How would I know if I am prone to hypertrophic scarring?

Question

I am going to have a breast reduction and would like to know my chances of having a hypertrophic scar afterwards. I am 24 years old, fair skin, hispanic.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Hypertrophic scars exclusively develop in humans.  They occur with equal frequency in males and females and occur most commonly in younger people, particularly in the second decade of life.  They are differentiated by their gross appearance.  Hypertrophic scars are confined to the area of injury.Although the risk is always there for any incision made, the fewer incisions made, the less the risk.  As an author of Scars and Scar Revision in Reoperative Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, I am well versed in the potential treatment options.  One treatment may be helpful for one patient while another treatment may help another patient.Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear jessvalera,For scars, I close all of my incisions in 5 layers and do not use absorbable sutures because they cause inflammation and worse scarring. I tape all of my incisions in the office visits once a week for six weeks after surgery to improve the appearance. After taping, I start my patients on a scar gel therapy for 3 months that they have to put on their incisions twice daily.If you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Samuel Beran, MD · Answer

The best prediction of hypertrophic scarring after surgery is an evaluation of any prior scars that you may have.  So, if you have had surgery and it has healed well or poorly that is a helpful indicator.  If you have not had any other surgery, a family history is a guide but much less accurate.

Nick Masri, MD, FACS · Answer

Thanks for your question, jessvalera.
In general, children and people with fair complexion are prone to hypertrophic scars, while Hispanics and African Americans are more prone to keloid scarring due to their darker skin pigmentation.
It’s best to discuss your chances of developing unsightly breast reduction scars with your reputable and board-certified plastic surgeon, as he would be able to evaluate you more fully.
Good luck on your upcoming breast reduction!

How would I know if I am prone to hypertrophic scarring?

Answers (4)

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