Understanding Scars and Keloids
What Are Scars and Keloids?
Scars are a natural part of the body’s healing process, forming as the skin repairs itself from an injury, surgery, or skin condition. While most scars fade over time, some may become raised, sunken, or thickened, requiring professional treatment.
Keloids, on the other hand, occur when the body produces excess collagen after a wound has healed, leading to raised, firm growths that extend beyond the original injury site. Unlike normal scars, keloids continue to grow over time, often becoming itchy, painful, or inflamed.
Different Types of Scars
Not all scars are the same—some remain flat and fade over time, while others become raised, depressed, or discolored. At Altitude Dermatology, we evaluate the size, texture, and severity of each scar to determine the best treatment approach.
Atrophic Scars
These indented or depressed scars form when the skin fails to regenerate enough tissue after an injury. They commonly result from acne, chickenpox, or deep wounds, leaving behind pitted or sunken areas on the skin.
Hypertrophic Scars
Unlike atrophic scars, hypertrophic scars are raised, thick, and red, but they remain confined within the boundaries of the original wound. These scars often develop after surgical incisions, burns, or deep cuts, and can become tight or itchy over time.
Keloids
Keloids are an overgrowth of scar tissue that extends beyond the original injury site, making them larger, thicker, and more prominent than hypertrophic scars. They can be itchy, painful, and sensitive to touch, sometimes requiring medical intervention to prevent further growth.
Contracture Scars
These scars develop after severe burns or extensive skin damage, causing the skin to tighten and restrict movement. Contracture scars may also affect underlying muscles and nerves, leading to discomfort or limited mobility.
Stretch Marks (Striae Scars)
Stretch marks appear as streak-like scars when the skin stretches rapidly due to pregnancy, weight fluctuations, or growth spurts. They often start as red or purple lines and fade to white or silver over time.
Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation
Not a true scar, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation occurs when a wound heals with lingering dark discoloration. It is more common in individuals with darker skin tones and often results from acne, burns, or minor injuries.
Surgical Scars
Surgical scars form after medical procedures or operations, varying in size, appearance, and healing pattern. While many fade naturally, some may develop into hypertrophic or keloid scars, requiring additional treatment.
Scar and Keloid Treatments We Offer
Laser Therapy
Advanced laser treatments help break down scar tissue, improve skin texture, and reduce redness, itching, and discomfort. By stimulating collagen remodeling, laser therapy promotes the growth of new, healthy skin cells, making scars and keloids less visible over time.
Corticosteroid Injections
For hypertrophic scars and keloids, corticosteroid injections help reduce inflammation, flatten raised tissue, and alleviate discomfort. These injections gradually shrink the scar, improving its overall appearance with minimal downtime.
Surgical Removal
For larger, more persistent scars and keloids, surgical excision may be the best solution. This procedure removes excessive scar tissue, and in some cases, a skin graft or flap reconstruction may be used to restore a smoother skin surface. Post-surgical care helps prevent recurrence and ensures optimal healing.
Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy freezes scar tissue with liquid nitrogen, helping to shrink and flatten hypertrophic scars and small keloids. This non-invasive procedure is particularly effective for early-stage keloids, preventing further growth while improving skin texture.
Why Choose Altitude Dermatology for Scar and Keloid Treatment?
Experienced Dermatological Care
Our board-certified dermatologists have extensive experience in treating a wide range of scars and keloids. We use cutting-edge techniques and the latest advancements in medical dermatology to deliver safe, effective, and long-lasting results.
Personalized Treatment Approaches
No two scars are the same. We take a personalized approach by evaluating your skin type, scar severity, and medical history to develop a customized treatment plan tailored to your unique needs.
Advanced Treatment Options
At Altitude Dermatology, we utilize state-of-the-art laser therapy, cryotherapy, and minimally invasive procedures to achieve the best cosmetic and medical outcomes for scar and keloid treatment.
