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Keloid Scars Removal Treatments
Scarring can occur as a wound heals, leaving a noticeable mark on your skin. While most scars will gradually fade, some can remain more pronounced and do not subside. If you notice raised scars, it may be a sign of keloid scarring, a condition that often requires professional treatment. Learn more about what keloid scars are, how they form, and the available treatment options at CuraMed Medical and Aesthetic Clinic.
What is a Keloid Scar?
Keloid scars are thick, raised scars that form some time after an injury to your skin. Their appearance results from excess collagen during wound healing, leading to an overgrowth of new tissue that continues to produce scar tissue and can extend beyond the original injury. Keloid scars may appear thick, smooth, and sometimes shiny, with varying tones of red, pink, or dark brown based on your skin tone.
These keloid scars can form as a result of injuries, surgical scars, or even without a clear trigger, and they may take months to years to develop. They can form on your abdomen, ears, shoulders, and back. In some cases, these scars may also cause mild itchiness, tenderness, or discomfort. While harmless, their visible appearance can affect a person’s confidence and emotional well-being.
Key Characteristics of a Keloid Scar
To differentiate a keloid scar from other types of scarring, watch for the following key characteristics:
1. Thick, irregular scarring.
2. Raised skin that appears shiny, rubbery, wrinkled, or lumpy.
3. Slow but noticeable signs of scar tissue growth.
4. The scar appears larger than the original injury.
5. Darker or discoloured pigmentation.
6. Occasional discomfort, itchiness, or irritation.
What Causes a Keloid Scar?
The exact mechanisms underlying keloid scar formation remain poorly understood. It is believed that the main cause is the body’s overproduction of collagen in response to an injury. Collagen is an essential protein that provides support and strength to the skin and facilitates wound healing. When collagen production fails to cease, a dysfunction causes excess collagen to continue forming new skin tissue, resulting in a keloid scar, which often appears larger than the original injury.
Keloid scars can form as a result of any type of injury, minor or otherwise. In rare cases, they can even form without any known triggers or obvious reasons.
Other potential causal factors of keloid scars include:
1. Acne
2. Family history of keloids
3. Hormonal changes
4. Skin tension
5. Skin inflammation
Treatments for Keloid Scars
At CuraMed Medical and Aesthetic Clinic, we offer a selection of treatment options to help manage and treat keloid scars.
Steroid Injections
Also known as cortisone shots, medical steroids are injected directly into a keloid scar to shrink scar tissue, reduce inflammation, and relieve other discomfort. This treatment is often considered a first-line procedure, as it manages inflammation by reducing white blood cell activity and slowing down nutrient delivery to prevent further abnormal tissue growth. Initial injections will relieve symptoms and soften the scar, while follow-up treatments may include other modalities to ensure adequate care. Local anaesthesia is often administered before the injection, as it may cause pain at the injection site.
Laser Therapy
We provide laser therapies that use specific wavelengths of light to break down keloid scars, making them appear thinner and less noticeable. The treatment may also facilitate collagen production, helping blend the keloid scar with the surrounding skin. Combination therapies with other techniques may also be suggested to support your keloid scar management.
Medications
Topical creams (such as corticosteroid creams) and other medications may also be used to treat keloid scars. As these will require a medical prescription, please consult our team for further information about suitable treatment products.
Can You Prevent Keloid Scars?
If you may be prone to developing keloid scars, these preventive care tips may be helpful:
Wound Care
If you receive an injury, proper wound care may minimise the risk of keloid scar formation. Cleanse the wound thoroughly to remove dirt, debris, and bacteria. Make sure to keep the wound clean and moist, and gently wash it with mild soap and water. Avoid using hydrogen peroxide, rubbing alcohol, or iodine, as they may dry the wound.
Use a pressure pad, a silicone gel pad, or some other medical dressing to cover the wound and allow it to heal naturally. Consider hydrogel wound dressings or sterile petrolatum gauze, as they can help keep the wound moist and promote healing. Gently cleanse the wound regularly, and change the wound dressing or gauze daily until the wound heals. Once the wound has formed a scab, you can use silicone gel sheets or silicone gel (and replace them daily) to help prevent keloid scar formation.
Avoid Direct Sunlight
Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun can darken a scar, slow healing, and promote keloid formation. As such, minimise exposure to sunlight by wearing clothing that covers you and using a wide-brimmed hat and an umbrella when outdoors.
Avoid Extreme Temperatures
Extreme temperature changes or conditions can also impair wound healing or worsen scar appearance, so be mindful of these potential triggers. It is best to avoid prolonged exposure to very hot or cold environments.
Take Care of Yourself
Take care of your skin by being careful when moving around and avoiding body piercings, tattoos, or cosmetic surgery, especially in areas prone to keloid scars. For those leading active lifestyles, consider wearing protective gear at all times to guard against sudden injuries while outdoors. You should also use bug spray or other repellents to shield yourself from bug bites that could incite keloid scar formation.
It also helps reduce tension on the healing area, as certain physical activities can stretch or put pressure on the scar tissue, which can slow healing.
Visit CuraMed Medical and Aesthetic Clinic at your earliest convenience to learn more about our available keloid scar treatments.
FAQs About Keloid Scars Removal Treatments
How much does keloid scar treatment cost?
Treatment costs for keloid scars in Singapore depend mainly on the scar’s size and location, the chosen treatment method, and the number of sessions required. You are welcome to consult our team to learn more about a personalised treatment plan that suits your budget and care needs.
What can I expect from a keloid scar treatment consultation?
You will speak with our dedicated team, who will conduct a thorough assessment of your skin health and evaluate the size, location, depth, and severity of your keloid scars. They may also ask how long the scars have been present and about your skincare routine, medical history, and prior treatments (if applicable). They will use the collected information to craft a treatment plan tailored to your needs. We will also discuss your available treatment options, their advantages, potential side effects, total cost, and recovery time.
Do keloid scars go away on their own?
Unfortunately, keloid scars tend to be more stubborn than other types of scar tissue. Prompt treatment is key to managing their appearance.
Need help with Keloid Scars Removal?
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Dr. Kan Hun Yee
Headed by our director and sole founder, Dr Kan, who is not just a certified family physician by the College of Family Physician, as she is also a certified Aesthetic Physician with the American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine.
She possess a number of qualifications which speaks to her knowledge:
- Medical Degree (University of Southampton, UK)
- Diploma in Family Medicine (National University of Singapore)
- Diploma in Dermatology (Cardiff, UK)
- Diploma in aesthetic medicine (American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine)
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