Keloid Scars
Keloid Scars
Keloid Scarring Treatments
Your body's healing
Our bodies are designed to heal and the mechanisms that allow this to happen are individual to each person. The ultimate reason we heal is to allow that body part to perform its function. In dermatology the skin provides the bodies main defence. As a result of this when we injure ourselves it’s imperative, we heal as quickly as possible.
Why do we scar ?
Scar tissue is the repair mechanism our bodies produce to repair defects in the skin. You can imagine this is equivalent of filling in potholes on the road surface ie never looks as good as the real thing but performs a job. Scar tissue is exactly the same. Scar tissue is made up of unordered type 3 and 4 collagen that is less pliable and elastic than your original skin hence it’s different appearance.
In most people scars once formed they are red and can be bumpy in the first 3 months but then go through a remodelling process as they soften and become less red over 6-18 months. This maturation process makes scars more cosmetically acceptable but takes time.
Who gets keloid or hypertrophic scars ?
Keloid scars and hypertrophic scars form as a result of your own individual healing response that over generates more collagen than is needed to repair the injury. This leads to a red raised lumpy scar. There is no real reason you might do this more than others but tends to more common if you have
- Family history of keloid scaring
- Darker or pale skin types
- Chronic wounds that keep getting injured in same place
- Reactions to tattoos, ear piercings, surgery wounds
- Injuries to certain skin body areas such as lips, chest and shoulders.
Where can I get treatment for Keloid scars?
At Cosmedics all of our doctors and surgeons in London are able to help with keloid or hypertrophic scarring. Please understand however that keloid or hypertrophic scars can be very difficult and resistant to treatments and require specialist advice hence most skin clinics don’t treat this condition or don’t do it very well.
What treatments are possible?
We are able to offer the latest keloid treatments at all our London clinics that are
- Steriod injections – these are simple quick injections that flatten and reduce the redness. Often require 2-3 treatment sessions about 8-12 weeks apart. Costs for this are from £350
- Laser – this can be for the redness but also in some cases we use another laser for ablative resurfacing of the skin. Cost for this is from £350
- Surgery – this is the last resort mainly used where the keloid scars are so prominent and thick. Good examples are keloids from ear piercings that form a large lump. Costs for keloid surgery are from £450
Treatment Time
Dependent On Procedure
Recovery Time
Varies By Procedure
Results
Dependent On Procedure
Keloid Scarring Treatment Prices
Treatment | Price |
---|---|
Keloid Scarring | from £450 |
Prices vary depending on the treatment carried out.
Please see our treatment price list or individual treatments for more information.
How Do I Book an Appointment?
Our medical advisors would be happy to make an appointment for you:
- Call 0207 386 0464
- Email enquiries@cosmedics.co.uk
The consultation fee is payable on booking. We have a 48-hour cancellation policy.
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Meet your medical team
MBBS
FEBOPHTH L7CERT(AESTH)
BSc(hons), MBChB, MRCS
MBBS(Lond) BMedSci MRCS(Eng) FRCS(Plast)
MBBS, FRCS(Plast)
MBBS PhD
MBBS
MBChB
MD
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Keloid Scarring FAQ: Questions & Answers
What’s the difference between keloid and hypertrophic scars ?
They are both caused by the bodies natural tendency to over heal however keloids are lumpier bigger and more aggressive form or healing.
What can be done to prevent keloid scarring?
If its routine surgery you are having then the doctor can prescribe some silicon gel to use or steroid cream if the risk is high to use. Otherwise close follow up to start treatments at the appropriate time. If you notice one forming ie red, itchy and lumpy then let your doctor know.
Is there a way to surgically remove keloid scars?
Unfortunately surgery to remove keloid scars can result in a even worse keloid scarring. In certain cases surgery is the only option however this requires close follow up to treat the any recurrence at an early stage but also at the time of treatment having a steroid injection into the area.
Can keloid scars just go on their own?
Most keloid scars will soften, become less red and flatten slightly over 1-2 years but those that don’t will remain as they are. If you have symptoms from a keloid scar then seeking a doctors advice is worthwhile to help.