Scar Revision in New York

A keloid is a type of scar that protrudes above the skin’s surface, forming an external growth. They mostly develop on the chest, back, shoulders, and earlobes. They rarely develop on the face, but can sometimes form on the jaw-line. Typically they look like an elevated section of skin with an irregular shape that is flat and has a pink or purple color to it.

Keloids typically appear after surgery, but they can also appear from slight irritation on the skin from an acne pimple on the chest or other minor injuries like burns and piercings. Keloids can also start to form sometime after the injury and extend beyond the initial wound site. If untreated, they can also become itchy and tender to the touch.

Hypertrophic scars also form during the scarring process and are thick like keloids, but are different in that they stay within the region of the initial injury. They are also redder in color and usually subside on their own over time. However, this process can take up to a year. Your surgeon may recommend waiting to seek treatment on these types of scars for the first year, since they can resolve effectively without treatment.

There are several methods of removing keloids including:

• Steroid injections
• Surgery
• Laser devices
• Silicone sheets
• Cryotherapy (freezing the keloid with liquid nitrogen)

After examination, your surgeon can explain to you which method is ideal in your situation. The goal is to personalize your treatment to ensure a safe procedure, an excellent cosmetic outcome, and a low risk the scar will form again.

Some treatments will require multiple sessions to achieve an optimal outcome. You should see your results once your skin fully heals after your final appointment. 

Patients usually return to their daily routine immediately following treatment or the next day. Mild swelling and skin redness are common, but should not keep you from your usual activities.