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 arise from any type of wound: cuts, burns and inflammatory reactions 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.

In other words, keloid removal can be difficult. Surgical excision is an option for people who have tried everything and still haven't been able to remove the scar tissue, nevertheless, the high recurrence rate of this type of scar can complicate the success of surgery.

Keloid Treatment Plan: 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 type of treatment requires a combination of surgery, steroid injections, and compression therapy to help make keloid removal a full 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. Studies have shown that this helps 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 actually knows how this type of garment works, but many speculate that the restriction of oxygen can help reduce the biological process that leads to the development of keloids.

Alternatives for Keloid Treatment

Laser therapy has become a successful alternative for keloid treatment. This type of treatment uses a pulsed-dye laser to effectively flatten keloids and reduce the redness they present. However, if you do decide to undergo this type of treatment you should know that it may require several sessions before you can see positive 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.

Smaller keloids can be treated with cryotherapy. The keloid is frozen using liquid nitrogen. This therapy flattens the scar but can also cause the site to take on a darkened appearance.