Keloids are thick, raised scars that form at the site of an injury, burn, or surgical incision. Unlike normal scars, keloids grow beyond the boundaries of the original wound and can be unsightly, itchy, or even painful. While keloids can be difficult to treat and often recur after treatment, various methods can reduce their appearance and, in some cases, remove them completely. In this article, we explore whether keloids can be effectively removed with Keloid Treatment in Dubai and discuss the various treatment options available.
Understanding Keloids and Treatment Challenges
Keloids are an abnormal response of the body’s healing process. When the skin is injured, the body produces collagen to close the wound. In the case of a keloid, the body continues to produce collagen even after the wound is healed, leading to an overgrowth of scar tissue.
Keloids are difficult to remove completely because of their tendency to regrow after treatment. The treatment of keloids often aims to reduce the size of the keloid, flatten the tissue, and minimize symptoms such as itching and discomfort.
Treatment Options for Keloid Removal
While keloid removal is challenging, several treatment options can help manage and reduce the appearance of keloids. Depending on the severity of the keloid, the location, and the individual’s response to treatment, a combination of therapies may be used.
1. Steroid Injections
Steroid injections, such as corticosteroids, are one of the most commonly used treatments for keloids. These injections help to flatten the keloid by reducing the inflammation and collagen production that causes the overgrowth of scar tissue. Steroid injections can effectively reduce the size and appearance of keloids, and in some cases, they can completely flatten the scar.
However, while steroid injections can shrink keloids, they do not completely remove them. Multiple sessions may be required to see significant results, and there is always a risk of the keloid returning.
2. Surgical Excision
Surgical excision involves removing the keloid with a scalpel or surgical tool. While this method can provide immediate results by removing the keloid tissue, there is a high risk of the keloid returning. In some cases, keloid recurrence may be more severe after excision.
To minimize the risk of recurrence, doctors may combine surgical excision with other treatments, such as steroid injections or silicone gel sheets, to prevent the keloid from reforming. Surgical excision is typically used for larger keloids that do not respond to other treatments.
3. Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy involves freezing the keloid with liquid nitrogen, which causes the scar tissue to shrink and fall off. This treatment can be effective in reducing the size of smaller keloids. However, it may require multiple sessions and can sometimes cause pigmentation changes in the treated area.
Cryotherapy works best for smaller keloids and may not be as effective for larger or more raised keloids.
4. Laser Treatment
Laser treatment can help to reduce the size, color, and texture of keloids. Fractional CO2 lasers are commonly used to treat keloids, as they can target the deeper layers of the skin and break down the excess collagen that causes the keloid to form.
Laser treatment can be effective for reducing the appearance of keloids, but it does not completely remove them. Patients often require multiple sessions to achieve the best results.
5. Silicone Gel Sheets and Silicone Creams
Silicone gel sheets and silicone creams are non-invasive treatments that can help to flatten keloids and reduce their appearance over time. Silicone is thought to work by hydrating the skin and providing pressure to the keloid, which helps to break down the excess collagen.
Silicone sheets are often used as a follow-up treatment after other therapies, such as surgery or steroid injections, to prevent the keloid from returning. These treatments are generally safe and can be used for extended periods.
6. Pressure Therapy
Pressure therapy involves using a compression garment or bandage to apply continuous pressure to the keloid. This method is most commonly used for burn scars and large keloids. Over time, the pressure can help to flatten and soften the keloid, although it may take several months to see significant improvement.
Pressure therapy is usually used in conjunction with other treatments, such as silicone sheets or steroid injections, for the best results.
7. Radiation Therapy
In some cases, radiation therapy may be used to treat keloids, particularly when other treatments have not been effective. Radiation can help to shrink the keloid and prevent it from growing back after excision. However, radiation therapy carries potential risks, including the development of new cancerous growths, so it is used cautiously and only when other treatments have failed.
Preventing Keloid Formation
While treatment can reduce the appearance of existing keloids, preventing the formation of new keloids is just as important. For individuals who are prone to keloids, steps can be taken to minimize the risk of developing them after an injury:
- Proper Wound Care: Keeping the wound clean and protected from infection can reduce the risk of keloid formation. Using silicone gel sheets or pressure therapy immediately after an injury may help prevent keloid scarring.
- Avoiding Unnecessary Surgery: If possible, avoiding unnecessary surgical procedures can reduce the risk of developing keloids, especially in areas prone to scarring, such as the chest, shoulders, and upper arms.
- Consulting with a Dermatologist: If you have a history of keloids, it is important to consult with a dermatologist or plastic surgeon before undergoing any surgery or body modifications, as they can advise on ways to prevent keloid formation.
Can Keloids Be Completely Removed?
While keloids can be treated and their appearance significantly reduced, it is rare to completely remove them without recurrence. Keloids have a high tendency to return even after treatment, and the process of removing them often requires a combination of therapies.
Each individual’s response to treatment will vary, and multiple treatment sessions may be needed to achieve the desired results. In some cases, the goal of treatment is not complete removal but rather improvement in appearance and reduction in symptoms like pain and itching.
Conclusion
Keloids can be managed with various treatment options, including steroid injections, surgical excision, laser therapy, cryotherapy, and silicone treatments. While these treatments can significantly improve the appearance of keloids, complete removal is often difficult, and recurrence is common. A combination of treatments may be necessary to achieve the best results. It is important to consult with a dermatologist or healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for your specific case of keloids.