Methods for treating pterygium recurrence following pterygiectomy, and for treating keloid recurrence, following surgical removal of the keloid, are disclosed. The methods include administering an anti-VEGF agent (e.g., antibody (e.g., bevacizumab) or small molecule inhibitor of VEGF signaling), or a combination therapy that includes co-administering an anti-VEGF agent, with an anti-inflammatory steroid and/or a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) to a subject.