Sometimes, we just can’t help but have scars. Whether we’ve had medically necessary or elective plastic surgery in the past, or have had a wound, we end up with these markings on our bodies. Most scars heal normally. But for some Redondo Beach residents, scars can become unsightly reminders of the condition that necessitated the incision and stitches in the first place. This is especially true for keloid scars, which are growths that occur when scar tissue grows excessively. The good news is that all scars, including keloids, can be treated by an experienced plastic surgeon like board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Granzow of Manhattan Beach Plastic Surgery. Read on to learn more about keloid scars and how Dr. Granzow can help Redondo Beach residents treat them.
What is a Keloid Scar?
Any time that the skin is either cut, as in the case of medically necessary or elective plastic surgery, or injured, scar tissue forms to close the wound. In most cases, scar tissue grows normally, fades in color, and becomes mostly unnoticeable over time. However, in some cases, Redondo Beach residents will develop keloid scars. Keloid scars occur when scar tissue grows excessively past the edges of the original incision or cut, creating irregular, hard growths. While keloids are most commonly found on the chest, shoulders, earlobes, and cheeks, they can appear anywhere on the body, creating both physically and emotionally uncomfortable feelings for the keloid scar sufferer. Keloid scars are most common in Redondo Beach patients who are younger and have darker skin tones.
What are the Symptoms of a Keloid Scar?
If you’re unsure if you have a keloid scar, check to see if your scar is:
- Flesh-colored, pink or red;
- Lumpy or ridged;
- Continually growing larger over time;
- Grows past the edges of the incisions or cuts; and/or
- Itchy
What Else Should I Know About Keloid Scars?
While Keloid scars can be itchy and larger than the original wound or surgical scar, they are not typically a medical concern. They are, however, often an embarrassing cosmetic concern that causes many Redondo Beach patients to lack confidence in their bodies. For this reason, many Redondo Beach and South Bay residents with keloid scars turn to Dr. Granzow for scar revisions.
How Can Dr. Granzow Revise a Keloid Scar?
There are a few different ways that Dr. Granzow can treat a keloid scar. First, he can inject a steroid directly into the scar to reduce the itching, redness and burning sensation that the scar causes. This injectable steroid can also shrink the appearance of the scar. If steroid treatment does not work, plastic surgery can be performed to surgically cut the scar out, and then the wound can be reclosed so that a new scar can form. Sometimes for more severe keloid scars, in addition to a plastic surgery revision, a steroid and 3 day course of radiation treatment is used to revise the scar.
I Have a Keloid Scar That I’d Like to Get Revised. What Do I Do Next?
If you have a keloid scar that you would like to get treated with plastic surgery, the best thing you can do is schedule a free consultation with Dr. Granzow at Manhattan Beach Plastic Surgery. During this consultation, Dr. Granzow will perform a complete examination of your scar, come up with a personalized treatment plan for you and give you realistic expectations of what your results will look like.
To schedule a consultation with Dr. Granzow, call (310) 737-8918.
