Treatment Options

Treating hypertrophic scars and keloids can be challenging, but there are several approaches available to reduce their size and improve their appearance:

1. Steroid Injections: Corticosteroid injections are a common treatment for both hypertrophic scars and keloids. These injections help to reduce inflammation and flatten the scar tissue over time. Multiple sessions may be needed to achieve the best results.
2. Silicone Sheets and Gels: Silicone products, applied regularly to the scar, can help soften and flatten hypertrophic scars and keloids. These treatments are most effective when used early in the scar’s development.
3. Laser Therapy: Laser treatments can reduce the redness and thickness of hypertrophic scars and keloids by targeting the excess blood vessels and promoting collagen remodeling. This option is often combined with other treatments for optimal results.
4. Pressure Therapy: Compression garments or pressure dressings can help flatten hypertrophic scars, particularly in the early stages of healing.
5. Surgical Removal: Surgical excision can be used to remove a keloid, but there’s a risk of the keloid returning, often larger than before. To minimize this risk, surgery is typically combined with other treatments, such as steroid injections or radiation therapy.
6. Radiation Therapy: Low-dose radiation therapy may be used after surgical removal of a keloid to reduce the risk of recurrence. This option is generally reserved for particularly stubborn cases.

Choosing the right treatment depends on the size, location, and severity of the scar, as well as your individual needs and preferences. Managing hypertrophic scars and keloids often requires a combination of therapies, and it’s important to work closely with your healthcare provider to develop a personalized treatment plan that gives you the best chance of success.