Scars are usually grouped into three categories: sunken scars, raised scars, and keloids. You can develop any of these different types of scars, however keloid scars seem to be the most predominant and the most difficult to treat.

Keloid scars can develop from any type of wound, be it a cut, burn, or inflammatory reaction such as acne. As they develop, they begin to grow past the edges of the original site of damage and may sometimes keep growing for several years.

This means that keloid removal can be difficult. Surgical excision is an option for people who have tried everything and still haven't been able to remove the scar tissue, nevertheless, the high recurrence rate of this type of scar can complicate the success of surgery.

Keloid Treatment: a Holistic Approach

Doctors have come to learn that keloid scar removal must be approached from different perspective. In fact, a global treatment offers the best solution to eliminating keloid scars for good. A combination of surgery, steroid injections and compression therapy is what can make keloid removal successful.

Steroid injections can be used before and after surgery to help flatten the scar. The doctor may also choose to inject steroids directly into the site of the scar during the excision process. Studies have shown that this helps reduce the rate of recurrence.

Compression therapy includes a garment that has been custom fitted and should be worn 24 hours a day. This type of therapy can be used instead of surgery to treat minor keloid scars. However, it can also be used after surgery to reduce the possibility of a new keloid.

Compression garments or bandages are usually worn anywhere from 6 months to a year or two. No one actually knows how this type of garment works, but many speculate that the restriction of oxygen can help reduce the biological process that leads to the development of keloids.

Other Common Alternatives for Keloid Treatment

Laser therapy is often used successfully as an alternative for keloid treatment. A pulsed-dye laser can effectively flatten keloids and reduce the redness they present. However, you may have to submit yourself to various sessions in order to get the best results.

Silicone sheets are another alternative that can help reduce the appearance of keloids and other types of scars. They work much in the same way as compression devices, however, silicone sheets are worn for a few hours every day.

If your keloid scar is small you can treat it with cryotherapy. The keloid is frozen with the help of liquid nitrogen. This type of therapy helps flattens the scar but can also cause the site to take on a darkened appearance.