At Beaty Facial Plastic Surgery, we offer several effective keloid scar removal solutions, including surgical and non-surgical options. These treatments, tailored to the scar’s characteristics and individual needs, can dramatically improve skin texture and appearance. Dr. Mark Beaty, our experienced Atlanta and Alpharetta facial plastic surgeon, consults closely with each patient to ensure the most appropriate approach is taken, maximizing the chances of successful outcomes and minimizing the possibility of keloid recurrence.
What Are Keloid Scars?
Keloids are large, raised scars that form where the skin has healed after an injury. Unlike typical scars, keloids grow beyond the wound boundary and are more common in darker skin types. They arise from an overactive healing process where excessive collagen is produced. While they are benign, keloids can cause discomfort, restricted movement, or aesthetic concerns. The tendency to develop keloids is genetic. They can appear after surgeries, piercings, burns, or as part of an acne outbreak. Treatment options vary, with the aim being to reduce the size of the keloid and improve the appearance of the affected area.
What Causes Keloids?
Keloids are caused by an overactive healing response where the body produces excessive collagen during the wound repair process. They typically develop after skin injuries like cuts, burns, surgical incisions, vaccinations, or acne. Certain factors increase the likelihood of forming keloids, including genetic predisposition, darker skin complexion, and the location of the injury. Keloids are more frequent in areas of high skin tension, such as the chest, shoulders, earlobes, and upper back. While they are noncancerous, keloids can be cosmetically concerning and sometimes uncomfortable due to their raised, often expansive nature.
Keloid Treatment Before and After Photos
What Are My Keloid Treatment Options?
Like all lesion removal and scar revision procedures, keloid treatment aims to reduce scar size and improve appearance, with options varying based on the scar's characteristics and patient needs.
- Direct excision is a surgical method where the keloid is cut away. This approach is effective for immediate reduction but carries a risk of recurrence. Dr. Beaty does everything in his power to ensure all of the keloid tissue is removed, and the possibility of recurrence can be further mitigated by combining surgery with other treatments like steroid injections or, in extreme cases, radiation therapy.
- Laser therapy can be effective for flattening keloids and reducing redness. This technique offers a non-invasive alternative to surgery and can improve skin texture and color with minimal side effects. Multiple sessions are typically required for optimal results.
- Steroid injections are commonly used either alone or in combination with other techniques to reduce keloid size and resolve itchiness. These injections can help to soften and flatten the scar over time but may require several treatments for full effectiveness.
- Silicone sheets or gels are applied directly to the scar, helping to hydrate the tissue and reduce keloid thickness and color over time.
Choosing the right treatment often involves a combination of these methods, tailored to individual cases by Dr. Beaty and his team.
