Surgery is not the Only Alternative for Keloid Scar Removal

Every type of scar will require a special type of treatment. For the most part, all scar types can be treated effectively using surgery, however, if you're trying to treat a keloid scar then it's a bit more complicated because keloids tend to grow indefinitely and recur after surgical excision.

Fortunately, there are other forms of keloid removal that are less invasive than surgery but very effective. You can either use one of these procedure or a combination of them depending on the size and location of the keloid. Here are a few alternatives you can look into.

Usually the first option your doctor will give you are steroid injections. These injections help flatten scar tissue and make keloid scars less noticeable. However, the flattened keloid will still have a different feel than regular skin.

You can use steroid injections before, during, and after surgery as well. Injections are used in this manner during keloid scar removal , to hinder the development of new keloid scars. Your doctor will evaluate the situation and suggest the best course of action.

Compression therapy is another type of treatment for keloids and raised scars . This type of treatment is one of the oldest scar removal alternatives. The compression devices and garments used are usually custom fitted and have to be worn for 24 hours a day and sometimes up to a year or more.

Silicone sheets are also used to help flatten keloids and other hypertrophic scars. In fact, they can be used on all types of scars, not just keloids. The treatment includes wearing these sheets for a few hours a day for several weeks.

These sheets are readily available in your drugstore. Just as with any other type of bandage you will need to cut it and fit it to the affected area. This is a good alternative for keloid treatment.

Laser therapy can also be an effective keloid scar treatment procedure. Pulsed dye lasers are used to flatten keloids. Laser therapy can also help the redness that is common with most keloid scars.

Cryotherapy is especially effective in treating smaller keloids caused by piercings. This form of treatment uses liquid nitrogen to flatten the keloids. Even though it is very successful in treating keloids, cryotherapy can also darken the skin surrounding the keloid.

Remember that it is important to consult your doctor about all of your possibilities. If surgery is an option, it is quite possible that it will be combined with one or more of the previously mentioned alternatives. However, if you're not willing to undergo surgery be assured that there are other less invasive alternatives out there.