Keloids are large sometimes dumbell shaped scars that grow out of the confines of the original wound. Most chest and back keloids are caused by acne that creates inflamed scars. They are most common in Afro Americans but occasionally are found in Hispanics and Asians. Keloids do not respond to silicone sheeting. Virtually all keloids that are cut out will return within 2 to 3 months if steroids and pressure are not applied after surgery. In most of these cases radiation is used to prevent recurrence especially if the patient cannot return for weekly office visits or the body area involved is not amenable to the application of pressure by a garment, for example keloids over the breast bone between the breasts. Although the exact skin condition prior to keloid formation cannot be reached vast improvement is possible.
If the keloid is causing a functional problem such as affecting range or motion or has a history of recurrent infections its removal is covered by health insurance. In California state laws mandate coverage of the removal of all visibly large keloids.
This 45 year old had gynecologic surgery 3 years earlier and developed this keloid which connected down to the muscle layer so it caused pulling and pain with movement. The scar was removed down to the muscle layer, the tissue repaired in layers, 3 radiation treatments were applied and then she applied medicated tape for 4 months. The after photo is 4 months after the keloid removal surgery.
Read Dr. Stone’s blog about Scars, Keloids and Hypertrophic Scars
Scars, Keloids and Hypertrophic Scars
Keloid surgery can enhance your appearance and your self confidence. Realistic expectations are important to be happy with any surgery. As each patient is an individual, different results can be expected in each patient.
Alternatives
The alternatives include laser or cryotherapy ablation vs. surgical removal. There is no major advantage of one over the others because the main goal is the prevention of recurrence. It matters more what you do to keep it from coming back than what you do to remove the keloid.
The options to prevent recurrence are compression garments, scar injections, medicated tape and weekly office visits vs. radiation and medicated tape. Some areas like the over the breast bone between the breasts are just not amenable to pressure garments and some patients live too far away to come in for weekly office visits. Those patients have to go the radiation route.
Risks
As with any type of surgery there is the risk of infection or bleeding. If radiation is used there is a risk of burns or future skin cancer. With appropriate care the risk of these is extremely low. You have to pick your radiation doctor carefully and it may be safer to go with a non-participating provider than a doctor who participates with your health insurance.
If the keloid is large enough and/or the surrounding skin tight enough you will not be able to have the keloid completely removed. In that case it is shelled out and some of the overlying skin removed. The highest risk then is incomplete survival of the shell skin. This usually does not affect the end result but can prolong the recovery period.
Benefits
The benefits are not having a raised, hard scar that may itch, periodically get infected, interfere with movement or be visible through your shirt.
Recovery
If the radiation route is chosen radiation treatments begin within 24 hours for a total of 3 treatments. If the pressure garment route is chosen scar injections are performed at and 1 week after surgery. Sutures are removed at 10 to 12 days and the pressure garment is then applied at all times except when bathing for 3 to 6 months. Initial office visits are weekly and then are gradually extended to every 2 to 3 weeks.
Dr. Aaron Stone
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9700 Venice BlvdCulver City, Los Angeles,CA 90232
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Please remember not to choose your cosmetic surgeon based solely on prices for plastic surgery rather than credentials. It is important to thoroughly research your doctor to ensure that he or she has the requisite training, experience, and facility. In addition you should feel comfortable with the Plastic Surgeon you choose. This is important because should any problems arise after surgery you need to feel you can easily call and speak with your surgeon to treat any such problems as quickly as possible. Having a good surgeon that intimidates you or that you feel uncomfortable speaking with does not help the situation. Making sure you get the results you desire the first time around could mean lower cosmetic surgery costs in the long run. Choosing an inexperienced surgeon could jeopardize your safety and result in health problems or the need for follow-up surgeries.
