I have a keloid on the back of my head. I've been getting the steroid shot for a year and I just want to have surgery (Photo)

Question

On my senior trip for high school we went to Florida, while on our trip I decided to get a hair cut by a barber shop close to our hotel. About two days after my hair cut I noticed these little bumps forming on the back of my head, I didn't think anything of them. A Week later bumps were still there and getting larger, got home and showed my parents and they told me that the barber used dirty clippers on my head. This had never happened to me before, should I get surgery or laser?

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Surgery may not be your best first option. I would use a combination of injections, lasers, and skin resurfacing to help improve your scars. Best, Dr. Karamanoukian @kareplasticsurgery on Instagram

Sanusi Umar, MD · Answer

Steroid injections can only help to reduce the inflammation and symptoms of discomfort.  But they won’t actually get rid of the bumps. If your condition is entirely due to ingrown hairs and the bumps are small and short, it is possible to undergo laser treatment to epilate (remove the hair shafts) which may flatten the bumps significantly. If you are experiencing a more complex manifestation of Acne Keloidalis Nuchae (AKN), surgical removal will be the best way to get rid of the bumps once and for all. Nonetheless, you should have your condition diagnosed to clarify if your bump is due to AKN, general folliculitis, or other conditions which may be benign or life threatening.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and I am sorry to hear of your keloid issues.  There is a condition termed acne keloidis nuchae which can develop after a hair clipping which is a bad case of ingrown hairs causing repeated bouts of infection and scarring.  This is most commonly seen in the african american population and requires surgical excision of the area.  Be seen by a board certified reconstructive plastic surgeon for appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

Morris Westfried, MD · Answer

The highest cure cate for this condition of 90 per cent is excison removal followed by three radiation treatment with art 100. This has a 10 per cent failure rate so no treatment is fool proof. See an experience plastic surgeon or Dermatolgist.v

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Recommend excision layered closure than post op 3 sessions of SRT radiation therapy Fee in $5,000 range....

William Marshall Guy, MD · Answer

Hello Kendel20,There are several treatment options available for keloids.  Anytime there is more than one option, it means there is no perfect option.  Surgery is an option followed by post operative steroid injections or lasers to minimize the risk of return.  But it is important to realize that regardless of treatment, there is a chance for recurrence.  I'd recommend you consult with a facial plastic surgeon to evaluate your keloid and make specific recommendations.I hope this helps and good luck.

I have a keloid on the back of my head. I've been getting the steroid shot for a year and I just want to have surgery (Photo)

Answers (6)