Are you tired of dealing with keloid scars? These scars can be frustrating because they grow bigger than the original wound, becoming thick and raised. They can be itchy, painful, and even make you feel self-conscious.
Maybe you've tried creams or home remedies that didn't work, leaving you disappointed. If that sounds familiar, don't lose hope! Laser treatment for keloid scars is becoming a popular way to help shrink them and improve their appearance.
If you're thinking about laser treatment but aren't sure if it's the right choice, this article is for you. We'll break down the details of laser treatment for keloid scars so you can decide what's best for your skin.
What Are Keloid Scars?
Keloid scars happen when your skin heals too much after an injury, like a cut, burn, or piercing. Unlike regular scars, keloids grow beyond the original wound, forming a raised, firm, and often shiny mass.
They're usually red, pink, or darker than the skin around them, and they might itch or feel uncomfortable. Keloids are generally harmless and often show up on the chest, arms, shoulders, and earlobes. But if they're in a visible spot, they can definitely affect how you feel about your appearance.
Common Causes of Keloids
Many factors can lead to keloid formation:
- Skin Injuries: Cuts, burns, acne scars, surgical wounds, or piercings can lead to keloids in some individuals.
- Genetics: If an individual has a family history of keloids, it increases susceptibility.
- Skin Tone: Compared to lighter skin tones, darker skin tones are more prone to keloid formation.
Laser Treatments for Different Keloids
Keloid scars can be stubborn, and it might feel like they'll never go away. Luckily, there have been major advances in cosmetic and skincare technology, offering hope for treating keloid scars with lasers. These treatments can help minimise the appearance of keloids, giving you smoother and more comfortable skin.
Here's a look at some common types of laser treatments for keloid scars:
Pulsed-Dye Laser
PDL is a safe and effective way to reduce the redness and size of keloid scars. It uses a yellow light beam to target abnormal blood vessels in the scar, causing the redness to fade.
Carbon Dioxide Laser
This laser removes layers of scar tissue and encourages the skin to rebuild collagen. It can help flatten keloids and improve the skin's texture. It's often used with corticosteroid injections for even better results.
Nd:YAG Laser
The Nd:YAG laser is a popular choice, especially for people with darker skin. It penetrates deeply into the skin, targeting blood vessels within the scar to reduce redness, thickness, and discomfort. It can also help prevent the keloid from coming back.
Erbium:YAG Laser
This laser can precisely remove tiny areas of skin. It's effective for removing scar tissue layer by layer, while also stimulating collagen production. This helps flatten raised scars and improve texture with minimal damage to the surrounding skin.
Keloid Laser Treatment: Before, During and After
Managing keloid scars with laser treatment is a step-by-step process. A certified dermatologist will personalise your keloid scar laser treatment, from the initial consultation to post-treatment care.
Consultation
Before starting, you'll meet with your dermatologist. They'll review your medical history, any previous treatments you've had, and examine the keloid's size, thickness, and location. This helps them decide which laser type and treatment plan are best for you. They'll also discuss what you can expect, how many sessions you might need, and any potential risks.
Treatment
During the sessions, the laser will be carefully aimed at the keloid tissue. The laser's energy breaks down the excess collagen and encourages your skin to heal naturally. You'll likely need a series of treatments, and most people see gradual improvement over weeks or months. The procedure is usually comfortable, and your doctor may use local anaesthesia or cooling methods to minimise any discomfort.
Post-Treatment Care
Following the aftercare plan is essential for the best results. Your clinic will give you instructions that may include moisturisers, sunscreen, and other topical treatments to protect your skin. Regular follow-up visits are also important to track your progress and adjust the aftercare as needed. You might experience temporary redness, swelling, or mild discomfort, but these side effects are usually temporary with proper care.
Potential Side Effects
While laser treatments are generally safe, some people might experience temporary side effects, such as:
- Redness and swelling
- Mild discomfort or a burning sensation
- Rare changes in skin pigmentation
Throughout your recovery, a dedicated team will guide you on how to manage these side effects for a smooth recovery.
Exploring Alternative or Complementary Keloid Scar Treatments
Laser treatment isn't the only way to treat keloids. Other options can be used alone or in combination with laser treatment:
- Intralesional Injections: Corticosteroids help to reduce inflammation and shrink the scar.
- Cryotherapy: Freezing the keloid can effectively reduce its size.
- Surgical Removal: Recommended if other therapies fail; often combined with other treatments to reduce recurrence rate of scarring.
Often, the best outcome results from a combination of keloid scar treatments tailored to your unique skin condition.
Consult Dr Gan for Laser Treatment of Keloid Scars
If keloid scars are affecting your confidence or causing discomfort, laser treatment for keloid scars might be the solution for you. Dr. Gan from GTS Dermatology brings extensive experience in laser treatment, combining advanced techniques with a patient-focused approach.
During your consultation, you will discuss your medical history, previous treatments, and concerns. Dr Gan will offer personalised recommendations, helping you understand the benefits and potential risks so you can make an informed decision. Count on comprehensive aftercare designed to foster long-term skin health and reduce the likelihood of scar recurrence. Customise a laser treatment for your keloid scars today to clear off unsightly keloid scars for clearer, smoother skin.