Keloid Scar Removal & Treatment

What are Keloid Scars?

Keloids are exaggerated scars caused by excessive growth of scar cells called fibroblasts. A keloid scar is a type of abnormal tissue growth that occurs at the site of a skin injury, such as a wound, surgery, vaccination, or even minor scratches. Unlike normal scars that gradually fade over time, keloid scars can extend beyond the boundaries of the original injury, becoming raised, thickened, and larger than the initial wound.

Treatment for Keloid Scars

We understand the challenges posed by keloid scars and the importance of effective scar treatment. Here at Advanced Dermatology, various treatment options are available, tailored to the individual patient’s needs and the severity of the keloid. Treatment options include:

Corticosteroid Injections

These injections can help flatten and soften keloid scars by reducing inflammation and limiting collagen production. Repeated injections may be needed to achieve your desired result.

Surgical Excision

In some cases, surgical scar removal may be considered. However, there is a risk of the scar returning or worsening after surgery. To reduce the risk of the scar returning, most patients will combine a surgical excision with another treatment option.

Laser Therapy

Laser treatments can help improve the appearance of keloid scars by targeting blood vessels and reducing scar tissue. These methods help reduce scar height and thickness, smooth texture, and minimize downtime. Multiple sessions may be needed depending on the scar.

Cryotherapy

This treatment method involves freezing the keloid with liquid nitrogen to reduce its size. The targeted freeze gently damages scar tissue cells, prompting the body’s natural healing process to remove them, leading to a gradual reduction in the scar’s size and thickness.

Radiation Therapy

In some instances, low-dose radiation may be used after surgical removal to prevent the keloid from returning. This works by using beams of radiation targeted toward the skin. Because this is a lower dose, the side effects are minimal. The most common side effects include redness of the skin, itching, and dryness.

Silicone Sheets or Gels

Silicone sheeting effectively manages scars by promoting proper collagen formation and minimizing their appearance. Silicone sheets use gentle pressure to regulate collagen production, flattening scars and reducing redness. These non-invasive options can help flatten and soften keloid scars over time but require consistent use and may take months to show results.

While complete prevention of keloid scars may not always be possible, certain steps can help minimize their development. Proper wound care, including keeping the wound clean and moist, may reduce the risk of keloid formation. If you have a history of keloid scarring, it’s advisable to avoid unnecessary skin procedures that could lead to new injuries. It’s important to note that each individual’s response to treatment may vary, and consultation with a qualified healthcare professional is essential to determine the most appropriate course of action.

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Symptoms of a Keloid Scar

Keloid scars have distinct symptoms that differentiate them from typical scars. They are raised and extend beyond the initial wound. Keloid scars often have a firm texture and appear lighter or darker than the surrounding skin. Unlike regular scars, keloid scars have a tendency to continue growing and can be itchy, tender, and sometimes painful. While keloid scars can occur anywhere on the body, they are often found on the chest, shoulders, ears, and neck.

Causes of a Keloid Scar

While it is not known exactly what happens in the body to form keloid scars, experts say the scars are a result of the body producing more collagen than it needs to heal the injured skin. They can form after skin injuries like acne, burns, surgery wounds, scrapes, or piercings.

Other factors can also contribute to keloid scar development including genetics, skin type, age, hormonal changes, and inflammatory conditions. Certain people are more prone to developing keloids – researchers say people ages 10-30, those of African, Asian, or Latin-American descent, and those with a family history of keloids are more likely to get keloid scars. It’s important to note, keloid scars are not harmful to physical health.

Keloid Scar Prevention

Keloid scar prevention may not always work, especially for those with keloid-prone skin. However, there are certain precautions you can take to help reduce the risk of developing a keloid scar. If you’re more likely to get keloids, avoid skin injuries like piercings or tattoos whenever possible.

If you do have a skin injury, make sure to practice good wound care. Best practices include immediately washing the injured skin with soap and water, bandaging the area with dressing or gauze that will help keep the wound moist, cleaning the wound and changing the bandage every day until healed. After the wound heals, be sure to protect the area from the sun, by covering it with clothing or using sunscreen.

It’s important to pay close attention to any scars. If you notice the scar begins thickening, contact a dermatologist.