Cutting Edge Treatment for Keloids and Keloid Scars, Hypertrophic Scars and Atrophic Scars!
What are Keloids?
Anytime your skin has an injury the production of collagen is increased to form a scar which protects the wound and allows your body to heal. This scar tissue is typically only raised for a short period of time, however, keloids occur when scars continue to grow and result in permanent raised fibrous tissue surrounding a wound. Keloids are raised, thick scars that grow outside the boundary of the original scar and often itch and can be painful. Roughly 10-15% of wounds are affected by the development of keloids. Although keloids can happen to anyone, people with darker pigmentation or of African, Asian or Hispanic ethnicity are more likely to suffer from keloids when injured or as a consequence of surgery. Traditionally, treating keloids presented cosmetic surgeons with challenges, as tissue formations were inclined to grow back even larger, however, with precision surgery and new technology we now have a greater than 90% success rate in the treatment of keloids.
Newer, advanced treatments, such as superficial radiation therapy (SRT) using the SRT-100+™ system, produce better outcomes for patients. However, they are only available from expert plastic surgeons. As a result of limited access to effective treatment, patients are often compelled to travel in order to undergo treatments for keloids.
What are Hypertrophic Scars?
Although not as impactful as keloids, hypertrophic scars are still highly visible and can cause a significant degree of psychological distress. A hypertrophic scar occurs when too much collagen is produced during the healing process. There is also a risk that a hypertrophic scar will contain nerves and blood vessels, adding further complications when it comes to suitable treatment options.
If you have persistent hypertrophic scars resulting from an injury, burn or previous surgery, there are effective treatment options available from the International Keloid & Scar Treatment Center. Dr. Kenrick Spence and his team can provide a detailed assessment for patients from all over the world through a virtual or in office consultation.
During your hypertrophic scar consultation, you will have the opportunity to discuss past treatments, expected outcomes and any risks associated with treatment. Dr. Spence and Dr. Ovalle understand that patients may have concerns about treatment that involves traveling to his Orlando office. During the consultation, our doctors take great care to ensure that every patient is comfortable and fully involved in the treatment plan decision-making process.
What Are Atrophic Scars?
An atrophic scar develops when the skin cannot regenerate tissue correctly. Unlike keloids and hypertrophic scars, atrophic scars are indented in appearance due to healing that occurs below the expected layer of skin. This type of scar is most commonly associated with chickenpox or acne, although they also form as the result of having a mole removed or after types of surgery including MOHS reconstruction.
There are three distinct types of atrophic scar. Atrophic scars that have the appearance of a deep pore are known as icepick scars. Flat-bottomed scars that resemble chickenpox scars are defined as boxcar scars. Finally, rolling scars are identified by a lack of distinct edges and are typically located around the cheeks.