How Do You Fix a Keloid Scar?

Lumpy, puffy, or rigid keloid scars are common and benign, but many people want to remove them for cosmetic reasons. Fortunately, if you have a keloid scar you don’t like, there are ways to minimize its appearance. The board-certified dermatologists at Hillcrest Plastic Surgery have helped countless patients reduce or remove keloid scars for smoother, even-looking skin. Here’s what you need to know about removing these raised scars.

What Causes Keloid Scars?

When your skin is damaged, your body kicks into gear to help you heal, sending collagen to the damaged tissue to help close and strengthen the wound. While this sometimes causes slight texture or color irregularities, keloid scars are much more raised and noticeable. Their growth is likely from an overproduction of collagen that causes the scar to extend over the bounds of the original injury. 

Keloids are more common in those with darker skin, teenagers, pregnant women, and people under 30. You’re also more likely to develop keloids if you have a family history of this type of scarring.

How Do You Get Rid of a Keloid Scar?

Keloid scars can be challenging to remove, with some growing back after flattening. However, many people can achieve permanently smoother scars with the following removal methods:

• Injections: If you have a smaller keloid scar, a series of monthly cortisone injections could help soften and flatten the area. 5-FU injections may also hinder collagen overproduction.
• Laser therapy: Several laser therapy sessions can flatten more prominent keloid scars and reduce itchiness. This method may be combined with cortisone injections for the best results.
• Surgical removal: Keloids that aren’t responsive to other therapies could be surgically removed. However, this method is usually combined with other forms of treatment to prevent new keloids from forming around the surgical site.
• Pressure therapy: This method might prevent new keloids from forming after an injury or surgery. It involves wearing a dressing that puts pressure on the wound until the skin has healed.

Keloid scars are tricky to treat, but our skilled providers can evaluate your scars and create an appropriate plan to minimize them.

Schedule Your Keloid Scar Removal in Orlando

If you want to reduce your keloid scars, the board-certified plastic surgeons at Hillcrest Plastic Surgery can help. They use the most advanced surgical techniques and nonsurgical technologies to treat a wide range of skin conditions. Call 407-999-2585 to book your appointment for keloid scar treatment in Orlando, Florida.