Sheetal Sapra, MD, FRCPC
Director of Dermatology

Wounds heal in very different ways depending on the size, depth and location. Burns, cuts, and acne all result in unique scarring that requires specific treatment. In some instances, the scar develops larger than the actual wound. When keloids develop, patients can quickly lose confidence in their appearance. At ICLS, our team is committed to helping individuals find the appropriate solution for their looks without compromising their wellbeing.

The Cause of Keloids

Keloids are a type of raised scar that can occur anywhere the skin has been damaged, whether by laceration, acne, or even burn. Whereas most other scars only cover the damaged area, keloids develop when fibrous scar tissue grows excessively and creates smooth, hard growths that extend beyond the injury. Furthermore, these scars do not develop immediately after the wound has healed. Keloids can take anywhere from weeks to months to fully develop. While anyone can develop a keloid, individuals under 30 and those with darker skin tones are more likely to develop this type of scarring.

Keloids are more a nuisance than a health hazard. As a result, many individuals with growing keloids turn to the dermatology specialists at ICLS for a cosmetic solution to remove their scar tissue.

Top Keloid Scar Treatments

As keloid scars develop during the healing process, the challenge with treatment is finding a solution that will encourage correct healing. At our Oakville dermatology practice, Dr. Sapra and his team work closely with patients to develop the appropriate removal and maintenance strategy for this scar tissue. Options available for keloid scar treatment include:

Cryoshape

ICLS is the first clinic in Canada to offer this cutting-edge technology, which has revolutionized treatment for advanced keloid scars. The treatment begins with a local anesthetic to ensure patient comfort. Then the thin Cryoshape probe is inserted into the scar, where it uses liquid nitrogen gas to freeze the deep scar tissue right at the source. The process is repeated until the entire length of the scar is treated and all of the scar tissue is destroyed. Because this technique treats the scar from the inside out, it greatly decreases the likelihood of keloid recurrence. Over the weeks that follow treatment, the keloid will crust over and fall off or shrink.

Injections (Corticosteroid and BOTOX^®)

As the name suggests, corticosteroid injection treatment uses safe steroids to help smooth the raised quality of keloids so that they blend in with the surrounding skin. These injections are usually administered once every month to every other month, depending on the size of the keloid. However, this solution can change the color of the scar tissue from skin-toned to a redder shade.

The pulsed dye laser, or PDL was developed specifically to remove concentrated sources of redness from skin, including keloids and birth marks. Like other cosmetic lasers, PDL operates using a specialized wavelength to target the blemish and eliminate it from the skin without cutting into the actual tissue. At ICLS, we also carry the Laser Genesis to diminish the quality and appearance of keloids without compromising surrounding skin.

BOTOX^® can also be used to treat keloid scars, as it stops the proliferation of skin growth of the keloid. It has also been shown to reduce the muscular tensions that encourage keloid growth.

Surgery

Typically reserved for instances where a patient has a very large keloid or one that has been on the skin for years, careful surgical removal combined with a closely monitored skin care regimen can help keep keloid development at bay. Post-surgery treatment may also include several steroid injections to reduce the recurrence of scar tissue.

Getting Rid of Keloids at ICLS Dermatology

While keloids are rarely a health problem, uncontrolled scar tissue growth similar to keloids can be a symptom of skin cancer. As a result, your consultation at ICLS includes a visual examination and may also include a biopsy if our dermatologist believes there may be more to the keloid.

There are several factors to consider when choosing a keloid scar treatment. Location of the scar tissue, the size of the keloid, and the patient’s age all play a role in determining which treatment solution best meets an individual’s needs. The consultation provides the best opportunity for Dr. Sapra to walk you through all your options and create the customized treatment you need.

Once the treatment has been chosen and completed, routine follow-up is especially important in helping to prevent scars from returning. In addition to a home regimen of skin care, our Oakville dermatologist may schedule multiple visits so that we can evaluate your healing process and address any new growths.

Ready for Smoother Skin? Schedule Your Consultation Today!

Whether you’ve developed your first keloid or have hidden one for years, it’s never too soon or too late to achieve a smoother skin appearance. At ICLS Dermatology & Plastic Surgery, our team is committed to helping all patients reach their cosmetic goals and feel confident in their skin. To learn more about your options for keloid scar treatment, contact our Oakville dermatologists today and schedule a consultation.