How to Treat and Flatten Keloid Scars

How to Treat and Flatten Keloid Scars

Keloid scars can be challenging to address. These raised scars extend beyond the original injury site and can develop after various types of skin trauma, including surgical incisions, piercings or other injuries. Managing them often requires special care and attention.

At AF Aesthetics, our team works with you to create a tailored treatment plan aimed at addressing both the visual aspects of keloid scarring and any associated discomfort. While complete removal of keloid scars isn’t always possible, we focus on helping you achieve meaningful improvements and reducing the risk of recurrence through evidence-based approaches.

The Modern Approach to Treating Keloid Scars

Treatment plans for keloid scars must be personalised, as each keloid develops and responds differently. At AF Aesthetics, we assess each case individually to determine the appropriate treatment options and timeline.

Our experience has shown that combining treatment modalities often provides better results than using a single approach. Each modality can target different aspects of the keloid—from reducing its size and thickness to improving its colour and texture.

These are some of the factors we consider when creating your treatment plan:

  • The size and thickness of your keloid
  • Where the keloid is located on your body
  • Your skin type and tone
  • How long you’ve had the keloid
  • Any previous treatments you’ve tried
  • Whether the keloid causes discomfort or affects movement

Our goal is to achieve improvement while being realistic about expected outcomes. Managing keloid scars often requires ongoing care. Treatment outcomes vary from person to person, and though treatment can improve the appearance and symptoms of keloids, this type of scar has a high rate of recurrence.

We will discuss both initial treatment approaches and longer-term management strategies during your consultation.

 

Keloid Scar Treatment Options at AF Aesthetics

Intralesional Injections

Intralesional injections deliver medication directly into the keloid scar tissue. These treatments can help address both the physical appearance of the scar and associated symptoms.

How It Works

Intralesional injections modify the collagen structure within the scar tissue. This can help:

  • Reduce the thickness of the keloid
  • Decrease inflammation within the scar tissue
  • Address symptoms like itching and discomfort
  • Soften the texture of the scar

Treatment Approach

We offer two types of intralesional injections. Corticosteroid injections are the standard treatment approach for keloids. Injections are usually given every four to six weeks until the maximum degree of improvement is achieved. Newer keloids tend to be more responsive than older keloids.

For keloids that show resistance to standard treatments, 5-fluorouracil (5FU) injections may be considered as an alternative. Experimental studies have shown 5FU may prevent the production of type I collagen, the main structural protein in scar tissue. This leads to a reduction in the creation and maintenance of scar tissue.

We personalise your injection by adjusting the concentration based on your scar’s characteristics. Higher concentrations may be used for thicker, more established keloids, while lower concentrations may be suitable for thinner or newer scars. Injection depth and location are also customised.

 

Ablative Laser Resurfacing

The CO2RE laser can be used to address keloid texture and thickness, helping to smooth and flatten the scar.

How It Works

The CO2RE laser creates microscopic channels in the scar tissue through a process called fractional ablation. This works to:

  • Break down dense collagen structures
  • Stimulate natural tissue remodelling
  • Improve the overall texture of the scar
  • Reduce the thickness of raised areas

Treatment Approach

We adjust the treatment settings based on your keloid’s characteristics. Treatment depth can be varied to target different layers of the scar tissue, and different areas of the keloid can receive different treatment intensities if needed. Multiple passes will be used on thicker areas where appropriate.

Sessions are typically spaced several weeks apart to allow adequate healing between treatments.

 

Vascular Laser Treatment

The Vbeam Prima laser targets the blood vessels in keloid scars. This can improve the appearance of redness and discolouration within the scar.

How It Works

This laser delivers pulses of light that are absorbed by haemoglobin in the blood vessels. This process:

  • Reduces redness in the scar tissue
  • Reduces inflammation
  • Helps decrease the blood supply to the keloid
  • May assist in preventing further growth

Treatment Approach

Your provider will adjust the laser’s pulse duration and energy levels according to your needs. Different wavelengths can be selected to target blood vessels at various depths. Multiple passes may be used depending on the degree of vascularity.

The Vbeam Prima laser typically requires multiple sessions, spaced several weeks apart. Your scar’s response to treatment will determine the number of sessions recommended.

 

Surgical Management

Surgical intervention focuses on reducing keloid bulk (rather than complete excision) and minimising the risk of recurrence.

Our surgeons use intralesional excision techniques, meaning the procedure stays within the keloid area rather than extending into surrounding normal skin. Affecting the normal tissue can cause the keloid to come back larger and more aggressive if it recurs. Staying within the keloid boundaries minimises the risk of recurrence.

Surgery is typically combined with other treatments, like intralesional injections, to help manage the healing process and achieve better outcomes.

 

The AF Aesthetics Difference

AF Aesthetics brings together clinical expertise and advanced technology to provide comprehensive keloid management.

The doctors at AF Aesthetics are Australian trained, fully qualified plastic surgeons, general practitioners and laser & cosmetic specialists with a special interest in scar management. They have accumulated extensive experience treating keloid scars of varying sizes, ages, locations and complexities.

Your treatment plan begins with a detailed assessment of your scar’s specific characteristics. This information informs the selection and timing of your treatments. Your treatment plan will be reviewed regularly to assess your scar’s response, allowing us to make any adjustments that may help optimise results.

Our clinic is well-equipped for the assessment and treatment of keloids. The facilities are modern and comfortable, featuring multiple established technologies that have demonstrated efficacy in keloid treatment. These technologies, combined with our intralesional injection options, allow us to address multiple aspects of keloid scars.

Learn More About Your Options for Keloid Scar Treatment in Sydney

Keloids are not usually dangerous to your health, but they can be a cosmetic concern or come with unpleasant symptoms like pain or itchiness. Fortunately, there are many treatment options to help manage keloid scars and improve your quality of life.

The first step is visiting AF Aesthetics for a consultation. You may phone us directly on 02 8004 3323 or use our convenient online form to contact our team.

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