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Scars are usually grouped into three categories: sunken scars, raised scars, and keloids. You can develop any of these different types of scars, however keloid scars seem to be the most predominant and the most difficult to treat.

Keloid scars can arise from any type of wound, whether it be a cut, burn, or an inflammatory reaction such as acne. As they develop, keloids can extend past the edges of the original site of damage and keep growing for years to come.

This means that keloid removal can be difficult. Surgical excision is an option for people who have been unsuccessful with other alternatives, nevertheless, the high recurrence rate can complicate the success of surgery.

Keloid Treatment: a Holistic Approach

Doctors are currently more open to trying different approaches to the more traditional scar removal treatments. As a matter of fact, a global treatment plan has proven to be the best way of eliminating keloid scars for good. This implies a combination of surgery, steroid injections, and compression therapy working together to help make keloid removal a success.

Steroid injections can also be used before and after surgery to help flatten out the scar. The doctor may also choose to inject steroids directly into the site of the scar during the excision process. This is done because there have been studies that show that this will help reduce the rate of recurrence.

Compression therapy includes a custom fitted garment that must be worn 24 hours a day. This type of therapy can be used instead of surgery to help treat minor keloid scars, however, it can also be used after surgery to help reduce the possibility of a new keloid formation.

Compression garments and bandages are usually worn for long periods of time which may mean anywhere from several months to a year or more. No one actually knows how this type of garment works, but many speculate that the restriction of oxygen can help reduce the biological process that leads to the development of keloids.

Other Alternatives for Keloid Treatment

Laser therapy is often used successfully as an alternative for keloid treatment. This type of treatment uses a pulsed-dye laser to effectively flatten keloids and reduce the redness they present. However, you may have to submit yourself to various sessions in order to get the best results.

Silicone sheets are another alternative that can help reduce the appearance of keloids and other types of scars. They work much like compression devices, but are only worn a couple of hours every day.

Smaller keloids can be treated with cryotherapy. The keloid is frozen with the help of liquid nitrogen. This type of therapy helps flattens the scar but can also cause the site to take on a darkened appearance.