Most scars show an outline of where a wound is made to the skin. Scars may be raised, indented, white or red, but they stay within the borders of the original injury. Keloid scars are different than any other scar because they grow beyond the borders of the original wound. Keloids can become large, causing aesthetic and functional problems for the patient. At Precision Medical Specialists, our board certified dermatologist, Dr. Katherine Chiang, offers advanced keloid scars treatment at our facility in Wellington, FL.

Keloids form due to excess production of collagen during the healing process. Any injury to the skin can cause a keloid scar, from acne and piercings to larger wounds like surgical scars and burns. Keloids may not begin to form for months after the injury, and they can continue to grow for years. Some become very large and uncomfortable. People with darker skin or under the age of 30 are at higher risk for keloids, but anyone can be susceptible to this scar formation. Keloids also can run in families – if you have a family history of keloids, you may be at higher risk for this type of scar formation.

Reducing and Removing Keloids

There are a few different methods that can be used to reduce or remove keloids, but there is not a cure for this type of scar formation. The goal is to stop the growth, fade redness and reduce the size without stimulating the formation of another keloid. Dr. Chiang uses the safest and most effective options for treating keloids. This can include a combination of treatments to obtain the best results to relieve discomfort and improve the appearance.

Medications, steroid injections, laser treatments and other therapies can be used to reduce the size and appearance of keloids. In severe cases, surgical removal may be considered. Our plastic surgeon at Precision Medical Specialists offers surgical keloid removal if non-surgical treatments are not effective.

Keloids are the most difficult scar formations to remove but there are treatments that can be used to reduce their size and improve discomfort. If you have keloid scars, treatment options are available at Precision Medical Specialists. Contact our office at our state-of-the-art medical center near West Palm Beach to schedule an appointment with Dr. Chiang to discuss keloid scar treatment options.