Keloid & Hypertrophic Scar Treatment

Introduction

Raised, thickened scars called keloids and hypertrophic scars come from an excess buildup of collagen during the healing process. These marks may be unsightly and occasionally painful or itchy. Dermatologists use the following procedures to heal keloids and hypertrophic scars:

  1. Injecting corticosteroids directly into the scar can help to flatten the scar and decrease inflammation.
  2. Pressure therapy: Using a silicone sheet or special bandage to apply pressure to the wound can help flatten it and stop it from enlarging.
  3. Cryotherapy: Freezing the wound with liquid nitrogen can help it become smaller.
  4. Laser therapy: Laser energy can be used to dissolve scar tissue and promote the creation of collagen.
  5. Surgical removal: In order to remove the scar tissue and reshape the region, surgery may be required for large or persistent keloids or hypertrophic scars.
  6. Radiation treatment: After surgical removal, radiation therapy may occasionally be used to lessen the chance that the keloid or hypertrophic scar will recur.

Pathophysiology

The pathophysiology of keloid and hypertrophic scar treatment involves several mechanisms, depending on the specific treatment modality.

  1. Injections of corticosteroids reduce inflammation, which is a factor in scar development. The collagen in the scar tissue is also broken down by the corticosteroids, which can help to lessen the thickness and extent of the scar.
  2. Continuous pressure is applied to the scar during pressure treatment, which can help to flatten the scar and stop it from enlarging. Additionally, the weight aids in boosting localised blood flow, which may aid in healing.
  3. Scar tissue is frozen during cryotherapy, which can harm cells and result in their demise. The damaged tissue is then removed by the body, and fresh, healthy tissue is implanted in its place.
  4. High-energy light is used in laser treatment to penetrate the scar tissue and break down the collagen and other proteins that make up the scar tissue. This can encourage the development of new collagen fibres and aid in reducing the size and thickness of the scar.
  5. Surgical removal entails removing the scar tissue and closing the incision with sutures. This has the potential to effectively treat hypertrophic scars and big or persistent keloids. After operation, there is a chance that the scar will only get bigger.
  6. High-energy radiation is used in radiation treatment to kill the cells that make up scar tissue. This may aid in avoiding the scar tissue’s regrowth after surgical excision.

Side Effects

The symptoms of keloid and hypertrophic scar treatment depend on the specific treatment modality used. Here are some common Side effects that may occur:

  1. Corticosteroid injections: Some patients may experience some redness or swelling, along with pain or soreness, at the injection site.
  2. Pressure therapy: The pressure garment or dressing may cause some irritation or pain in the patient.
  3. Cryotherapy: Patients may feel some pain or discomfort while the region is being frozen, along with some redness, swelling, or blistering.
  4. Laser therapy: During laser therapy, patients may feel some discomfort or pain as well as some redness, swelling, or bruising in the treated region.
  5. Surgical removal: The surgical site may cause patients to experience discomfort, swelling, or bruising.
  6. Radiation therapy: Aside from exhaustion, patients may experience some redness or irritation at the radiation site.

How do Dermatologists do Keloid & Hypertrophic Scar Treatment?

Dermatologists use a variety of treatment modalities for keloid and hypertrophic scars. Some common methods include:

  1. Corticosteroid injections: These entail injecting a corticosteroid drug into the scar tissue in order to flatten the scar and reduce inflammation. Typically, a number of sessions spaced several weeks apart are used to administer this treatment.
  2. Pressure therapy: In order to flatten the scar and stop it from getting bigger, pressure is applied to the scar tissue with the help of a specifically made dressing or garment. For several months, this therapy might need to be continued.
  3. Cryotherapy: This technique freezes scar tissue with liquid nitrogen to destroy abnormal cells and speed up recovery. It may be necessary to perform this treatment several times over the course of several weeks or months.
  4. Laser therapy: In this procedure, the top layers of skin are removed with a laser while collagen production is encouraged, which can make the scar look better. It’s possible that this treatment will need several sessions spread several weeks apart.
  5. Surgical removal: In this method, the scar tissue is surgically removed before the incision is stitched shut. This procedure is typically only used on scars that are big, painful, or thick.
  6. Radiation therapy: To decrease inflammation and stop the scar from getting bigger, low-dose radiation is used. The usual format for this treatment is a number of sessions spread out over a few weeks.

Before & After Treatment Images

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Frequently Asked Questions

What possible negative consequences might corticosteroid injections have?

Pain, swelling, and discolouration at the injection site are possible side effects of corticosteroid injections.

How are hypertrophic and keloid scars treated with laser therapy?

When keloid and hypertrophic scars are treated with lasers, the scar tissue is broken down, and collagen formation is stimulated, which helps the scar look better.

What possible adverse effects might laser therapy have?

Laser treatment's possible side effects are redness, swelling, and transitory changes in skin colour.

How are keloid and hypertrophic scars managed during surgery?

The scar tissue is removed for keloid and hypertrophic scars during surgery, and the area is then stitched shut.

What may go wrong during surgery?

Infection, bleeding, and the formation of new scars are possible side effects of surgery for keloid and hypertrophic scars.

Can hypertrophic and keloid scars be entirely removed?

Keloid and hypertrophic scars can't be eliminated; however, some treatments can help shrink the scar and make it seem better.