Keloid scars are raised skin growths caused by an overactive immune system. They usually appear on areas where the skin has been injured or cut. Although they don’t cause pain, they can be unsightly and even itch.
Keloids are common in African Americans, Asians, Hispanics, and Native Americans. The condition affects approximately 2% of the population worldwide. There is no cure for keloids, but treatments include surgery, steroid injections, laser therapy, and radiation.
What Causes Keloids?
The exact reason why some people develop keloids is unknown. However, it may have something to do with genetics, hormones, stress levels, and a person’s overall health. Some believe that certain medications such as birth control pills, steroids, and chemotherapy drugs may also contribute to the development of keloids.
How Do I Know If I Have A Keloid?
If you have a keloid scar, there are several ways to tell:
1) You will know if you have a keloidal scar because it will look different from other types of scars. It will be red, bumpy, thickened, and often painful.
2) Your doctor will ask about your family history of keloids.
Types of Keloid Treatments
Surgery
Traditional surgery is still considered the gold standard for keloid scar removal, although many patients prefer non-invasive options. Surgery requires general anesthesia and usually takes one to three hours. During the procedure, doctors make small incisions on the surface of the keloid. Then they remove the keloid tissue using sharp instruments. Finally, they stitch the wound closed.
The main benefit of traditional surgery is that it removes the entire keloid. However, there are some drawbacks too. For example, if your doctor accidentally cuts off a piece of healthy skin along with the keloid during the procedure, then you may end up with a larger scar than before. Also, because most keloids occur in areas where the skin is thin, such as the face, neck, hands, arms, chest, shoulders, and upper legs, surgeons often need to perform multiple surgeries to completely remove them.
Non-invasive keloid scar removal methods have become increasingly popular as a safer alternative to traditional surgical procedures. These non-invasive techniques use lasers, light energy, radiofrequency, cryotherapy, and other technologies to remove keloids without causing damage to surrounding tissue.
Laser Therapy
The most commonly used non-invasive technique is laser therapy. It uses a special type of laser that emits low levels of heat energy. This energy stimulates collagen production, which helps reduce the appearance of keloids.
Laser therapy uses a high-powered beam of concentrated light that penetrates deep into the dermis (skin layer). This type of treatment may be used alone or in combination with other therapies. It works best when applied directly to the keloid itself.
Creams and Ointment for Keloids / Scar Removal Gel
Glycolic acid is a naturally occurring compound found in fruits such as apples and pears. It is also present in some plants like aloe vera and tea tree oil. Glycolic acid is widely used in cosmetics because it exfoliates dead skin cells from the surface of the skin.
It is also useful for removing acne scars and improving the appearance of sunburned skin. Studies have shown that glycolic acid can improve the appearance of stretch marks.
H2O® scar removal gel is a new product designed specifically to treat keloids. The active ingredient in H2O® scar removal gels is glycolic acid, which is known to stimulate collagen production. When applied topically, glycolic acid improves the texture of scars by softening and smoothing out the skin.
Compression Therapy
Compression therapy involves applying pressure to the affected area using an elastic bandage. Compression therapy has been proven effective at reducing the size of keloids. It also reduces pain associated with keloids.
Steroid Injections
Injection therapy is an older form of keloid treatment. It involves injecting corticosteroids into the keloid. Corticosteroids are anti-inflammatory agents that help reduce inflammation and speed up healing. They also cause the body to produce more collagen, which makes the keloid less noticeable.
However, this method has been shown to be ineffective over long periods of time. Therefore, it is not recommended for permanent keloid scar removal.
Cryotherapy
Another non-invasive method involves applying liquid nitrogen to the affected area. Liquid nitrogen freezes the damaged cells, killing them while leaving healthy skin undamaged. Cryotherapy also reduces inflammation and speeds up healing. This method is effective at reducing redness and swelling associated with keloids. However, it doesn’t work well for treating large keloids.
Radiofrequency
Radiofrequency ablation is another non-invasive treatment option available for keloids. It uses a device called a monopolar needle electrode to deliver electrical current through the skin. This causes the keloid to shrink and eventually disappear.
This procedure is performed using local anesthesia. Once the keloid is treated, the patient should avoid direct sunlight for two weeks. After that time, he or she can resume normal activities.
Benefits of Non-Invasive Keloid Treatments
If you have one of these keloids, you might have thought about having them surgically removed. However, contrary to what people believe, surgical removal does not necessarily mean that you’ll get rid of the problem forever. After all, scars form as part of the body’s natural healing process, so any attempt to cut out a keloid would only make matters worse.
Non-invasive treatments, on the other hand, offer several benefits. First, they’re much safer than surgery. Second, they don’t require stitches or incisions. Third, they’re usually cheaper than surgery. Fourth, they’re easier to perform. And finally, they often provide better results.
The following paragraphs will discuss each of these benefits in detail.
Safety
Surgery carries risks, including infection, bleeding, nerve damage, and even death. These risks are especially high if the keloid is located near vital organs. For example, if your keloid is located close to your heart, it could potentially block blood flow and lead to cardiac arrest. If your keloid is near your lungs, it could obstruct your breathing. And if your keloid grows around your eyes, it could blind you.
Surgery also requires general anesthesia, which means that you’ll need someone to watch over you during the entire procedure. That person must monitor your vitals throughout the operation and ensure that you remain comfortable.
Finally, surgery may leave behind visible scars. The scars themselves aren’t dangerous, but they can still bother some patients.
Non-surgical treatments, however, pose no such risks. Instead, they involve simple procedures that are easy to perform under local anesthesia.
Scarless Healing
One of the most common reasons why people choose non-invasive treatments is because they want to avoid visible scars. As mentioned earlier, scars are formed as part of the body’s natural healing process. They help protect the injured tissue from further injury and promote wound closure.
However, this protective mechanism isn’t perfect. In fact, scarring can sometimes be more noticeable than the original injury. For instance, if you were badly burned by hot water, then you’d probably prefer to have a scar rather than a second-degree burn.
Fortunately, there are ways to minimize the appearance of scars. You can use creams and lotions to reduce their visibility. You can also apply pressure to the affected areas to prevent new ones from forming. Finally, you can wear clothing that covers the affected areas.
Cheaper Than Surgery
One reason why many people opt for non-invasive treatments instead of surgery is that they cost less. This is particularly true when compared with cosmetic surgeries like breast augmentation or rhinoplasty.
For example, laser therapy costs $300-$400 per session. It’s also available at most dermatology clinics, making it convenient for most people. On the other hand, plastic surgery typically costs thousands of dollars.
Furthermore, laser therapy doesn’t require an overnight stay in the hospital. Instead, you simply go home after the procedure.
Easier To Perform
Another benefit of non-invasive treatments versus surgery is that they’re generally easier to perform. For example, laser therapy involves just a few minutes of downtime. Meanwhile, surgery requires weeks of recovery time.
Also, unlike surgery, non-invasive treatments don’t require any incisions. Thus, they’re much safer than traditional surgical techniques.
Finally, non-invasive therapies are often performed on an outpatient basis. This makes them ideal for busy people who don’t have the time to take off work.
So, if you’ve been considering keloid removal surgery, then you should know that there are plenty of safe and effective alternatives.
