A keloid scar, or simply called a keloid, is a unique type of scarring that forms after surgery but is bigger than the wound that caused it. Keloids are smooth, hard, benign (non-cancerous) growths that usually form there's an overproduction of scar tissue. You can find them some body parts, such as the shoulders, upper chest and back, breastbone, earlobes, and the face.
While keloids are not cancerous, they can become painful and uncomfortable, prompting some people to have them removed. Sometimes, keloids grow back after removal, particularly after surgery, injury, or piercings. They appear dark, puffy, and irregularly shaped, which could affect one’s self-esteem, especially if they appear in noticeable areas. However, there are several post-surgery measures you can take to prevent them from forming again.
If you're concerned about keloid scars, TMSC can help. We have a team of experienced surgeons who have helped numerous patients regain their confidence after keloid removal in Toronto. Our board-certified doctors are among Ontario's leading surgeons in microsurgery, having performed more than 15,000 combined surgeries.
Keloids can caused by injuries, surgery, piercings, and even genetics. They can be unsightly which affects one's self-esteem and confidence. Fortunately, our keloid scar removal services in Toronto can help patients deal with this kind of scarring.
In most cases, keloids don't appear until several weeks after the skin injury. They can also start forming months or even years later and continue to grow bigger for an extended period. Some of the most common symptoms associated with keloids include:
Note that keloid scars can appear at any age and can occur suddenly, as some scars could heal eventually while others don't.
Various factors cause keloids, including burns, cuts, severe acne, body piercings, tattoos, or surgeries. Essentially, anything that can result in a scar may also lead to a keloid.
When the skin experiences physical damage, it initiates a self-repair process by forming a scar. However, in certain cases, the scar tissue continues to grow excessively, even after the wound has completely healed, expanding considerably larger than the original injury. The precise reason why the skin of some individuals scars in this unique way remains a mystery to medical professionals. People with darker skin tones, particularly those from certain ethnic backgrounds, tend to be more susceptible to developing keloids. It can also be hereditary, wherein if both of your parents have keloids, you are more likely to get them, too.
Contrary to what some might think, keloids are not tumors. They're the result of the skin's overproduction of collagen in response to injury, and they're not contagious. Keloids may continue growing for weeks or even months before reaching a final size. Keloids can start from something as minor as a scratch, and researchers are now suggesting there could be a genetic link, possibly related to genes that affect skin pigmentation.
Keloids can appear at any stage in life randomly. Some scars heal normally; some develop into keloids. It's all about how your skin responds to injuries and heals itself.
In some cases, keloids return even after surgery, making them challenging to treat. It's because the body area in which they’re situated is genetically predisposed to heal that way. Keloid treatment aims to flatten, soften, or shrink it.
Our keloid treatment in Toronto involves a multi-step process involving surgical removal followed by cortisone injections. Although recurrence is possible, the board-certified surgeons at TMSC apply best practices for keloid treatment and often see results with exceeding success.
Our surgeons are highly trained and experienced professionals who prioritize their patients' safety and satisfaction. We take pride in all of our procedures being carried out with the utmost care, precision, and regard for aesthetics in a safe environment.
Although there is no way of curing keloids permanently, several treatments can improve the look and feel. Sometimes, the keloids can even grow back after the treatment. When you come for your initial consultation with our surgeon, they will discuss the entire matter with you and tell you which form of therapy might be helpful. They might also suggest more than one type of treatment, depending on the keloids and their growth. Some of these include surgery, cryotherapy, medicated injections, corticosteroids, or any other therapy.
If the keloids are large, our surgeon might decide to operate and remove them by cutting them away. They will also treat the area after the surgery. Otherwise, the chances are that they might grow back after some time. After the surgery, our surgeon will cover the site with a silicone gel bandage. They usually advise patients to keep the dressing on for a day or two. Depending on the case, they might also ask you to keep the bandage on longer. When they are satisfied with the results, our surgeon will inform you to stop the treatments.
Our doctors use a combination of surgery and medications to treat keloids. While our treatments are usually successful, there is always a chance of regrowth. As we previously mentioned, keloids are tough to treat as they are a patient’s body’s natural response to wounds. If you cut open a keloid or try to remove it surgically, the body will try to heal itself by creating another keloid on top of the previous one. Even today, medical science hasn’t figured out a way for the body to heal without developing keloids.
Most surgeons only meet their patients at the time of surgery. Nurses or patient coordinators do all the initial consultations and follow-ups. At TMSC, our surgeons believe in being there for all their patients throughout the entire process. From the initial consultations to your last follow-up and beyond, you can rely on them. You can ask them any question you want, and they will explain it to you in great detail.
Keloids usually occur after some surgery, piercing, tattoo, or a wound. If you are prone to keloids, it is better to avoid all these things. The chances are high that keloids will form after these procedures, and if you want to get your ears pierced, pressure earrings are an option to consider. If you have had a minor skin injury, make sure to treat the area right away. Not only will it heal faster, but it will also stop keloids from forming on the spot.
Our surgeons advise their patients to cover the injury with a thin layer of petroleum jelly and a nonstick bandage. It is advisable to use tape over the dressing to ensure even pressure on the entire wound. It would help if you also washed the area with soap daily. Once the wound has healed, our surgeon advises their patients to carry on with the treatment using a silicone gel bandage.
The actual price of keloid removal differs depending on the treatments and whether a patient has surgery or not. When you come to TMSC for your initial consultation with one of our surgeons, they will explain it all to you in great detail. They will also provide you with a personalized treatment plan and the cost.
There is always the chance that keloids can form again. Surgery is one of the best ways to remove keloids and keep them from coming back. Our surgeon at TMSC will inspect your keloids and advise you accordingly.
Although various blogs tell you how to remove a keloid by yourself, we would suggest contacting a licensed plastic surgeon such as one of the board-certified plastic surgeons at TMSC. If you try to do it yourself, there is a high chance of infection and more complications.
No, keloids are not cancerous. But they can be painful enough for you to have them removed. Our surgeon will advise you on the best way to remove them during your initial consultation.
Keloids are very hard to get rid of. This fact is especially true if they keep growing. Contact us if you're considering having them removed. Typically, our surgeon will advise multiple treatments so that they are gone for good.
