Keloid Scar Removal
Doctors at Perth Cosmetic Clinic are experienced in treating keloid scars.
​
What is a Keloid Scar?
A keloid scar is a thick, raised area of skin that begins at the site of an injury or piercing. It can extend beyond the border of the injury. It is the overgrowth of scar tissue and vary rarely subsides on its own.
Keloid scars can develop around surgical scars, piercings, cuts and other injuries. They typically have a smooth, shiny appearance with a raised, rounded top that can vary in colour from pink to dark purple.
Keloid scars are irregularly shaped and may grow larger over time. Unlike other types of scars, keloids scars do not fade or subside over time.
​
How are Keloid and Hypertrophic Scars Treated?
Options for treating keloid and hypertrophic scars include the following
-
Topical steroid creams or ointments.
-
Cortisone injections (steroids): Safe and only somewhat uncomfortable, injections are usually administered by a dermatologist or medical dermatology practitioner every 4 to 8 weeks to help flatten keloids
-
Laser therapy can be used to help minimize redness and flatten the keloid.
-
Silicone gel sheets can be worn continuously for an extended period to reduce a keloid scar and results will vary.
-
Freezing keloids with liquid nitrogen (cryotherapy) may help to flatten the scar.
-
Surgery can be used to remove a keloid. However, there is a risk that another keloid will return in the same area. Surgical removal is usually combined with other treatment, like steroid injections, to hopefully avoid this complication.
-
Some doctors have reported safe and effective use of radiation to treat keloids.
What are the Risks?
Aside from surgical treatment, keloid and hypertrophic scar treatments are safe for most patients. Most treatments require multiple treatments or long periods of time to see results. Results will vary from patient to patient.
​