Dependence of Postoperative Scar Condition on a Baseline Level of Matrix Metalloproteinases
DOI: 10.32364/2587-6821-2026-10-6-7
Dependence of Postoperative Scar Condition on a Baseline Level of Matrix Metalloproteinases
V.V. Gladko1, G.A. Flaks1, R.A. Pakhomova1, M.M. Magomedova2, Sh.R. Abdullaev3
1 ROSBIOTECH, Moscow, Russian Federation
2 Olymp Clinic LLC, Moscow, Russian Federation
3 Plastic Surgery and Cosmetology Institute JSC, Moscow, Russian Federation
Background: a vast arsenal of methods and medications that can improve condition of a pathological scar is available for a dermatologist despite an insignificant effect. Surgical treatment is naturally an alternative to conservative one. Advanced technologies implemented into medical practice open up new opportunities in studying the course of a wound process. Thus, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are of interest.
Aim: to determine prognostic value of MMP assay in scar formation in a postoperative period.
Materials and Methods: 51 patients were enrolled. 34 of them had a postoperative or post-traumatic scar (Group 1 — 18 patients with hypertrophic scars, Group 2 — 16 patients with keloid scars), and 17 patients had undergone an elective plastic surgery (abdominoplasty). Serum levels of gelatinases (MMP-2 and MMP-9) were determined at baseline and on Day 3 after the surgery. According to the indications, a pulsating dye laser (PDL) was applied to the scar before the surgery, and IPL therapy was performed after it. Silicone gel and silicone patches were used to prevent a pathological scar. The scar condition was assessed according to the POSAS scale.
Results: the preoperative treatment and subsequent surgery led to a significant decrease in a number of patients with high MMP levels (≥160 µmol/l/h) from 26 (51%) to 17 (33%). The therapy method, as well as a combination of methods, was chosen on a case-by-case basis. The combination was used in all patients who were at risk of an unfavorable outcome. Hypertrophic scars were detected in 3 (6%) patients, and, in particular, in 1 patient (Group 3) whose MMP level exceeded 190 µmol/l/h on Day 3. Keloid recurrence was reported in 2 (4%) patients (Group 2) whose MMP levels exceeded 190 µmol/l/h on Day 3. Keloid recurrence rate was 12.5% of the scar group subjects. Assessment of treatment outcomes was comparable between a patient and a doctor.
Conclusion: to manage patients with pathological scars, an individualized approach involving a combined use of various treatment methods should be followed. MMP blood level may become an important predictor of a pathological scar.
Keywords: hypertrophic scar, keloid scar, matrix metalloproteinases, abdominoptosis, abdominoplasty, hyperpigmentation, hypervascularization, combined treatment, POSAS scale.
For citation: Gladko V.V., Flaks G.A., Pakhomova R.A., Magomedova M.M., Abdullaev Sh.R. Dependence of Postoperative Scar Condition on a Baseline Level of Matrix Metalloproteinases. Russian Medical Inquiry. 2026;10(6):382–387 (in Russ.). DOI: 10.32364/2587-6821-2026-10-6-7
About the authors:
Viktor V. Gladko — Dr. Sc. (Med.), Professor, Head of the Department of Skin and Venereal Diseases with a Cosmetology Course of the Medical Institute of Continuing Education, ROSBIOTECH; 11, Volokolamskoe road, Moscow, 125080, Russian Federation; ORCID iD 0000-0002-2173-4383
Grigoryi A. Flaks — Dr. Sc. (Med.), Professor, Professor of the Department of Skin and Venereal Diseases of the Medical Institute of Continuing Education, ROSBIOTECH; 11, Volokolamskoe road, Moscow, 125080, Russian Federation; ORCID iD 0009-0007-3298-3389
Regina A. Pakhomova — Dr. Sc. (Med.), Associate Professor, Head of the Department of Plastic Surgery of the Medical Institute of Continuing Education, ROSBIOTECH; 11, Volokolamskoe road, Moscow, 125080, Russian Federation; ORCID iD 0000-0002-3681-4685
Madina M. Magomedova — Plastic Surgeon, Olymp Clinic LLC; 7/1, Sadovaya-Sukharevskaya str., Moscow, 129090, Russian Federation; ORCID iD 0000-0003-4326-2548
Shamil R. Abdullaev — Plastic Surgeon, Plastic Surgery and Cosmetology Institute JSC; 27, Olkhovskaya str., Moscow, 105066, Russian Federation; ORCID iD 0009-0001-8832-9622
Contact information: Regina A. Pakhomova, e-mail: PRA5555@mail.ru
Financial Disclosure: no authors have a financial or property interest in any material or method mentioned.
There is no conflict of interest.
Received 10.06.2026.
Revised 17.06.2026.
Accepted 30.06.2026.
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