Keloid Scar Surgery & Removal

Keloid scars are overgrowths of scar tissues that develop around a wound. The cause of keloid scars is not known but it is more common in people who have darker skin tones. Various treatments are available for the removal of keloid scars and your dermatologist will most likely use more than one in the span of your treatment. People prone to keloid scars should avoid piercings, tattoos, and unnecessary surgeries.

What causes keloid scars?

The exact cause is not known but they can develop after acne spots, piercings, burns, cuts and surgical wounds. Infection of the lacerations can increase the risks of keloid scars developing. Genetic factors have been suspected as being the cause as the condition is often passed through families through genes. The peak age for developing keloid scars is 10-30 years old and African-American races have shown an increased risk as 6-16 out of a hundred develop a keloid.

• Abnormal Scarring
• Burns
• Piercings

When the aforementioned takes place, in some instances, uncontrollable cell growth begins and a keloid is formed over the area with the capability to even grow beyond it.

What are the symptoms of a keloid?

Keloid scars typically develop at about three months after the skin damage although some can take up to a year. The first thing to notice is the rubbery scar tissue begins to grow beyond the bonds of the scar location.

• Raised skin, sometimes with a shine
• Grows and can become unsightly and itchy
• Tender, may be painful to the touch
• Begins on small scarred area

What is the treatment for keloid?

A keloid scar may shrink but they rarely disappear completely. Treatments include steroids, pressure and airtight dressings, and surgery. The best type of surgery is cryodestruction, a technique used by the Florida Keloid Center in Orlando. The first step is to use a probe to freeze the tissue and remove it without harming the skin around the scar. Cryotherapy seems to be an effective treatment modality for keloids of recent onset, particularly smaller lesions. Duration and thickness of the keloids were found to be the most important factors in determining treatment outcome with cryotherapy. Liquid nitrogen is sprayed directly on the keloid scar to cover the surface, and the skin is allowed to thaw out between cycles if more than one is needed. This method is considered more effective than the dipstick applicator method since it freezes deeper into the keloid scar tissue.

FLORIDA KELOID CENTER:

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Dr. Blatnoy takes advantage of the CryoDestruction Technique, which actually freezes the keloid scar from the inside out with liquid nitrogen. The freezing cold of liquid nitrogen causes a thermal effect that destroys cell growth, thus removing the keloid. With no risk of worsening the scar, and a 97% SUCCESS RATE, the CRYODESTRUCTION is the best method available!