Keloid & Surgical Scar Revision

Keloid-scar-treatment

* Individual results may vary.

Whether from an injury or surgery, scars are very common and something most people will experience at some point in their life. If you are dealing with a keloid scar that won’t resolve, Platinum Dermatology offers surgical scar revision that can help to make it less noticeable.

In most cases, a scar will flatten out and fade, eventually becoming lighter. However, in some cases scars may appear raised due to the overproduction of collagen after a wound has healed. These scars are sometimes referred to as keloid scars.

Keloid scars are raised, reddish lumps that develop at the site of an injury. After a wound has occurred to the skin both skin cells and connective tissue cells (fibroblasts) begin multiplying to repair the damage. With keloid scars, the fibroblasts continue to multiply even after the wound is filled in. This causes the scar to project above the surface of the skin and form large amounts of scar tissue.

Sometimes a surgical scar revision is required to make the scar less noticeable and Platinum Dermatology offers a range of options to deliver the desired result.

Platinum Dermatology explains surgical scar revision

Platinum Dermatology can treat keloid scars by injecting a steroid medication directly into the scar tissue. This reduces redness, itching, and burning and will often also flatten, shrink and soften the scar. These injections are usually given every 2-6 weeks until improvement is seen.*

The fractionated erbium and CO2 lasers can also be used to treat stubborn keloid scars, significantly improving their appearance.* This type of laser is the gold standard for treating acne, surgical and traumatic scars.

They work via creating small micropunctures in the skin that free up the tethered scar tissue and cause new collagen remodelling.

Typically around 3-6 treatments may be required, but there is no upper limit to treatments if the scar is improving. The treatment does not weaken the skin and the results are permanent and will continue to improve for 6 months after the last treatment.*

Usually you will experience some slight discomfort post procedure, however the procedure itself is quite comfortable. Redness, swelling and crusting are normal responses after the laser, however our specialist dermatologists will discuss this with you and you will be given post care instructions.

Tips before surgical scar revision

  • No fake tan for 1 week prior to treatment and remove any residual fake tan from area to be treated.
  • Avoid fish oil, anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) and aspirin (unless medically required) 2 weeks prior to and post treatment. Avoid topical Vitamin A and serums 1 week prior to treatment.
  • Make-up cannot be worn until the skin barrier has healed. Typically this takes 4 days after the laser procedure. Redness is a normal sign of collagen remodelling and will fade over 4-8 weeks depending on the depth of your treatment and your skin type. This can be covered by medical grade camouflage.

Visit Platinum Dermatology for keloid & surgical scar revision

If you have questions about keloid & surgical scar revision, contact Platinum Dermatology on 02 8014 6500 or use the contact form on this page to learn how we can help make your scars less noticeable.

* Individual results may vary.

Click here to learn more from our specialist dermatologists