Keloid scars after surgery – what is it, what is dangerous. What do keloid scars look like Photo

A keloid scar is the result of an excessive increase in connective tissue that occurs at the site of fusion of the skin in the postoperative period.

Most doctors agree that the appearance of such scars leads to a violation of the mechanism of the structure of connective tissue in the human body and excessive production of collagen.

Violation of the integrity of the skin is fraught with several types of scars:

• hypertrophic scar – differs from the skin in color and rises above the wound;
• atrophic scar – forms “depressions”, located below the skin level;
• a keloid scar is a scar that extends beyond the borders of the wound;
• normotrophic scar – located on the surface of the skin.

Keloid scars are the
result of overgrowth of skin tissue above the surface of a healing wound , which results in a tumor-like formation on the skin.

A keloid scar is a smooth formation that has a dense structure and evenly defined edges. The growth has a red, bluish or purple hue, which is explained by the growth of small capillaries into the skin. The boundaries of the keloid are located far beyond the edges of the wound and are very different from the tissues around.

Keloid scars can interfere with movement. This is a particularly common problem in the event of formation in the joint or facial muscles of the face.

The formation of a keloid scar is accompanied by pain. It can be tingling, burning, itching and intermittent pain. The danger of such an outgrowth is a high probability of relapse after treatment and a high ability to constantly grow.

From what appear and how keloid scars are formed on the body, on the head, on the face, in the ears

Keloid formation begins after the first restoration of the skin due to injury. In the place of a protracted wound or cut, small seals begin to occur, accompanied by discomfort. Seals increase beyond the limits of the scar, and acquire clear contours.

A keloid scar is finally formed in a period of several weeks to several months. The following factors are identified that increase the likelihood of their occurrence:

• hereditary predisposition;
• wound infection;
• unstable hormonal background;
• incorrect matching of the edges of the cut;
• strong skin tension in the area of the cut;
• pregnancy;
• insufficient wound care;
• immunity problems.

The neoplasm occurs under the influence of an imbalance in the production of collagen and elastin.

Normally, they are provided with fibroblast cells, and lead to wound healing. With violations of the boundaries of injured skin, collagen fibers grow and provide the appearance of a scar.

The most vulnerable to the occurrence of keloid scar are considered to be exposed skin. This is the area of the ears, neck, chest, upper back, face and shoulders.

Scars after mole removal

A keloid can form at the site of removal of the mole as a result of disturbances in the body and improper care of the injured area.

The place where the mole was previously located will become dense, a reddish tint will appear. Itching and burning are possible. At the first suspicion, you should consult a specialist.

Scars after rhinoplasty

Keloids after rhinoplasty are often the result of improper skin care. The nose is characterized by a tendency to form inflammation. Having experienced stress from the operation, the skin often changes its type, sebaceous glands begin to work more actively.

To prevent the occurrence of scar, you should follow the doctor’s recommendations and use antiseptic agents. It is worth noting that the risk of keloid scar during repeated surgery is much higher. This is because the operation is performed on tissues that are initially injured.

Scars after blepharoplasty

Blepharoplasty is used to get rid of small wrinkles, bags under the eyes and other cosmetic defects in the upper and lower eyelids. In this case, a keloid scar is one of the rare negative outcomes, since the procedure is performed with small incisions on the skin.

With a tendency to the appearance of keloids, the doctor will prescribe additional treatment. In this case, applying a special silicone dressing to the injured area will be effective.

Scars after mammoplasty

A keloid scar is one of the possible violations of skin healing after mammoplasty. Small stitches remain in any case, but in the normal course of healing they become invisible.

To prevent the occurrence of keloid and proper tissue fusion, wear special compression underwear for 6 weeks after surgery.

Scars after biorevitalization

Biorevitalization is considered one of the ways to treat certain types of scars.

Efficiency is achieved by biorevitalization in conjunction with laser procedures. Injections accompany tissue healing after laser resurfacing.

As a rejuvenating procedure, biorevitalization is contraindicated in people prone to the formation of keloids, since even a small violation of the integrity of the tissues, but in large quantities, can cause scarring.

Scars after piercing

The likelihood that a keloid scar will result in skin healing is high among piercing enthusiasts. This is due to a genetic predisposition and improper care of the puncture site.

The proliferation of keloid provokes and jewelry for piercing, which creates additional tension. In addition, the earring creates friction on the skin, which also negatively affects healing.

If complications occur, it is recommended to remove the jewelry and take a course of restorative procedures. The areas of the nose, eyes and lips are more at risk.

Scars after acne, acne

Even a common acne can cause a keloid scar, if there is a predisposition to it. This problem is more often encountered by people with dark skin. Traces of acne increase in size and become keloids a month after the initial healing.

Usually they appear in large numbers, while having a small size. The diameter of each keloid is on average 5/32 inch, but can increase over time.

Post Burn Scars

As a result of a burn, a keloid scar may form. This is possible if there is a predisposition and the degree of skin damage is severe. Chemical or thermal burns result in keloid formation on any part of the body.

A scar can be recognized a month after the healing of the wound, when single seals begin to appear in the burn area. The likelihood of complications is higher if a large area of the skin is affected.

How to remove keloid and hypertrophic scars after surgery. Laser removal. Reviews

The following methods are used to treat keloid scars:

• Injection . Exposure to hormonal drugs limits cell activity and inhibits the growth of connective tissue.
  An injection is made directly into the scar. After the introduction of the drug, the keloid loses its color. For a positive result, an injection course is required, which includes 5-6 injections. The likelihood of a positive outcome of therapy increases with the use of injections with other treatments;
• Squeezing dressing . Tightening the tissue restrains the growth of the scar, contributes to thinning and limits its mobility. This method is used in combination with others;
• Laser treatment . A keloid scar changes markedly when exposed to a laser. This is one of the most effective treatments.

