Analysis of Risk Factors to Predict Occurrence and Prognosis of Postsurgical Hypertrophic Scar Development: A Review of 4238 Cases

Purpose: This study aimed to identify the risk factors associated with the occurrence and prognosis of hypertrophic scarring fol-lowing thyroidectomy. Materials and Methods: A total of 4238 patients who underwent thyroidectomy were included in this study. A multivariable logistic regression model was developed to identify the risk factors for hypertrophic scar development and its prognosis. Results: Our analysis revealed that hypertrophic scar development was associated with younger age [odds ratio (OR)=0.949, p<0.0001], male sex (OR=0.562, p<0.0001), higher body mass index (OR=1.137, p<0.0001), prominent sternocleidomastoid mus-cles (OR=2.522, p<0.0001), scarring located within 1 cm of the sternal notch (OR=4.345, p<0.0001), and a history of keloid development (OR=2.789, p=0.0031). Additionally, scar location within 1 cm of the sternal notch (beta=4.326, p=0.0429) and a history of keloid development (beta=23.082, p<0.0001) were found to be associated with the prognosis of hypertrophic scarring. Conclusion: The findings of this study provide valuable insights into the risk factors associated with hypertrophic scarring follow-ing thyroidectomy. Clinicians can use this information to predict the occurrence of hypertrophic scarring and its prognosis, and take preventative measures accordingly.