INTRODUCTION
Hypertrophic scars and keloids represent pathological forms of scarring arising from an aberrant collagen deposition during wound healing.1 This abnormality results from increased fibroblast proliferation and extracellular matrix deposition.2-4 A hallmark feature of this formation is dysregulated collagen deposition, stemming from a disruption in the balance between the catabolic and anabolic effects of collagen during wound healing.5
The prevalence of hypertrophic scars is estimated to be as high as 70% following surgery, whereas keloids are reported to affect up to 6 to 16% of wounds.2 Certain populations are more susceptible to developing hypertrophic and keloid scars. Individuals with darker skin tones, particularly those of African, Hispanic, and Asian descent, have a higher predisposition for these scars.2 Genetic predisposition also plays a significant role, as a family history of keloids increases the likelihood of development.6
Patients with hypertrophic and keloid scars can experience a spectrum of symptoms, including pain, erythema, persistent itching, and growth.5 These symptoms can lead to both aesthetic and functional malformations, inflicting physical and psychological distress upon the affected individual.7 The severity of symptoms can detrimentally impact self-confidence, leading to emotional distress and compromising the patient's quality of life and mental well-being.5
Treatment options for hypertrophic and keloid scarring include silicone-based products and corticosteroid creams, intralesional steroid injections, laser therapy, compression garments, surgical excision, cryotherapy, low-dose radiation therapy, botulinum toxin injections, microneedling, and systemic agents.8,9
Pressure garment therapy (PGT) is a well-established and widely utilized intervention for managing hypertrophic and keloid scars.10,11 This involves wearing specially designed compression garments over the scarred area to exert consistent pressure.12 Historically, pressure garment therapy was the choice of treatment for hypertrophic and keloid scars.12
Another well-established intervention for management includes triamcinolone injections, which have been considered another standard of care treatment regimen.13 They are historically associated with decreased severity of hypertrophic and keloid scars.9 However, there is variable data to suggest its efficacy.13
Inconsistent data reporting creates challenges in finding consensus for effective management of hypertrophic and keloid scars. As a result, we sought to compare the
The prevalence of hypertrophic scars is estimated to be as high as 70% following surgery, whereas keloids are reported to affect up to 6 to 16% of wounds.2 Certain populations are more susceptible to developing hypertrophic and keloid scars. Individuals with darker skin tones, particularly those of African, Hispanic, and Asian descent, have a higher predisposition for these scars.2 Genetic predisposition also plays a significant role, as a family history of keloids increases the likelihood of development.6
Patients with hypertrophic and keloid scars can experience a spectrum of symptoms, including pain, erythema, persistent itching, and growth.5 These symptoms can lead to both aesthetic and functional malformations, inflicting physical and psychological distress upon the affected individual.7 The severity of symptoms can detrimentally impact self-confidence, leading to emotional distress and compromising the patient's quality of life and mental well-being.5
Treatment options for hypertrophic and keloid scarring include silicone-based products and corticosteroid creams, intralesional steroid injections, laser therapy, compression garments, surgical excision, cryotherapy, low-dose radiation therapy, botulinum toxin injections, microneedling, and systemic agents.8,9
Pressure garment therapy (PGT) is a well-established and widely utilized intervention for managing hypertrophic and keloid scars.10,11 This involves wearing specially designed compression garments over the scarred area to exert consistent pressure.12 Historically, pressure garment therapy was the choice of treatment for hypertrophic and keloid scars.12
Another well-established intervention for management includes triamcinolone injections, which have been considered another standard of care treatment regimen.13 They are historically associated with decreased severity of hypertrophic and keloid scars.9 However, there is variable data to suggest its efficacy.13
Inconsistent data reporting creates challenges in finding consensus for effective management of hypertrophic and keloid scars. As a result, we sought to compare the
