Scar assessment: current problems and future solutions.

Current problems in the assessment of scars are discussed. The concept of subjective and objective aspects of scar assessment is introduced. The patient's own view of the scar (the subjective component) can currently be assessed and may be very influential in determining the patient's quality of life, irrespective of the actual physical characteristics of the scar. The objective aspects of the scar, including size, shape, texture, and pliability, are currently difficult to measure. Although the Vancouver Scar Scale has been used as the standard for objective measurements, there are problems with both the validity and reliability of this instrument. Various imaging techniques may permit more reliable and accurate methods for measuring the quantitative aspects of scars.