Keloids and hypertropic scars are have heaped-up appearance. These scars rise above the rest of the skin. Keloids usually start sometime after the occurrence of injury and will extend beyond the injury site of the injury.
Causes:
- Post skin injuries
- Post surgical incisions
- Post lacerations
- Post burns
- Post ear piercing
- Post tattoos
- Post acne
- Any trauma caused to the body
Most common ares:
- Breastbone
- Earlobes
- Shoulders
How are Keloids formed?
Keloids form when the body fails to stop creating new tissue known as fibrous protein or collagen – during healing. Usually the body knows when to stop this process, but some people are genetically pre-disposed to keloid growths resulting in a scar that may be thick, raised and extensive. It can itch, sting or burn and interfere with movement if large enough. They are often red or darker in color than the surrounding skin and are tough.
How are Hypertrophic scars formed?
Hypertrophic scars are similar, but are confined to the wound borders and usually regress over time .Scar hypertrophy usually appears within a month of injury, whereas keloids may take three months or even years to develop. Both represent abnormal responses to dermal injury, with exuberant deposition of collagen. The treatments for Keloid and hypertrophic scars are similar, but hypertrophic scars have a better prognosis with age.
What are the advantages of keloid removal?
- It is a safe, commonly performed procedure.
- Several advanced – improved techniques.
- Keloid Removal surgical & post-surgical techniques today help to minimize Keloid recurrence & improve existing Keloid scars.
- Keloid Removal has enhanced self-esteem & confidence in thousands of people.
Hypertrophic Scars Vs. Keloids
Hypertrophic scars | Keloids |
Remain confined to border of original wound | Extend beyond border of original wound |
Arise in any location; commonly occur on extensor surfaces of joints | Commonly occur on the sternal skin, shoulders and upper arms, earlobes, and cheeks |
Regress with time | Grow for years |
Flatten spontaneously in time | Remain elevated more than 4 mm |
Appear within one month | Appear at three months or later |
Less association with skin pigmentation | More common in darker skin types |
Who Is A Good Candidate For Keloid Removal?
Any physically healthy man or woman who suffers with Keloids and desires removal of them could be an ideal candidate for Keloid Removal procedure. You must be mature and realistic in your expectations.
Treatment
Treatment is based upon the size and location of the Keloid. We will use the correct technique/ treatment for your individual needs. Treatments include:
Corticosteroid injected directly into the tissue. Typically 3-4 treatments spaced about 1 month apart will reduce a raised Keloid to a flat scar and reduce redness, itching and burning.
Surgical Removal is used for larger, more extensive formations. Technique involved may employ a scalpel, electric knife or laser removal.
Pulsed Dye Laser
Treatment of keloids with short-pulsed, 585-nm pulsed dye laser appears to be most effective if used early and in conjunction with other techniques. Laser-treated portions of keloidal median sternotomy scars showed significant improvement in erythema, pruritus, and scar height compared with untreated portions of the same scars, and these improvements persisted for at least six months.The principal effect of a pulsed dye laser is on scar microvasculature, reducing erythema and pruritus and improving skin texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Do People Have Keloids Removed?
Keloids are typically unsightly, can itch, sting or burn and many times inhibit normal function depending upon its location.
Why Do Keloid Form After Injury or Surgery?
This is not completely understood but it is known that Keloids are more common among dark skinned people typically African and Asian. There seems to be a genetic tendency among these ethnic groups for Keloids to form.
What Happens That Causes Keloid Formation?
Keloids form after an injury, being bumped, skin friction or surgery. Keloids form around pimples, tattoos, ingrown hairs and ear piercings. While the body normally knows when to stop producing new tissue following insult people prone to Keloid formation don’t seem to have that same turn off mechanism and tissue keeps growing into Keloid formations.
Which Procedure will be used For My Keloid Removal?
The correct method of removal for you is determined during your personal consultation .Each treatment is individualized to ensure optimum natural looking results.
What Downtime Is Involved In Surgical Keloid Removal?
Patients are typically back to work in 1-2 days with stitches removed in a few days.
Cost – Depending on the size, starts with Rs.500 onwards per sitting.