Keloid scars are raised scars that can grow disproportionately large. Unlike most scars that stay within the boundary of the original wound, keloids can grow beyond these boundaries. Any wound, even ear piercings, can cause a keloid growth. Keloids can be disfiguring, and they are notoriously difficult to remove and prevent from returning. Dr. Peter Koltz at pēkomd® is a highly respected and board certified plastic surgeon who offers keloid removal surgery and treatment at our clinic in Toledo, OH.
Anyone can have a keloid scar develop, but it is more common among darker-skinned ethnic groups like Africans and Asians in their teens and twenties. Keloids tend to be covered in a pink, brown or darker shiny skin and continue growing for long periods of time. The scar tissue is usually firm and tough, which can make it restrictive and uncomfortable. Simply removing the scar tissue is not effective for keloids, as they are prone to growing back faster and larger than the first keloid. To effectively remove larger keloids, surgery combined with treatment is the best solution, but smaller keloids may not require surgery.
Keloid Scar Treatment
Smaller or new keloid scars may be removed without surgery. Corticosteroid injections, medications, silicone gel sheets, cryosurgery and laser treatments are all possible options to reduce or remove smaller keloids. For larger keloids, surgery may be needed to remove the scar tissue, followed by medications and prevention treatments. When the right techniques are used, there is a very high success rate for keloid removal surgery.
Keloids tend to be genetic in nature – you are more likely to experience keloid scars if other people in your family have keloids. If you have a wound, there are options like silicone sheets that may help with prevention. For existing keloids, the best option for removal is seeking treatment as soon as it is diagnosed. Early treatment can help you avoid the need for surgical removal.
If you have a keloid scar, treatment is available at pēkomd® cosmetic surgery center. Contact our office in Toledo, OH, to schedule a keloid treatment or removal consultation with our plastic surgeon, Dr. Peter Koltz.
