Scars are usually grouped into three categories: sunken scars, raised 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, they begin to grow past the edges of the original site of damage and may sometimes keep growing for several years.

This means that 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: a Holistic Approach

Doctors have come to learn that keloid scar removal must be approached from different perspective. In fact, a global treatment plan has offered the most successful way to eliminate 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 involves a custom fitted garment that 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 and bandages are usually worn for long periods of time which may mean anywhere from several months to a year or more. No one knows how this works, but there is speculation that the restriction of oxygen can help reduce the biological processes that leads to the development of keloids.

Other Common Alternatives for Keloid Treatment

Laser therapy has become a successful alternative for keloid treatment. This is done by using a pulsed-dye laser to help 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.

Another alternative is the use of silicone sheets to 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.

If your keloid scar is small you can treat it 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.