Removing Keloid from Left from Sebaceous Cyst

Question

I'm an African American female. I had a sebaceous cyst removed from chest area 3 years ago. It was 1 and 1/2 in. An itchy keloid developed and now, I'm embarassed to wear swimsuit/v-necks/halters etc. What removal procedure/treatment would you recommend? Please help!

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Keloids can cause inflammation, pain, and discomfort.  The first line of treatment includes:

	
		Selective IIT
	
		Pressure Treatment
	
		Pulsed Dye Scar Laser
	
		Silicone

Arnold R. Oppenheim, MD (retired) · Answer

Keloids are a fairly common complication on the chest. First, steroids injections should be tried. You may need a series of them. This should be tried first since there is no worsening. However, the best you can expect will be flattening and not total eradication. If this does not work injections along with cryotherapy (freezing) might be added. The downside of this is that cryotherapy may cause hyppigmentation. 
    If these efforts fail you laser might be attempted or surgery. If the latter is performed the surgeon should utilize imiquimod (Aldara cream) along with steroid injections. This is VERY important. I have removed many keloids only to have the patient come back two years or so later with an even larger keloid. Patients who return for  injections do substantially better. Pressure after the surgery also helps. There are devices that will keep pressure on the healing wound. 
    Good luck.

Removing Keloid from Left from Sebaceous Cyst

Answers (2)