Data extraction
Data was collected using the Cochrane handbook for systematic reviews of
interventions v6.0 as guidance. A database was used to enter data from
all eligible papers. Key data points included study design, inclusion
and exclusion criteria, patient age and gender, operation, closure
techniques, incision length, dressings, operating surgeon,
post-operative management, time of removal, follow-up, scar cosmesis
assessment used, timing of assessment, scar assessor, cosmetic outcome,
and other secondary outcome measures.