To achieve a positive effect, the scar must pass into the stage of maturity, stop growing. To do this, the affected area is affected by hormonal drugs and ointments, as a result of which the scar loses its color and becomes soft. Only ablative resurfacing, acting directly on the scar tissue, is allowed.

Laser resurfacing “evaporates” the scar, making it less noticeable.

Patients noted a decrease in keloid volume, loss of color, and structural change after the first procedure. During processing, tingling and burning, which is the norm, are felt. If a large area is treated, anesthesia should be used.

After laser treatment, the scar will require special care. The doctor will indicate the frequency of treatment with a disinfectant and a healing cream. Commonly used are Chlorhexidine and Bepanten.

A few days after the procedure, the scar area will be covered with a crust that cannot be removed. Experts disagree about this method of treatment, since the laser can provoke a relapse.

Removing keloid scars with liquid nitrogen – cryotherapy. Reviews

This treatment method is referred to as conservative types of scar correction. The procedure requires a spray with liquid nitrogen, a cotton swab and an analgesic (if the scar is large).

The plus of removing the scar with nitrogen is that it reduces the risk of wound infection. Low temperature kills the microflora of the skin, preventing infection. If the infection did occur, you can judge this by edema and the appearance of redness on the scar.

After exposure to nitrogen, a bubble appears with a liquid, which you should not pierce yourself. Patients notice an improvement in the appearance of the skin, a change in the size and brightness of the keloid. In this case, the scar does not completely disappear.

To achieve the result, it is necessary to apply liquid nitrogen to the keloid scar for 2-10 minutes with interruptions in thawing.

Treatment of keloid scars – drugs, ointments, creams. Before and after photos

Medical treatment is used both as an auxiliary or preparatory therapy before another type of exposure, and as the main method of treatment.

Ointments and creams basically contain collagen of various origins, which creates a film on the surface of the skin. The film prevents moisture loss by moisturizing the surface of the keloid. At the same time, hydration promotes the healing and normalization of processes in the tissues.

Diprospan

The drug is available in 2 forms:

• suspension;
• injection.

It is a hormonal agent.

To reduce the defect, a keloid scar is cut off once a month. This makes it softer and reduces the brightness of the color. Doctors have different opinions regarding the drug, as hormone therapy can provoke changes in the body.

Contractubex

The action of the gel is provided by the following components:

• allantoin – relieves itching and burning during healing, normalizes pigmentation, softens scars, and also activates blood circulation in the affected tissue;
• heparin sodium – makes the scar structure less dense, saturates tissues with moisture and has an anti-inflammatory effect;
• cepalin (onion extract) – inhibits the development of fibroblasts, preventing the formation of a scar and its growth.

The gel should be applied 2-3 times a day, massaging the scar from the center to the edges. The duration of treatment is 3-6 months.

The drug received more positive reviews in the treatment of acne marks. Using this gel, keloid was not significantly reduced for patients.

Lidaza

The basis of the drug “Lidase” is hyaluronic acid, which fills the cells and stimulates the decay processes in the tissues of the rumen. In this case, the effect on the collagen-collagenase system does not appear.

Available in solution forms for internal use and powder for external use.

The drug does not show visible positive results in the treatment of keloid scars.

Solcoseryl

Solcoseryl contains deproteinized dialysate from calf blood, which stimulates cell regeneration by supplying glucose and oxygen. The most popular forms of release are ointment and jelly. The concentration of the active substance in jelly is higher.

When processing the scar 2 times a day for several months, improvements in the appearance of the skin are noted. But to completely remove the keloid with this tool will not succeed.

Kenalog

A keloid scar is almost completely removed with Kenalog. This is a tool that causes tissue atrophy. It is used as an injection course with a periodicity of 1 month to 6 months. The full course of treat
ment depends on the age of the scar, its area and size.

As a result of using the product, the scar becomes flat, approaches in color with the skin.

Patients using this remedy noted a lasting positive effect.

Dermatics

Among the many remedies for scars, this drug stands out for its effectiveness. Available in the form of a gel and a gel-based dressing (fabric and silicone). It has a surface effect due to the silicone in the composition, makes the keloid scar flat.

This is one of the few agents acting on the surface of the skin without changes in the inner layer. A significant minus is the high price of the drug (about $ 22).

The effectiveness of using ointments and creams increases when applied under a squeezing dressing for several hours.

How to cure keloid scars at home – treatment with folk remedies

Traditional medicine for the removal of keloid scars recommends such methods:

• compresses from infusions of chamomile pharmacy, fennel, hypericum;
• massage with sea buckthorn oil;
• rubbing fresh honey;
• lubrication of the surface of the keloid with rosemary and tea tree oil. These oils are essential, so you should use them in combination with a base oil;
• a compress of chopped cabbage and honey leaves.

The effectiveness of these methods has not been proven. They can be used as an adjunct to basic therapy as agreed with the doctor.

How to hide a keloid scar – tattoo, tattoo

A keloid scar can be hidden with a tattoo or tattoo. These methods involve filling a long-term pattern directly on the problem area of the skin, thereby masking an aesthetic defect.

The tattoo must be periodically updated so that the scar is not noticeable in the future, and tattoos accompany the person until the end of life.

What is a keloid scar and how to get rid of it: video

What causes keloid scars and methods of dealing with them – specialist recommendations:

What is a keloid or hypertrophic scar Doctor’s explanation:

A keloid scar is an unpleasant cosmetic problem, the solution of which lies in a comprehensive competent treatment. The best result is achieved by a combination of active methods of treatment (laser, cryotherapy, physiotherapy) and local effects of drugs (ointments, creams and injections).