Hypertrophic scars and keloids--a review of their pathophysiology, risk factors, and therapeutic management

BACKGROUND: Hypertrophic scars and keloids result from an abnormal fibrous wound healing process in which tissue repair and regeneration-regulating mechanism control is lost. These abnormal fibrous growths present a major therapeutic dilemma and challenge to the plastic surgeon because they are disfiguring and frequently recur. OBJECTIVE: To provide updated clinical and experimental information on hypertrophic scars and keloids so that physicians can better understand and properly treat such lesions. METHODS: A Medline literature search was performed for relevant publications and for diverse strategies for management of hypertrophic scars and keloids. CONCLUSION: The growing understanding of the molecular processes of normal and abnormal wound healing is promising for discovery of novel approaches for the management of hypertrophic scars and keloids. Although optimal treatment of these lesions remains undefined, successful healing can be achieved only with combined multidisciplinary therapeutic regimens.