Is cryotherapy the best treatment for keloids? (Photo)

Question

I have a keloid from a burn .A piece of hot coal fell on me 4 years ago. I have a second on from a csection I had in Dec 2015. The doctor even gave me a steroid shot to prevent scarring,but no luck with that. I read so many stories about different procedures for keloid removal that later grow back. In the near future I'm looking to get a breast lift/implants & liposuction only if I can have a successful keloid removal .First I would like to remove my scars before they get bigger.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Our treatments use combination therapy to improve the epidermis and dermis for most deep scars. The options available for acne scars depend on the character of your scars, in terms of topography and contour. We see atrophic and hypertrophic acne scars, as well as scars that have hypo and hyperpigmentation. We begin each scar evaluation with an assessment of scar quality and subtype. Our main concern is rebuilding collagen and that is why we use a HIDEF protocol that includes combination therapy. Morpheus 8, scar subcision, fibrous release, fractional laser, CO2 laser, Thulium laser, PDL Vbeam laser, and fractional resurfacing can be used in addition to TCA Cross and chemical peels to further improve skin. Patients should start Melarase AM and Melarase PM for active hyperpigmentation. Always begin with a consultation to decide whether early subcision should be started.

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

There are many options for this type of scar.  I suggest you seek a formal consultation with a cosmetic dermatologist who specializes in scar treatments.  Injectable steroids with or without 5-FU and microneedling/prp would be helpful in your case.  There are other laser options, and if these fail, surgery with or without radiation can work. See an expert in scarring. Best, Dr. Emer.

Megan Jack, MD · Answer

While not the only treatment, I have found Cryotherapy to be one of the best mostly due to the success and lower recurrence rates.  Keep in mind that this will not "remove" the scar, nor will any other treatment, rather softens and flattens the abnormal tissue.  The main problem with keloid treatments are recurrence rates tend to be relatively high historically (meaning they grow back) so using the treatment that has the lowest recurrence rate to date is probably best.  Please make sure to consult with board-certified plastic surgeons with experience in this type of treatment for best results--happy to help. Good luck!

Elizabeth Damstetter, MD · Answer

Keloids often require multiple rounds of injections before starting to soften. Intralesional cryotherapy can be extremely effective, but few providers are trained in this or offer it to patients. Surgical excision with post-operative steroid injections are also an option.

Is cryotherapy the best treatment for keloids? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Keloid treatment

Answer: Keloid treatment

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Is cryotherapy the best treatment for keloids? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Keloid treatment

Answer: Keloid treatment

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Scar Removal

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.