When it comes to large keloids which grow outside the skin's surface, often keloid removal surgery is the only way to successfully remove them. But creams are known to help with discoloration from flat keloids.
Our skin is similar to that of a timeline. It is put through so much throughout our entire life span it is no wonder that many people develop some sort of physical scarring. Our skin protects our body and works to prevent infections when we have any type of skin trauma or accident. Through years of harmful environmental factors as well as sometimes unfortunate circumstances our skin takes a beating.
1. Surgery
One type of keloid surgery that people use to help treat keloid scars on the body is a treatment called excisional surgery. This process consists of complete removal of the scar tissue and replacing adjacent non scarred tissue in a process called skin grafting. There is a minimal amount of soft tissue used in this procedure to prevent the new skin used from other parts of the body from scarring.
2. Radiation
Another type of keloid surgery is radiation. Although this treatment can be used on its own, it is much more effective when combined with the excisional surgical procedure. The best type of radiation therapy is brachytherapy and this treatment is combined with excisional surgery. These two procedures work together to maximize the dissipation of the scar. In many cases the scar is completely dissolved. Studies have shown that postoperative use of radiation is just as effective as a combination of both preoperative and postoperative procedures.
3. Laser Therapy
This another form of keloid surgery and has some positive aspects that make in the treatment of scar tissue. The reasons being that it it has less trauma on skin tissue and is less likely to create excessive inflammation. This type of therapy is made of four different types of lasers. One is flash lamp pulse dyed laser, argon laser, carbon dioxide laser, and Nd:YAG laser. The carbon dioxide laser and argon laser promote collagen shrinkage which is made possible by the heat that is radiated through the laser. These treatments have not been very successful in treatment compared to some of the other treatments discussed. They have a greater likelihood of reoccurrence.
Now that you know more about the different types of keloid surgery you can make an appointment to consult with your dermatologist to find out more about the benefits and side effects of these procedures. It should be noted that I am not a medical professional nor do I claim to be, therefore consulting with your professional doctor or dermatologist would be ideal for you make a well educated decision on whether the aforementioned or any other types of keloid removal are something you should consider.
A keloid is a type of scar that are characterized by its firm and rubbery texture. Some keloid scars are pink and fleshy while others are darker. A keloid scar is generally harmless, no tumor can come out of it and it is also not contagious. It is just a bit uncomfortable to go around with a keloid scar because it looks so obvious, especially when it's on the face. Countless people have tried to get rid of these scars using various methods, with keloid surgery being the one least recommended but most sought after.
Most people would not mind going under the knife if it means that it will get the job done quickly and efficiently. However, as much as they want to have it done, so very few doctors would take on the task. They would, in most cases, suggest the following treatments instead:
- Natural Method of Treatment - one example of this is silicone sheeting. It is a common practice that helps reduce the appearance of existing scars and helps prevent the production of new ones. All this requires is topical application of the treatments, which makes this the least dangerous to do in comparison with keloid surgery.
- Wearing Cotton or Other Moistened Materials for Dressing – there are dressings made of silicone gel that has been proven to reduce keloid appearance over time. However the length of time it takes for effects to be seen can be a bit worrisome especially for those who want to get rid of the scar fast.
- Steroid Injections - another alternative to actually getting keloid surgery is steroid injections. This is used just when the keloid scar begins to thicken. This treatment will involve a series of injections. However, this method is uncomfortable and can be painful.
- Gels and Creams - these may be the most common treatment as there are a lot of gels and creams in the market that vow to reduce the appearance of keloid scars. You have to be a bit more discerning though lest you waste your money on a product that does little to nothing in reducing your keloid scar.
Aside from the ones mentioned above, other treatments include radiation therapy, laser therapy and cryotherapy. The reason why there are a lot of alternatives to keloid surgery is that aside from the fact that it is expensive, surgically removing the scars will mean that it has to be replaced by a less noticeable one. It is impossible to completely get rid of it but it may be replaced by something that does not look as horrid or stand out as much. Skin grafting is involved with keloid surgery.
Before deciding to take the leap of faith and go straight to keloid surgery, it is important to have a deep understanding of the matter and a lengthy discussion with your dermatologist to avoid unnecessary mishaps in the process. A keloid scar disappearing permanently is impossible but what can be done is the minimizing of its appearance.
Do you suffer from keloids? A keloid is a special type of scar that has much more severe side effects. It looks similar to a scar, but it may be raised slightly above the skin and it will have a slightly different color. Unlike a scar, a keloid will grow slowly overtime instead of fading away slowly. They can also spread across the skin to areas that were never injured. Unlike scars, which are nothing more than cosmetic blemishes after time has passed, keloids will be itchy, sore, and even painful to touch for an extended period of time after it first occurs on your skin.
Doctors do not know very much about keloids. There are no reliable treatments for keloids besides surgery. Fortunately, keloids will very rarely ever appear on your face. Injections, therapy, and surgery are the three most offered methods of getting rid of keloids. Keloids will go away by themselves in some instances, but most of the time they are there until you get rid of them.
Keloid surgery might not be the most inexpensive option, but it is the most sure fire way to get rid of one. In some rare instances the keloid has been reported to grow back even bigger, but there is a slim to none chance that will happen if your surgery goes smoothly. If you are struggling to live with them, keloid surgery is the best option for you.
There are some ways to prevent yourself from getting keloids and avoiding keloid surgery, and they are very easy to do. Basically, you just need to leave irritation on your skin alone and you will never get a keloid. Sometimes it is unavoidable, but in over 50 percent of the cases the victim agitated a blemish on their skin that created the keloid. Scratching at an insect bite, pimple, burn, or any other blemish is the most common way that people get keloids.
Keloids are ugly, and very painful to live with. Some keloids are minor, and others are very severe. Sometimes the keloid is rarely noticeable, and the pain is annoying at the most. Those people may choose not to get surgery because keloids can't develop into a very life threatening condition. On the other hand, other people might not be able to bear the pain caused by the more major keloids. They would be willing to do anything to get rid of it, and that is what keloid surgery is for.