Our bodies are equipped with a robust system for recovering from injuries. When too much scar tissue grows back, it may lead to the development of keloid growths. Keloids are not harmful to your health, but they may present cosmetic concerns. Our facial cosmetics team has successfully removed keloids for many patients, allowing them to feel more confident.
Keloid: What Is It?
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, keloids are scar tissue that has grown over an original wound and not healed properly. The tissue grows smooth and hard over time, resulting in a large growth that can be much larger than the original wound.
Keloids are most commonly found on the earlobes, cheeks, shoulders, and chest. They may develop over a period of weeks or months and have a variety of benign symptoms, including:
- Pink or red coloring of the skin, as opposed to its normal hue
- The skin becomes lumpy or ridged as a result of swelling.
- increasing in size as scar tissue accumulates.
- Itchy and tender skin
Because keloids are composed of scar tissue, they do not pose a risk of becoming cancerous. Keloids are primarily associated with cosmetic problems. If they are large or located in a highly visible location, such as the face, they may cause you to feel self-conscious.
Who is at risk for keloids?
It is estimated that about ten percent of people will develop keloids, with rates being higher among Asian and Latino individuals. A keloid scar can form following any type of injury to the skin, including:
- Acne scarring
- Burns
- Chicken pox scarring
- Getting your ears pierced
- Deep scratches
- Surgical incision sites
- Vaccination sites
- Tattoos
What are the treatment options for keloids?
Keloids can be treated at home if they are small or relatively recent. Keloids tend to shrink and become flatter over time without treatment, and sometimes they may even disappear on their own. Oils that moisturize the skin can aid in the reduction of skin growth and keep it soft.
However, if the keloids are very large or extremely old, they should be surgically removed by a professional. The most common cosmetic treatment for keloids involves the use of lasers to resurface the skin and remove scars.
For those who are prone to keloids, they can be a serious cosmetic concern. Our facial cosmetics team has extensive experience treating and removing these conditions. Contact us today if you have a keloid that does not respond to home treatment or appears to be growing larger over time.
