Keloids are an overgrowth of scar tissue that forms at the site of a healed wound. These thick, raised scars can be itchy, painful, and cosmetically bothersome. While keloids can occur anywhere on the body, they are most commonly found on the chest, shoulders, earlobes, and back. Though non-invasive treatments like steroid injections and silicone sheets are often effective, surgery remains one of the most direct methods for addressing larger, more stubborn Keloid Treatment in Dubai. However, surgery also comes with its own risks, including the possibility of recurrence. If you’re considering surgery to remove a keloid, here’s what you need to know to determine if it’s the right option for you.

When Is Surgery Recommended for Keloids?

Surgical removal of keloids is typically considered for larger scars or those that haven’t responded to other treatments. While non-surgical options can help reduce the appearance of keloids, surgery is often recommended for patients dealing with:

• Large or Severe Keloids: When a keloid is extensive and causing significant cosmetic or functional issues, surgery might be the best approach.
• Keloids That Have Not Responded to Other Treatments: If you’ve tried steroid injections, cryotherapy, or laser therapy with little success, surgical removal may offer a more definitive solution.
• Pain or Discomfort: Keloids can sometimes cause pain, tenderness, or itching. Surgery may be necessary if the scar is causing ongoing discomfort or restricting movement, especially in areas where there is significant skin tension, like the chest or back.
• Cosmetic Concerns: If a keloid is in a visible area and affecting your appearance, surgery may help improve its appearance significantly, offering a smoother, flatter scar.

The Surgical Process for Keloid Removal

Surgical excision involves the complete removal of the keloid tissue. Depending on the size and location of the keloid, the procedure may be done under local anesthesia or, in some cases, general anesthesia. Here’s what you can expect during the surgery:

• Preparation: Your doctor will examine your keloid and discuss your treatment goals. They will also assess factors such as your skin type and medical history to determine whether surgery is appropriate.
• Surgical Procedure: The surgeon will remove the keloid by cutting away the overgrown scar tissue. The wound will then be closed with stitches.
• Post-Procedure Care: After surgery, the area may be bandaged, and you’ll be given instructions on how to care for the wound. You may be prescribed antibiotics to prevent infection and pain relief medications as needed.
• Follow-up: Regular follow-up visits with your doctor are crucial to monitor healing and check for any signs of recurrence.

Pros of Surgical Keloid Removal

• Immediate Results: Surgical excision provides immediate removal of the keloid, offering a significant reduction in size and appearance.
• Effectiveness for Large Keloids: Surgery is often the most effective option for treating large keloids, especially those that cannot be addressed through non-invasive treatments.
• Cosmetic Improvement: For many patients, surgery can dramatically improve the appearance of a keloid, especially when it is located in a visible area.

Cons and Risks of Surgery

While surgery offers benefits, it is not without its risks and potential downsides:

• High Risk of Recurrence: One of the biggest drawbacks of surgical excision is the possibility of the keloid coming back. In fact, in some cases, a keloid may regrow even larger after being surgically removed, especially if the area is not treated with additional therapies.
• Scarring: Although surgery removes the keloid, it will create a new scar. While this new scar is typically smaller, there’s still the potential for it to become a keloid itself. Your surgeon will discuss strategies to minimize this risk, such as the use of steroids, radiation therapy, or silicone sheets after surgery.
• Pain and Discomfort: Surgery is invasive and can cause pain and discomfort during the healing process. There is also the risk of infection or delayed healing.
• Downtime and Healing: Recovery time from surgery can vary. You may need to take time off from work or other activities depending on the size and location of the keloid.

Can Surgery Be Combined with Other Treatments?

Yes, combining surgery with other treatments can significantly reduce the risk of recurrence and enhance the overall outcome. Common follow-up treatments include:

• Steroid Injections: Steroids can be injected into the site after surgery to help reduce inflammation and prevent collagen buildup, lowering the chance of regrowth.
• Radiation Therapy: Low-dose radiation is often used after excision to kill fibroblasts (the cells that produce collagen), thus reducing the chances of a keloid forming again.
• Silicone Sheets or Gels: Silicone sheets or gels are commonly used after surgery to help flatten and soften the scar. These can be worn for several months after the procedure to aid in healing.
• Cryotherapy: Cryotherapy (freezing the scar tissue) may also be used in conjunction with surgery to prevent the keloid from returning.

Is Surgery Right for You?

Whether or not surgery is the right choice depends on several factors:

• Size and Location of the Keloid: Larger, more persistent keloids in visible or functional areas may benefit from surgical excision, particularly if non-surgical treatments haven’t worked.
• Your Skin Type and Healing Ability: Some people are more prone to developing keloids than others, and their skin may respond differently to surgery. If you’ve had multiple keloids before or had past surgical scars turn into keloids, your doctor may discuss additional preventative treatments.
• Treatment Goals: If you are primarily concerned with improving the cosmetic appearance of a keloid and other treatments have failed, surgery may offer a permanent solution.
• Recurrence Concerns: If you’re willing to follow up with additional treatments like steroids or radiation therapy, the risk of recurrence can be minimized, making surgery a viable option.

Conclusion

Keloid surgery can offer significant benefits for patients dealing with large, persistent scars, but it’s important to consider all options and understand the risks involved. Surgery should generally be reserved for larger keloids or those that have not responded to other treatments. In many cases, a combination of surgical excision followed by additional therapies like steroid injections or radiation can improve the results and reduce the chances of recurrence.

Consulting with a qualified dermatologist or plastic surgeon is crucial to determine the best treatment plan based on your specific needs. With the right approach, surgery can be an effective option to help you achieve smoother, flatter skin and reduce the emotional and physical discomfort associated with keloids.