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A keloid is an overhealed or exaggerated scar resulting from a wound, injury or even a simple inflammatory condition such as acne.
There is a normal regulatory (biofeedback) mechanism that determines when a wound has healed sufficiently and for the healing process to then cease.
In a person who is prone to keloid scarring (3-5% of the population) this regulatory mechanism is defective and fails to register that the healing is complete, allowing the healing process to continue and more scar tissue to form and pile upon itself, creating a red or pigmented, large, thick and hard scar, called a keloid. It is interesting, however, that even in the same individual keloid may form on one part of the body and not on other parts, so it can be quite complex.
Keloids can be unsightly and can also cause some symptoms such as itch, discomfort, irritation or even soreness. Keloids will generally continue to grow unless something is done to stop or prevent this. It is always best to attend to the keloid as early as possible for a better cosmetic outcome.
Keloids will continue to grow for some time as the switch-off mechanism is absent and some may reach an amazing size. In time, the process may stop on its own and the keloid stops growing but this can take years and not before it has reached a significant size. The keloid scar, however, will rarely shrink on its own afterwards, it will need to be treated.
Keloids are scars, and scars can never be removed totally, but there are various treatments to stop them growing and to reduce, flatten and lighten the keloid making it both more comfortable and cosmetically more acceptable. Treatments are varied and successful, often include lasers, and these options will depend on your particular type of keloid(s) and will be discussed at the consultation. It is pleasing that the vast majority of keloids can be significantly improved, particularly if attended to early.
Unless there is a good indication, keloids are usually not excised as the healing wound will usually cause another keloid to form.
The treatments are varied and may include injections, topical applications, silicone scar inhibitors, lasers and lights. The majority of treatments are painless but sometimes injections may be uncomfortable, however we find it rare to require any anaesthesia for this.
Cost will obviously depend on the number and size of the keloids, their location on the face or body, the type of treatment required, and the number of treatments required.
For example, a simple solitary scar may only require injection and this would start from $240 per session. More than a single treatment may be required.
Most concerns have more than one course of treatment. Feel free to contact us so one of our team can discuss options for your unique concern.
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