Laser Treatment Of Keloid Scars
Keloid Scars
Keloid scars are raised, firm, smooth, and shiny scars on the skin. They can develop anywhere on the body but are most commonly found on the torso, face, and earlobes. These scars can be the same colour as the skin or pink, red, purple, brown, or darker. Keloids can vary in size and shape, with a keloid appearing round and solid on an earlobe, while a keloid on the chest or shoulder may spread across the skin.
Keloids usually develop a few weeks to years after an injury to the skin. They can continue to grow for weeks or months afterwards. They rarely go away independently and can cause pain or discomfort while increasing. However, the pain usually goes away when the keloid stops growing.
Keloids result from an abnormal healing process in which too much scar tissue is produced due to the skin's overreaction to damage. This is caused by an excessive production of collagen, elastin, and other proteins.
Surgical excision has been the most common treatment for keloids in the past, but it has shown a high recurrence rate. Laser treatment alone or in combination with other forms of treatment, such as corticosteroid injections, wearing silicone sheets, and applying pressure, can significantly reduce the recurrence rate.
Laser Treatment Of Keloid Scars
How Laser Treatment Works:
Various types of lasers, such as pixel lasers, fractional lasers or pulsed dye lasers, are used to treat keloid scars. The laser targets the extra scar tissue, breaking it down and promoting the growth of new, healthy skin cells.
Effectiveness:
Laser treatment can help reduce the size, redness, and thickness of keloid scars. Several treatment sessions may be needed for optimal results.
Procedure:
Laser keloid treatment is typically done as an outpatient procedure. The area is numbed using a local anaesthetic, and then the laser is applied to the scar tissue. The procedure is usually well-tolerated.