Keloids

Keloids and hypertrophic scars can be extremely distressing for those who suffer with them. They are often extremely difficult to treat and can be the source of embarrassment especially if they are in easily visible areas. At Rejuvence we do not claim to have a magic cure for keloids and hypertrophic scars but we do offer a range of treatments that can help.

What are keloids?

Keloids or keloid scars develop as a result of an overgrowth of collagen over cuts or wounds or following procedures such as ear piercing or tattoos. They can also occur after treatments such as aggressive lasers or deep chemical peels. Keloids are defined as raised scars that extend beyond the borders of the original cut or wound. They can grow to significant size and can often also be associated with itching and peeling.

Where do keloids normally occur?

Keloids normally occur over the upper chest, breast bone, shoulders and upper arms, ears, scalp, back and lower legs. They are particularly common after cuts and wounds to the shoulders and back as well as after ear piercings. As mentioned earlier they can also occur after certain cosmetic procedures in susceptible ethnic groups, especially those with darker skin types.

Who are most likely to develop keloids?

Keloids are not particularly common but certain ethnic groups can be quite prone to them. Specifically Afro-Carribeans, Asians (from the Indian Subcontinent) as well as certain Mediterranean groups can develop keloids. They are not contagious but can run in families.

Can keloid scars be treated?

Keloids are extremely difficult to treat. Hence prevention is the best approach. For those individuals who are likely to be prone to keloids it is best to avoid specific types of cosmetic treatments and procedures except if absolutely necessary. These individuals should also be extremely careful when it comes to getting their ears pierced or having tattoos done. They should especially avoid keloid prone areas such as the chest, back, shoulders and upper arms.

Before

After

©Individual results may vary.

What can we do at Rejuvence Clinic?

At Rejuvence we have experience in treating clients who suffer with troublesome keloids. We are able to provide a course of steroid injections into the scars themselves and often follow up in between treatment sessions with topical steroid creams. We are also able to carry out excision of the keloids and will recommend a combination of steroid injections afterwards alongs side compression bandaging (depending upon where the keloids are) and silicone gel. We also offer supplemental PRP based on new emerging research. We have had some excellent results but always advise our clients that there is a high risk of recurrence. We understand the distressing nature of keloids and how they can severely affect one’s self esteem and confidence. Book a free consultation to find out more.

What is the difference between keloids and hypertrophic scars?

Hypertrophic scars are slightly different to keloids in that they are also raised large growths of excessive amounts of collagen but are restricted to the boundaries of a wound or cut. They do not grow beyond this whereas keloids do. On the whole they are much smaller and often slightly more responsive to treatments.

What are the treatment options for keloid scars?

Unfortunately there is no cure for keloids and all treatments are limited in their success with a high risk of recurrence. Typical treatments include injection of steroids into the keloid scars, topical steroid creams, compression garments, silicone gel sheets, cryotherapy, cutting out of keloid scars and radiotherapy.

Steroid treatment for keloid scars

Injection of steroids into keloid scars has been shown to produce some positive results. The steroids, after a series of repeated treatments over a course of a few months, can help to shrink keloid scars. However, there is often lightening of the skin over the keloid (also known as hypopigmentation) and the steroid injection themselves can be quite sore. It is often necessary to add in some local anaesthetic with the steroids and use topical anaesthetic creams prior to treatment. Supplemental steroid creams can be applied in between steroid injections to help keep it at bay.

Excision (cutting out) of keloid scars

Often, many patients, would prefer for their keloid scars to be completely removed through excision (cutting out). This can be performed depending on where the keloids are and is normally carried out under local anaesthetic. However, it is very important to bear in mind that there is a high rate of recurrence and sometimes the keloids can come back more aggressively. Once excised, immediate repeated treatments with steroid injections can help to reduce the risk of recurrence and some large specialist units advocate using radiotherapy in the postoperative period to further reduce the risk of keloids coming back. This has had some limited success.

Compression garments and silicone gel sheets

Compression garments are often useful alongside silicone gel sheets but more so as a preventative measure rather than a sole treatment for established keloid scars. They are often used after the keloids have been surgically removed in an attempt to prevent them from coming back. Again success in this approach has been demonstrated.

What about Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)? Can it help with keloid

At Rejuvence we specialise in platelet rich plasma (PRP). PRP is now widely used in a large number of cosmetic procedures including hair loss, facial rejuvenation and erectile dysfunction. Research trials published over the last couple of years have demonstrated potential benefit from the use of PRP immediately after excision of keloid scars and a further two treatments spaced one month apart. Research is still ongoing but the results are promising indicating a lower recurrence rate. At Rejuvence Clinic we are always pushing the boundaries and are able to offer PRP alongside surgical excision of keloid scars to all our clients.

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