As a plastic surgeon, I sometimes meet patients with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) who ask whether their condition increases the risk of wound healing problems after surgery. It’s a thoughtful question—and one that science has recently explored in more detail.
What Is Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome?
Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome is a group of inherited conditions that affect the body’s connective tissue, which supports skin, joints, and blood vessels. Because collagen in EDS can be more stretchy or fragile, patients often notice:
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Soft, easily stretched skin
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Frequent bruising
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Flexible joints
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Sometimes, slower or more delicate healing
Since collagen plays a major role in how wounds repair, it’s natural to wonder if surgery could be riskier for people with EDS.
Why Surgeons Have Been Cautious
During any operation, surgeons depend on strong soft tissue and steady blood flow to help wounds heal. In patients with EDS, collagen’s elasticity can make tissues more delicate, which raises concerns about:
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Wounds reopening (dehiscence)
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Scars spreading under tension
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Delayed or fragile healing
These concerns made surgeons and patients understandably cautious. But recent research gives us good reason to feel more confident.
What the New Study Found
A recent article published in the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Journal took a closer look at this exact question. Researchers in Cleveland, Ohio studied patients with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome who underwent plastic surgery and compared them with a control group of patients without EDS. Both groups were matched by age, procedure, and health background.
The findings were clear:
➡ There was no increased risk of wound complications in patients with EDS compared to those without EDS.
This means that, when surgery is performed carefully—with attention to tissue handling and closure technique—EDS patients can heal just as well as anyone else.
My Experience in Practice
At Oregon Cosmetic and Reconstructive Clinic, I’ve cared for many patients with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. In my experience, I do not see an increased risk of wound healing problems, such as infections or delayed closure, when surgery is thoughtfully planned and executed.
However, I have learned to be especially mindful about tension during wound closure. Because EDS skin can stretch more easily, I take extra care to distribute tension evenly across the incision. I often:
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Use gentle, layered closure techniques
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Reinforce the wound edges to prevent pulling
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Monitor healing closely during follow-up visits
By handling tissues delicately and minimizing stress on the incision, I help the skin heal smoothly and predictably.
What Patients Can Expect
The good news is that most EDS patients can expect strong, predictable results—similar to those without the condition. With the right surgical approach and attentive aftercare, recovery can be smooth and uneventful.
If you have Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and are thinking about surgery, here are a few key steps that help promote success:
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Choose a board-certified plastic surgeon
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Discuss your diagnosis early, so your surgeon can plan accordingly
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Follow all post-op instructions carefully to support healing
At Oregon Cosmetic and Reconstructive Clinic, I take time to create a personalized plan for each patient. We review every step—from incision placement to scar care—to make sure healing feels safe, supported, and predictable.
You can learn more about the reconstructive procedures we offer and how we individualize care for complex conditions.
Final Thoughts
I find this new research encouraging. It shows that when we combine careful technique, good planning, and gentle tissue handling, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome doesn’t automatically mean higher surgical risk.
Every patient’s body heals in its own way, but with the right surgical care, I’ve seen my EDS patients recover beautifully—with results that are consistent and satisfying.
As I continue to follow new studies, I remain curious and optimistic about how thoughtful surgery can help every patient, regardless of diagnosis, achieve their goals safely.
