Scars are often grouped into three categories: atrophic scars, hypertrophic scars, and keloids. Anyone can develop any one of these scars, however, keloid scars seem to be the most predominant and most difficult type of scar tissue to treat.

Keloid scars can develop from any type of wound, be it a cut, burn, or 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.

Simply stated, keloid removal can be difficult. Surgical excision is an option for people who have tried other alternatives without success. Nevertheless, the high recurrence rate can complicate the success of surgery.

Keloid Treatment Plan: a Holistic Approach

Recently, doctors have been more open to trying different approaches to the more traditional scar removal treatments. In fact, a global treatment offers the best solution to eliminating keloid scars for good. A combination of surgery, steroid injections and compression therapy is what can make keloid removal successful.

Steroid injections can be used before and after surgery to help flatten the scar. The doctor may 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 garment that has been custom fitted and should 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 or bandages are usually worn anywhere from 6 months to a year or two. 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 is done by using a pulsed-dye laser to help flatten keloids and reduce the redness they present. However, if you do decide to undergo this type of treatment you should know that it may require several sessions before you can see positive results.

Silicone sheets are another alternative that can help reduce the appearance of keloids and other types of scars. They work much in the same way as compression devices do. However, silicone sheets are worn for fewer hours during the 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.