had a moderate correlation with the VSS that clinicians used for assessment of the scar. This system is recommended for clinical assessment of scar thickness.     

Objective Assessment of Burn Scar Vascularity, Erythema, Pliability, Thickness, and Planimetry

BACKGROUND: There is currently a lack of objective methods to assess scars. OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to (1) determine the pattern of scar formation up to 24 months after a burn, compare clinical and photographic scar assessment, and determine what percentage of scars became hypertrophic after a major trauma and (2) replace each clinical parameter of a clinical scar scale by objective measurements. METHODS: Scars from 62 patients were evaluated from the acute phase up to 24 months after the burn, using photographs and clinical assessment during visits. Photographic planimetry helped estimate the percentage of scars that became hypertrophic. Thereafter, 69 patients had scars evaluated using clinical assessment and several instruments to evaluate pigmentation, erythema, pliability, thickness, and perfusion. The sensitivity and specificity of each instrument were determined regarding their ability to correlate with the parameters of hypertrophic and nonhypertrophic scars. Analysis of variance and Tukey's test were used in statistical analysis, with p<.05 indicating significance. RESULTS: Increased scar hypertrophy occurred between 6 and 12 months after the burn, and less than 30% of scars were hypertrophic at 18 to 24 months. Objective assessment of pliability and erythema, but not pigmentation, correlated significantly with clinical evaluation of hypertrophy. Hypertrophic scars had significantly higher perfusion than nonhypertrophic scars. A new scar rating system is proposed, based on the sensitivity and specificity of each instrument, to correlate with hypertrophic and nonhypertrophic scars. CONCLUSIONS: Objective rating systems using reliable instruments can be used to replace subjective scar assessment. Larger multicenter prospective studies should test this new scale in scars due to other mechanisms of injury.     

The role of Th1/Th2 cell chemokine expression in hypertrophic scar

The aim of this study was to study the role of Th1/Th2 cell‐associated chemokines in the formation of hypertrophic scars in rabbit ears. Twenty‐six New Zealand white rabbits were used to establish the hypertrophic scar model of rabbit ear and the normal scar model of rabbit's back. Two rabbits were sacrificed on days 0 and 21, 28, 35, 42, 49, 56, and 63 after operation. The specimens were stained with haematoxylin‐eosin (HE). Scar elevation index (SEI) was used to detect the expression of 10 chemokines related to Th1/Th2 cells in both scar formation expressions. Real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) results showed that two chemokines (CXCL10, CXCL12) were highly expressed during the formation of normal scar, and there was almost no expression during the formation of hypertrophic scar (*P < 0.05). The chemokines (CCL2, CCL3, CCL4, CCL5, CCL7, CCL13, CX3CL1) were almost non‐expressed in the formation of normal scars but were expressed for a long time in the formation of hypertrophic scars. The four chemokines, CCL2, CCL4, CCL5, and CX3CL1, maintained a long‐term high expression level during the formation of hypertrophic scars (P < 0.01). There were also three chemokines (CCL14, CCL19, CCL21) that were almost undetectable in normal scarring, but there was transiently low‐level expression (P < 0.05) only during the peak proliferative phase in proliferative scarring. Th1/Th2 cell‐associated chemokines are different in the type, quantity and expression, and maintenance time of rabbit ear hypertrophic scars.     

Reconstruction following head and neck burns

Burn reconstruction of the head and neck must first start with special care to this anatomic area in the early acute phase, with appropriate early débridement and coverage with sheet grafts of medium thickness into unit facial orientation. Postoperative garment and mask splinting, will help lessen the hypertrophic scar formation that frequently follows facial burns and skin coverage. Carefully planned reconstruction of these areas is indicated, with priority given first to the neck, then to the periorbital area, and then to perioral areas. Principles of scalp, ear, nasal, and cheek reconstruction following burns of the face are carefully outlined. The unit concept of burn scar resurfacing of the face has been the mainstay of our treatment. We have emphasized skin coverage of the face from similar donor site areas. The emotional and psychological effects of facial scarring secondary to severe burns are crippling to patients. Although numerous reconstructive surgical procedures may lessen the deformity, ultimately burn patients realize that their burn scars are permanent and no surgeon can give them back their original facial appearance. These patients need strong and continued support and reassurance from their physicians and nursing professional staff to maintain their self-identity and confidence.     

A basic fibroblast growth factor improved the quality of skin grafting in burn patients

To avoid hypertrophic scars in burn wounds, the simultaneous application of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) with regular surgical debridement and skin grafting was investigated for skin hardness by clinical examination and instrumental measurement. As little is known about the role of bFGF in wounds, burn wound scars were tested for hardness. Burn scars in various anatomical locations at least 1 year after final wound healing clinically demonstrated a significantly lower hard score in bFGF-treated wounds than in non-bFGF wounds (0.95+/-0.51 versus 2.3+/-0.66, respectively, p<0.01). In addition, a durometer, which is widely used in industry to measure materials similar to skin, such as rubber and thread-balls, demonstrated a significantly lower reading in bFGF-treated wounds than in non-bFGF wounds (7.9+/-3.64 versus 15.5+/-4.39, bFGF versus non-bFGF, respectively, p<0.01). The results demonstrated that burn wounds treated with clinically approved bFGF might contribute to a better cutaneous wound quality, at least in terms of hardness.     

