Keloid Removal

Keloids are raised scars that form when there is collagen overgrowth during the skin healing process. Early-stage keloids usually appear as pink or red and can darken in colour as it matures. Unlike other types of scars, keloids do not ‘fade’ or get better with time, and can continue growing beyond its original wound, sometimes causing itch or tenderness while growing in size.

Keloids can develop after almost any form of skin injury, including:

• Acne
• Piercings
• Surgical wounds (common after ear piercings, C-section and breast augmentation)
• Cuts and burns
• Ingrown hair / folliculitis
• Vaccination sites (common after Tuberculosis BCG and small pox vaccines)
• Insect bites

Can Keloids Be Prevented?

Unfortunately, keloids cannot always be prevented, especially in individuals with a strong genetic tendency. For those prone to keloids, it is highly recommended to avoid elective cosmetic procedures, tattoos, and unnecessary surgeries on high-risk areas.

In addition, proper wound care and early scar management can reduce the likelihood and severity of keloid formation.

Keloids are notoriously persistent and difficult to treat. Treating keloids with surgical excision often poses high recurrence rates (as high as 80%), and can sometimes cause the keloid scar to return bigger. Keloid removal with surgical excision should thus be undertaken with caution and non-invasive treatments that do not cause more trauma to the skin should be considered as the first-line treatment.

For bigger and raised keloids, in-clinic treatments include:

• Steroid Injections
  Steroids such as triamcinolone acetonide, is widely used in treating keloid scars. When injected into the scar tissue, steroids inhibit fibroblast activity (an activity required for collagen production). This prevents keloids from growing bigger while breaking down collagen. Performed over repeated sessions, this helps with softening and flattening the keloid scar. Steroid injections are also suitable for alleviating symptoms such as redness, swelling and itching of the keloid.
• Radiofrequency (RF) Treatment
  Agnes RF is a RF microneedling treatment used to reduce scar tissue volume of keloids. Insulated needles are used in Agnes to protect the skin’s surface while targeting the dermal layer where keloids are rooted in.
• Laser Treatment
  Laser treatment is a non-invasive treatment option for keloid removal. Fractional lasers can be used to treat mature keloids and improve its texture while pulsed dye lasers such as Yellow laser can help to reduce the keloid’s redness and blend it better with surrounding skin.

Home-care such as the use of topical silicone sheets and silicone gel can also help with the management of smaller keloids, by flattening and reducing its size and redness. Silicone sheets should be used consistently for at least 12 hours daily, while areas that are unsuitable for application of silicone gel sheets, such as curved areas that are hard to secure on, should have silicone gel applied daily as well. While pricey, medical grade silicone products such as CICA-CARE, BioCorneum and Dermatix are effective home care for the management of keloids. However, as there are many counterfeit versions of these products on e-commerce platforms, do be cautious and purchase these items only from an authorised pharmacy, clinic or retailer in Singapore.

When Should You See a Doctor for Your Keloids?

You may wish to seek medical advice if:

• Your keloid continues growing beyond the original wound
• The keloid becomes painful, itchy, or uncomfortable
• You have a history of recurrent keloids
• You are planning a cosmetic procedure and are prone to abnormal scarring

A professional assessment can help determine the most suitable preventive measures and treatment options for your skin. Need help with keloid removal in Singapore? Reach out to consult our doctors at Veritas Medical Aesthetics today.