Frank Niessen MD, PhD

Board Member, Keloid Research Foundation
Professor of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery
Amsterdam University Medical Center, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam – The Netherlands

Dr. Frank Niessen is an internationally recognized plastic and reconstructive surgeon with over two decades of clinical and research experience in the field of wound healing, scarring, and keloid disorder. He serves as Professor of Plastic Surgery at Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, where he also leads advanced clinical programs in keloid treatment and aesthetic and reconstructive surgery.

Dr. Niessen earned his MD and completed his surgical training in the Netherlands. He obtained his PhD in 1999, with a dissertation focused on the biology of hypertrophic scar formation. Since then, he has published extensively on topics including keloid pathophysiology, corticosteroid therapy, radiation treatment, and surgical outcomes in keloid treatment. His multidisciplinary research integrates basic science, imaging, and therapeutic innovation, making him one of Europe’s leading voices in scar and keloid research.

In addition to his academic leadership, Dr. Niessen is known for his patient-centered approach and commitment to improving quality of life through reconstructive and aesthetic surgery. He is a frequent speaker at international conferences and has served as both faculty and scientific advisor for numerous scar and keloid symposia.

Dr. Niessen joined the KRF Board of Directors in 2025 and is co-chairing the 6th International Keloid Symposium to be held in Amsterdam in June 2026. His global perspective and deep clinical expertise are a valuable asset to the Foundation’s mission to advance research, education, and treatment for Keloid Disorder.