Finding the Best Treatment for Keloids

When our skin gets hurt, it heals by making a scar. But sometimes, the healing process goes too far and creates a large, raised scar called a keloid. These can be much bigger than the original wound and might feel itchy or uncomfortable. Treating them is tricky because they often come back.

Keloids are a type of overgrown scar tissue. They can be challenging to treat because they have a high chance of returning, sometimes even larger than before. The goal of keloid treatment is to flatten the scar, reduce symptoms like itching, and stop it from growing back.

How Do Keloids Form?

After an injury, our body sends cells called fibroblasts to make collagen and heal the skin. In some people, these cells don’t stop working. They keep making too much collagen, which piles up and forms a keloid. This is different from a regular scar, which stays within the wound’s boundary.

A hypertrophic scar is also raised but doesn’t grow beyond the original injury site and may flatten over time. A keloid, on the other hand, can keep growing and spread to nearby healthy skin.

Certain factors increase your risk of getting keloids. People with darker skin tones are more likely to develop them. Genetics also play a part, so if your family members have keloids, you might get them too. They often appear on the chest, shoulders, back, and earlobes.

Simple Treatments for Keloids

For new or small keloids, simple and non-invasive methods are often the first step. These treatments are safe and easy to use.

One common method is using silicone gel sheets. These are sticky, clear sheets that you place over the keloid. They help to hydrate the scar and can reduce its size and colour over time. Another option is compression therapy, which involves applying steady pressure to the area with special dressings or garments. This can help prevent a keloid from forming after an injury or surgery.

Topical creams, especially those with corticosteroids, can also help. These creams reduce inflammation and can relieve itching and redness, though they may not completely flatten the scar on their own.

The Triple Combo Approach for Keloid Treatment

The Triple Combo Approach: At Dr DC Plastic Surgery Clinic Pune, we use a unique Triple Combo Protocol for stubborn or recurrent keloids. This approach combines cryotherapy, targeted intralesional injections (Triamcinolone + Hyaluronidase), and advanced laser therapy for superior outcomes.

1. Cryotherapy first softens and shrinks the thick tissue, making it more responsive to injections.
2. The injection phase then suppresses excessive collagen and reduces inflammation from within.
3. Finally, laser therapy addresses any remaining pigmentation, excess collagen, high blood vessel density, and texture irregularities to restore a smoother, more even skin tone.

This combination not only flattens and fades keloids effectively but also minimises recurrence rates, helping patients achieve long-term control and renewed confidence.

When is Surgery Needed?

For very large or stubborn keloids, surgery might be the best option. A surgeon can cut out the keloid tissue. However, there is a major challenge: surgery is a form of injury, and it can trigger a new, even larger keloid to form.

Because of this high recurrence rate, surgery is almost never done alone. It is always combined with other treatments to prevent the keloid from coming back. After the keloid is removed, the surgeon may use radiation therapy or corticosteroid injections right away to stop the scar cells from overproducing collagen again. Choosing an expert for this procedure is vital. For anyone seeking Keloids Treatment in Pune, finding a specialist who understands this combined approach is key.

Finding the Right Treatment Plan

There is no one-size-fits-all solution for keloids. The best approach often involves a combination of therapies tailored to you. A doctor at a specialised clinic like Dr. DC Plastic Surgery Clinic will consider the size and location of your keloid, your skin type, and your treatment history.

The treatment plan often follows a step-by-step process. It starts with the least invasive options and moves to more intensive ones if needed. Prevention and early intervention are crucial. If you know you are prone to keloids, it’s important to care for any new wounds properly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the most effective treatment for keloids?

There is no single best treatment. Most patients respond well to a combination approach that includes cryotherapy, intralesional injections, and laser therapy. This method significantly reduces recurrence and improves the appearance of the scar.

2. Can keloids come back after treatment?

Yes, keloids have a high recurrence rate, especially after surgery alone. Combining surgery with injections, radiation, or laser treatment improves long-term outcomes and helps prevent regrowth.

3. Are home remedies effective for treating keloids?

Home remedies may reduce discomfort but cannot flatten or remove a keloid. Medical treatments like silicone sheets, injections, cryotherapy, and laser therapy offer proven and lasting results.

4. When should someone consider surgery for keloids?

Surgery is recommended for very large or difficult keloids that do not respond to standard treatments. It should always be followed by injections, radiation, or laser therapy to minimise recurrence.

Conclusion

Treating keloids can be a long journey, but with the right plan, it is possible to see great improvement. From simple silicone sheets to advanced surgery combined with follow-up therapies, there are many effective options available. The key to success is a personalised treatment plan created by an expert.

Researchers are always looking for new and better ways to treat keloids, offering hope for even more effective solutions in the future. If you are struggling with a keloid, consulting with a specialist at Dr. DC Plastic Surgery Clinic can help you find the best path forward to healthier skin.

♦ Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult Dr Dhruv Chavan, a Plastic Surgeon in Pune, with any questions about your health condition.