“Abnormal Scarring in Plastic Surgery: Causes, Prevention, and Treatment by Dr. Yily De Los Santos”




 Scarring is the body’s natural healing response after surgery, but in some cases, it develops abnormally, resulting in hypertrophic scars or keloids that can affect both appearance and skin function. In plastic surgery, this is a crucial issue since the final outcome depends not only on surgical technique but also on the healing process.


Dr. Yily De Los Santos, a renowned aesthetic and reconstructive plastic surgeon from the Dominican Republic, emphasizes that abnormal scarring can occur even after successful surgeries, making follow-up care and prevention essential.


What is abnormal scarring?



Abnormal scarring occurs when scar tissue grows excessively or irregularly. The most common types are:


  • Hypertrophic scar: raised, thick scar limited to the wound area.
  • Keloid: scar tissue extending beyond the original wound boundaries.
  • Atrophic scar: sunken scar caused by insufficient collagen production.


Risk factors


According to Dr. De Los Santos, several factors influence the risk of abnormal scarring:


  1. Genetics and skin type – darker skin types are more prone to keloids.
  2. Age – younger patients tend to produce more active scars.
  3. Location of the wound – areas such as the chest, shoulders, and back are high-risk zones.
  4. Postoperative care – proper wound care, silicone patches, and avoiding sun exposure are key.

Prevention strategies



Prevention starts before and continues after surgery. Dr. De Los Santos recommends:


  • Preoperative evaluation to detect patients at risk.
  • Fine, tension-free suturing techniques.
  • Use of silicone sheets or gels to minimize hypertrophy.
  • Complementary treatments like pressure therapy or laser when indicated.






Treatment options



When abnormal scars are already present, reconstructive plastic surgery offers different solutions:


  • Steroid injections to reduce keloid size.
  • Laser therapy to improve texture and pigmentation.
  • Scar revision surgery in selected cases.
  • Combined therapies including pressure treatment or superficial radiotherapy for resistant keloids.






Dr. Yily De Los Santos’ perspective



“Plastic surgery is not only about reshaping the body but also about achieving natural and harmonious results. Abnormal scarring can impact a patient’s self-esteem, but with prevention, monitoring, and the right treatments, we can significantly improve the appearance of scars. Every patient is unique, and that’s why personalized evaluation is crucial,” explains Dr. Yily De Los Santos.



Abnormal scarring remains a challenge in plastic surgery, but with modern techniques and personalized care, patients can achieve improved and lasting results. Dr. Yily De Los Santos, a leading plastic surgeon in the Dominican Republic, continues to position herself internationally as an expert in aesthetic and reconstructive plastic surgery, offering comprehensive care for patients worldwide.


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