I’m trying to tell if this is a Keloid or a hypertrophic scar. It’s from my breast reduction. My doctor said it’s Keloid, she hasn’t seen it in person yet. My gyn also sid Keloid. From my research I’d think it’s htpertrophic. But I don’t have and MD. Surgery was 11/21/17. This became noticeably uncomfortable about 1/25/18
February 8, 2018
Answer: Breast reduction Hello and thank you for your excellent question. In general, a keloid scar extends BEYOND the edges of the original incision, whereas a hypertrophic scar grows ABOVE the scar. Based on your photo, you appear to have a hypertrophic scar, and not a keloid. Regardless, I suggest that you follow up with your surgeon to start having some type of therapy (e.g., silicone sheeting, steroid injections). If you have any questions, call our office for assistance. Good luck!
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February 8, 2018
Answer: Breast reduction Hello and thank you for your excellent question. In general, a keloid scar extends BEYOND the edges of the original incision, whereas a hypertrophic scar grows ABOVE the scar. Based on your photo, you appear to have a hypertrophic scar, and not a keloid. Regardless, I suggest that you follow up with your surgeon to start having some type of therapy (e.g., silicone sheeting, steroid injections). If you have any questions, call our office for assistance. Good luck!
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February 8, 2018
Answer: Keloid or hypertrophic scar or what? Ahh, this is a good ! Thank you for the question and the photos. You are a bout 3 months post operative from your breast reduction and your scars are pink. This is normal at this stage of healing. Now, lets get into definitions. A keloid is an abnormal proliferation of scar tissue that forms at the site of cutaneous injury (eg, on the site of a surgical incision or trauma); it does not regress and grows beyond the original margins of the scar. The key here is that it grows BEYOND the original margins of the scar. If the scar is thickened and raised and does not extend beyond the original margins of the scar, it is considered a hypertrophic scar. At this stage, I would not classify your scar as hypertrophic. And it certainly is not a keloid. We typically see keloids more often in African Americans. Speak with your surgeon about this. He or she may recommend silicone sheeting which is,so far , the only modality that has been shown to appear the appearance of scars. The natural progression of scarring that you can anticipate is that they will flatten and fade to your skin tone with time. It is important to protect from the sun, which for breast reductions scars is usually not an issue. I hope this little treatise on scar classification is helpful.
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
February 8, 2018
Answer: Keloid or hypertrophic scar or what? Ahh, this is a good ! Thank you for the question and the photos. You are a bout 3 months post operative from your breast reduction and your scars are pink. This is normal at this stage of healing. Now, lets get into definitions. A keloid is an abnormal proliferation of scar tissue that forms at the site of cutaneous injury (eg, on the site of a surgical incision or trauma); it does not regress and grows beyond the original margins of the scar. The key here is that it grows BEYOND the original margins of the scar. If the scar is thickened and raised and does not extend beyond the original margins of the scar, it is considered a hypertrophic scar. At this stage, I would not classify your scar as hypertrophic. And it certainly is not a keloid. We typically see keloids more often in African Americans. Speak with your surgeon about this. He or she may recommend silicone sheeting which is,so far , the only modality that has been shown to appear the appearance of scars. The natural progression of scarring that you can anticipate is that they will flatten and fade to your skin tone with time. It is important to protect from the sun, which for breast reductions scars is usually not an issue. I hope this little treatise on scar classification is helpful.
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
