Keloid Scar Removal

Keloid scars are basically a mass of collagen formed on the skin, when the healing process of a wound is interrupted. These interruptions could be formation of excess collagen or too little collagen. When there is excess collagen deposition at these places, the collagen grows in a very abrupt and irregular manner, totally asymmetrical with the skin surface, causing formation of scars. Keloid scars appear reddish-purple in color and are firm. People who develop these scars, initially use various home remedies and over the counter creams to get rid of them. However, most of these methods turn out to be ineffective. There are better methods for keloid scar removal, which effectively help in wiping out the scars.

Keloid Scar Treatment

Surgery
The keloid scar removal surgery could be a little risky, as it can cause a larger keloid formation. To avoid this, a few surgeons inject steroids, provide radiation or dress the wound with pressure dressings after cutting the keloid scar.

Laser treatment
Laser treatment is considered as an effective method for removal of keloid scar. In this treatment, the laser is made to move above the scar. This procedure vaporizes the top layer of skin and reveals the underneath layer, which is mare natural in appearance. Certain potent lasers have the ability to penetrate and destroy even lower layers of skin, thus stimulating growth of new collagen and getting rid of scars completely. The laser treatment takes around half an hour and is carried out under local anesthesia.

Cortisone Injections
The cortisone injections, also known as intralesional steroids, are given to the patient once a month, until the doctor feels that the purpose is served. Cortisone injections are not known to cause pain and are also considered safe. The injections aid in flattening out the keloids, so that the scar vanishes. There are chances though, that steroid injections may help in the formation extra superficial blood vessels, which need further treatment. It has been observed among people who have been through this treatment, that certain distinct marks remain on the skin which refuse to go away and require laser surgery.

Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy or cold therapy, is another way to remove keloid scars. In this process, keloids are flattened out by freezing them. The most commonly used freezing agent to perform cryotherapy is liquid nitrogen. The skin does get dark at places where this therapy is carried out.

Silicone Sheets
There is no guarantee of success in removing keloid scars using silicone sheets. To remove keloid scars using silicone sheets, the patient is made to wear silicone gel on the scar everyday for a substantial number of weeks, which is difficult to carry out. Doctors have found some other materials which can be used for dressing other than silicone and are equally effective.

Interferon
The human body's immune system produces various proteins to counter harmful viruses and bacteria. Interferon is one such protein. Research has proved that these proteins are capable of reducing keloids. The only aspect doctors are unsure about is, how long will its effect last. An alternative of this method could be applying aldara, a medicine to cure skin disorders, which stimulates production of interferon in the body.

Other methods of keloid scar removal include, injecting a chemotherapy agent fluorouracil and the use of radiation heat. Both these methods often need to be coupled with laser treatment to get optimum results.

Keloid Scar Removal: After Care

The doctor normally advises to wash the treated area softly with soap water. Wipe it off with a dry, soft towel and apply an antibiotic cream as suggested by the doctor. Doctors also prescribe certain oral antibiotics to prevent any infection. There are certain creams available which help to fade away the scar post-treatment, which can be used after the doctor's consent. It takes about 4 days for the skin regeneration process to start after treatment. The recovery period lasts for a couple of weeks at least and regular visits to the doctor is recommended during this period to ensure a smooth and quick recovery.

Keloid scar removal is simple, does not have any major complications and the recovery is also quick. There are a few things which need to be taken into consideration before selecting a keloid scar removal treatment. The cost factor, reactions to certain medications, previous instances of laser therapy used, are certain factors which need to be discussed with a dermatologist, before undergoing any treatment procedure.

source: buzzle.com