Prophylactic treatment of deep dermal burn scar to prevent hypertrophic scarring using the pulsed dye laser: a preliminary study

The pulsed dye laser, by selectively targeting blood vessels, has been used to treat established hypertrophic scars with good effect. This prospective clinical study aims to assess the feasibility of treating deep dermal burn wounds prophylactically before the formation of hypertrophic scars. Patients with burn wounds that took longer than 2 weeks to heal were primarily recruited. Each patient's burn area was divided into a treated area and a negative control. The area was laser treated with the pulsed dye laser (Chromos 585; SLS, Wales) twice at 6 weekly intervals. The appearance of the wound at both sites was inspected visually and scored at 6 weeks, and at 3, 6, and 9 months. Five patients with six burn sites (forearm, arm, and back) were treated. Treated areas achieved better scarring at 6 weeks ( = 0.04, paired -test) and at 3 months ( = 0.003, paired -test). The difference, however, became insignificant at 6 and 9 months. No notable side effects were seen in all patients. Prophylactic treatment of burn wounds with the pulsed dye laser is effective in hastening the resolution of scarring. In the authors' opinion, this treatment may revolutionize the traditional method of hypertrophic burn scar prevention, and should be considered early, especially for patients who are prone to hypertrophic scarring, and in areas where hypertrophic scarring are common.     

Burn scar outcome at six and 12 months after injury in children with partial thickness scalds: Effects of dressing treatment

IntroductionIn line with other researchers in the field of burns’ care, we think that research investigating the long-term outcome of scars is largely lacking. As scarring is of the utmost importance to the patient, clinicians who treat burns must aim to find treatments that lead to a good end result. The aim of this study was to study scar outcomes at six and 12 months after injury. It is an extension of a previous randomised controlled trial (RCT) in which two dressings (porcine xenograft and silver foam dressing) were examined with respect to their ability to help heal partial thickness scalds.MethodChildren aged six months – six years with acute partial thickness scalds, on the trunk, or extremities, or both, were included. In the previous study, the silver foam was found to have significantly shorter healing times than the xenograft. Children were assessed at six and 12 months after injury for this study, and photographs were taken of the burn site, and both the patient and observer scar assessment scale (POSAS) and the Vancouver scar scale (VSS) were completed and evaluated by blinded observers.ResultsOf the 58 children from the original RCT, 39 returned to the clinic for evaluation of their scars at six months, and 34 at 12 months after injury. There were no differences in POSAS, VSS total scores, or incidence of hypertrophic scarring between the different dressings. Fifteen children were assessed as having hypertrophic scarring, all of whom had healing times that had extended beyond 14 days.ConclusionsThis study compared burn scarring after two different treatments for burns in children with partial-thickness scalds and the data suggested that neither dressing had a more favourable impact on scar outcome. The conclusion is, however, tempered by the non-return of all the patients to the follow up. However, as anticipated, regardless of the dressing used, longer healing times were associated with higher scar scores (more scarring) and hypertrophic scarring.     

The effect of burn rehabilitation massage therapy on hypertrophic scar after burn: A randomized controlled trial

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of burn rehabilitation massage therapy on hypertrophic scar after burn.MethodOne hundred and forty-six burn patients with hypertrophic scar(s) were randomly divided into an experimental group and a control group. All patients received standard rehabilitation therapy for hypertrophic scars and 76 patients (massage group) additionally received burn scar rehabilitation massage therapy. Both before and after the treatment, we determined the scores of visual analog scale (VAS) and itching scale and assessed the scar characteristics of thickness, melanin, erythema, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), sebum, and elasticity by using ultrasonography, Mexameter^®, Tewameter^®, Sebumeter^®, and Cutometer^®, respectively.ResultsThe scores of both VAS and itching scale decreased significantly in both groups, indicating a significant intragroup difference. With regard to the scar characteristics, the massage group showed a significant decrease after treatment in scar thickness, melanin, erythema, TEWL and a significant intergroup difference. In terms of scar elasticity, a significant intergroup difference was noted in immediate distension and gross skin elasticity, while the massage group significant improvement in skin distensibility, immediate distension, immediate retraction, and delayed distension.ConclusionOur results suggest that burn rehabilitation massage therapy is effective in improving pain, pruritus, and scar characteristics in hypertrophic scars after burn.     

Incorporation of 3D stereophotogrammetry as a reliable method for assessing scar volume in standard clinical practice

Significant disfigurement and dysfunction is caused by hypertrophic scarring, a prevalent complication of burn wounds. A lack of objective tools in the assessment of scar parameters makes evaluation of scar treatment modalities difficult. 3D stereophotogrammetry, obtaining measurements from 3D photographs, represents a method to quantitate scar volume, and a 3D camera may have use in clinical practice. To validate this method, scar models were created and photographed with a 3D camera. Measurements from 3D image analysis of these scar models were compared to physical measurements of scar model volume. Reliability of 3D image analysis was assessed with both scar models and burn patient scars. Measurements of scar models by two independent observers were compared to determine inter-rater reliability, and measurements from 3D images of burn patient hypertrophic scars were compared to determine the consistency of the method between observers. The time taken for patient photography was recorded. No significant differences were found between the two methods of volume calculation (p = 0.89), and a plot of the differences showed agreement between the methods. The correlation coefficient between the two observers’ measurements of scar model volume was 0.92, and the intra-class correlation coefficient for patient scar volume was 0.998, showing good reliability. The time required to capture 3D photographs ranged from 2 to 6 min per patient, showing the potential for this tool to be efficiently incorporated into clinical practice. 3D stereophotogrammetry is a valid method to reliably measure scar volume and may be used to objectively measure efficacy of scar treatment modalities to track scar development and resolution.