Keliod Treatments

Keloid Treatment

Are you plagued with large scars from acne or a prior injury or surgery? Normal scarring may follow any type of injury to the skin. Over several months, scars usually flatten out and become pale. Sometimes scars may become red, thickened and raised to form a hypertrophic scar. These scars may resolve over 1-2 years.

Keloids are scars that spontaneously enlarge to form firm, smooth hard growths that extend beyond the borders of injured skin. This type of scarring occurs as a result of the body’s “over” response the injury. Unlike hypertrophic scars, these do not resolve with time. Typically, keloids are a cosmetic problem; however, they may become painful, itch or bleed.

It is not known why keloids develop. There seems to be a genetic component. Asians and African Americans are more prone to this type scarring. Keloids may occur anywhere on the body, but are more prone to develop on the back, chest and shoulders.

Treatment

There are many treatments available for keloids. There are topical as well as occlusive treatments; however, these are not very effective and the scar will often return. Cryotherapy can be very effective leading to total resolution in approximately 50% of scars treated. This therapy is associated with pain and skin lightening. Surgically removing the scar can also be effective; however, larger keloids may develop at the incision site. Steroid injections have also been used with success, especially smaller keloids that have been present for less than a year. Frequently, these types of injections are sufficient to successfully treat the keloid. However, keloids can be resistant to these injections. When keloids are not responding sufficiently, laser can be combined with the steroid injections to produce superior results.

At Renaissance, we primarily treat keloids by injecting triamcinolone, a steroid, into them. Those that don’t respond may then be treated with these injections immediately followed by laser therapy (Nd:Yag 1064 nm wavelength) using low energy levels.

After the treatment, normal activity may be resumed immediately. It is very important to wear sunblock with an SPF 20 or higher to improve the results. Over the next several weeks, the keloid will slowly decrease in size. Typically, 2-4 treatments are necessary to obtain the best results and limit unwanted atrophic skin changes. Treatments are repeated every 4-6 weeks until the desired results are obtained. At this point, any remaining redness may be treated with Intense Pulsed Light.

Safety

Triamcinolone injections are very well tolerated. There may be some slight discomfort associated with the injection. Atrophic skin changes such as thinning of the skin, redness and the development small bleed vessels at the site of the injections. Occasionally, there can be loss of subcutaneous tissue at the site causing a small depression in the skin to form. As with any injection, there is a small risk of bleeding and infection. When laser is used in conjunction with steroid injections, there is minimal added risk. It is very safe and causes little discomfort. Rarely, superficial burns of the skin occur.

As always, Renaissance Medical Spa offers FREE consultations for your cosmetic problems! Call today to schedule your appointment.