Last Updated on April 17, 2024 by Partha Protim Choudhury
When a skin injury occurs, elevated overgrowths of scar tissue called keloids develop. They happen when the skin has been damaged by trauma, surgery, blisters, immunisations, acne, or body piercings. They are known for growing beyond the boundaries of the original wound. Keloids are less likely to occur in areas of skin without obvious skin injuries. Keloids are not the same size or makeup as typical adult scars. It is important to note that the recurrence rate for keloids treated with surgical removal alone is quite high.
Do I need surgery for keloid scars?
Several criteria, such as the keloid’s size, position, and intensity, as well as how irritating its symptoms, such as pain or itching, are, will determine whether surgery is required for the condition. Keloids that far exceed the margins of the original wound require surgical removal for reconstruction of the surrounding skin. But it’s not always the first line of treatment due to the risk of recurrence or worsening of the condition. There are various treatment options available for keloids, and surgery is just one of them. It’s important to note that surgery alone may not be the most effective approach for keloids. Because it can potentially cause the keloid to recur or even grow larger.
It is important to note that the recurrence rate for keloids treated with surgical removal alone is quite high. However, combining surgical removal with other treatments can further reduce the risk of recurrence like steroid injections help reduce the size and discomfort of keloids, and radiation therapy used after surgery. Silicone gel sheets or pressure therapy can help flatten the keloid over time. Cryotherapy or freezing the keloid can help reduce its size, and laser therapy can improve the appearance of keloids and reduce symptoms.
Is laser surgery an effective treatment option for keloid scars?
Laser treatment cannot get rid of a scar. As a result of recent advances in medicine, lasers are now the preferred treatment for numerous scars among dermatologists. If a scar restricts your range of motion, laser treatment can lessen pain and itching from the scar, prevent a raised scar from growing following surgery, and enhance it. It can also make a scar less noticeable, but it cannot get rid of it.
Larger keloids can be flattened by pulsed-dye laser sessions. This treatment has also been effective in reducing itching and making keloids fade. The physician may advise combining steroid injections with laser therapy. However, it can also have unfavourable side effects, such as hypo- or hyperpigmentation, blistering, and crusting, which are more prevalent in those with darker skin.
Scars may be treated with a variety of different lasers, depending on the underlying cause of the scar. Scars can be flattened, smoothed, or have their unusual colour removed with lasers. The majority of the time, laser therapy is used as an adjunct to other forms of treatment such as bandaging, specific dressings, and steroid injections for keloid scars.
Does plastic surgery have any scope for removing keloid scars?
A scar revision is a procedure done on a scar to alter its appearance. This includes Z-plasty and W-plasty. It may improve the cosmetic appearance of the scar, restore function to a part of the body that may have been restricted by the scar, blend with the surrounding skin, or improve an itchy scar. It’s crucial to keep in mind that scars are permanent. The soft tissues surrounding a wound may change shape, dimple, or become sunken, uneven, or raised as the wound heals.
It’s best to consult with a healthcare professional or a dermatologist who can evaluate your specific case and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan for you. They can provide guidance on whether surgery is a good option in your situation and discuss other potential treatments as well.
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