A system for treating a linear wound on a patient has a closing dressing bolster (46) for placing on the patient's epidermis over the linear wound, a sealing subsystem (70) for providing a seal over the closing dressing bolster and the patient, and a reduced-pressure subsystem (90) for delivering reduced pressure to the sealing subsystem. The sealing subsystem and reduced pressure subsystem are operable to deliver reduced pressure to the closing dressing bolster. The closing dressing bolster is operable under reduced pressure to develop a inward closing force. The closing dressing bolster may include one or more closing members (56) on each side of a center wound area to create the inward closing when under reduced pressure. A compressive force may also be developed. Other systems and methods are presented.
