Keloid Injection

WHAT ARE KELOIDS?

Scars usually form as the natural repair process of your body responds to injuries caused to skin tissue. However, when this process does not go well, scars can turn out to be rather unsightly. Keloids tend to form when an excessive amount of collagen is produced by the skin, resulting in a haphazard arrangement into various types of shapes.

These scars are firm and elevated and may be anywhere from red to purple in colour. Tiny extensions might also start to form to the scar’s periphery, or even transform into a spherical nodule. Scars will remain inside the injured area and will not penetrate your skin, but keloids are very hard to eliminate naturally. Although it might regress or stay the same size over time, it may actually continue to grow as well.

Keloid scarring is more likely to occur if it runs in the family, as it may potentially be passed down genetically. In addition, some parts of the body are more prone to keloids forming such as the shoulders, chest, chin or ears. Most keloid scars usually do not affect individuals at all apart from unsightliness, but may itch or cause pain in some cases. In extreme situations, keloids might become infected and form ulcers in the skin if not treated.

HOW CAN IT BE TREATED?

Keloids are commonly treated using kenocort injections, and is a safe procedure that does not cause much pain. A local anaesthetic (licodaine) will be mixed into the solution injected to help numb your skin.

Most people require about 3-4 sessions in order for the keloids to flatten, but this will vary depending on your condition, genetics as well as the size of the keloids. It might cause some scabbing, swelling or skin redness but this side effect is minor and will subside within a few days.

However, do note that although the injections flatten the keloids, it will not get rid of the colour left behind. This can be rectified using the Medlite Laser – do consult your doctor for further details about the treatment.

BEFORE / AFTER