Going into surgery: Risk factors for hypertrophic scarring

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine the association between possible risk factors for excessive scarring and the formation of hypertrophic scars (HTS). Hypertrophic skin scarring remains a difficult problem in medicine and can cause considerable morbidity. Nevertheless, few extensive prospective studies have been conducted which assess risk factors in relation to HTS formation. Therefore, a prospective observational study was performed. Patients who had elective cardiothoracic surgery were followed for the duration of 1 year and information was collected about a variety of possible risk factors in these patients. The associations between the risk factors and the development of HTSs were investigated. Body mass index, ethnic background, and scar related factors are positively associated with HTS formation. Antihypertensive therapeutics and factors influencing erythropoiesis are negatively associated with HTS formation.

Donor site morbidity following DIEP flap for breast reconstruction in Asian patients: Is it different?

“…In the current study, the incidence of donor‐site hypertrophic scarring was increased significantly after harvesting both rows or a bipedicle flap. It is well known that Asians have a tendency for hypertrophic scarring compared to Westerners . Furthermore, it has been reported that hypertrophic scarring significantly influences the Asian patient's overall satisfaction .…”

“…It is well known that Asians have a tendency for hypertrophic scarring compared to Westerners. 16,17 Furthermore, it has been reported that hypertrophic scarring significantly influences the Asian patient's overall satisfaction. 40 In this cultural and ethnic background, analyzing risk factors for hypertrophic scarring in Asian patients can be an important issue.…”

“…The incidence and risk factors for donor site morbidity after the DIEP flap have been extensively studied in many centers; however, most studies were conducted on Western populations and studies on Asian populations are sparse. Ethnic differences in the Asian population, represented by a relatively lower BMI with less redundant abdominal tissue and a tendency for hypertrophic scarring, may be significant because they may influence the development of donor complications …”

“…Ethnic differences in the Asian population, represented by a relatively lower BMI with less redundant abdominal tissue and a tendency for hypertrophic scarring, may be significant because they may influence the development of donor complications. 10,[13][14][15][16][17] In this study, we evaluated the incidence of abdominal complications and investigated their respective potential patient-or surgical-related risk factors following DIEP flap breast reconstruction in an Asian population.…”

Vertically Set Sombrero-shaped Abdominal Flap for Asian Breast Reconstruction after Skin-sparing Mastectomy

“…In addition, the laxity and elasticity of the skin are low, the abdomen has little redundant tissue, and there is a tendency for hypertrophic abdominal scarring. 6–9 Thus, it is often difficult to harvest a vertically wide flap, and the absolute volume of the flap tends to be insufficient for breast reconstruction. 10 Therefore, in many Asian patients, it is necessary to devise a suitable flap design and setting for this patient population (Fig.…”