Keloid Scar Treatment In Seattle, Bellevue, & Kirkland, Washington
Procedure Time
2-3 hours
Recovery Time
5 days
Keloid Scar Treatment In Seattle, Bellevue, & Kirkland, Washington
Welcome to Northwest Face & Body! We know that dealing with keloids can be a frustrating and sometimes confusing experience. If you’ve ever noticed a scar that keeps growing beyond the original boundary of your skin injury, or if you’ve had a bump that appears thicker and more raised than a typical scar, you may have dealt with a keloid. These scars can sometimes lead to discomfort, itching, and cosmetic concerns that make you self-conscious about your appearance. Dr. Young and our team want you to feel confident and comfortable in your skin. That’s why we’re here to help you understand what keloids are, why they develop, and how we can work together to address them.
Let’s go over everything from the basics of keloid scars to the treatments we may offer at Northwest Face & Body. Whether you’re seeking keloid scar treatment in Seattle, WA, keloid scar treatment in Bellevue, WA, or keloid scar treatment in Kirkland, WA, we’re dedicated to providing personalized care that considers your unique situation.
What Are Keloid Scars?
Keloid scars are a specific type of raised scar tissue that develops when the body’s wound-healing process becomes overly aggressive. Typically, when your skin experiences an injury—like a cut, burn, surgery, or even something as minor as a pimple—the body sends collagen and other components to repair the damage. Typically, scar tissue stops forming once the wound has closed and healed. However, in some individuals, the scar tissue doesn’t know when to quit. It continues to grow outward and upward, creating a raised, often shiny, smooth area on the skin. This is what we call a keloid.
One of the hallmark traits of a keloid is that it can extend beyond the confines of the original injury. Unlike hypertrophic scars (which can be raised but typically remain within the boundaries of the initial wound), keloids can push well beyond those borders. People sometimes describe them as looking like little bubbles or mounds of scar tissue.
Keloids may form on any part of the body, but they often appear on the ears, shoulders, chest, upper back, and sometimes the face and neck. They may be flesh-colored, pink, red, or even darker than your surrounding skin tone. Additionally, keloids can be itchy, tender, and may cause discomfort. They can vary in size, shape, and thickness, which means each person’s experience with keloids is unique.
Why Do Keloid Scars Develop?
When people see us at Northwest Face & Body for a consultation, one of the most common questions is, “Why am I prone to these scars?” We understand this curiosity and concern, and while the exact answer can differ from person to person, there are a few general causes and risk factors that we often share.
- Genetics: Family history is one of the most significant clues to keloid scarring. You are more likely to develop keloids if your parents or siblings have keloids. This suggests a genetic component may cause the body’s wound-healing process to go into overdrive.
- Skin Color: People with darker skin tones—such as African, Asian, or Hispanic descent—tend to be more prone to keloid formation. While keloids can happen to anyone, it’s believed that melanin production and other genetic factors may play a role in why certain skin types are more vulnerable.
- Injury or Trauma: Keloids may form around any skin injury, whether it’s from a small pimple or a primary surgical incision. Ears pierced too tightly or areas that rub against clothing (like the chest or shoulders) can become prime spots for keloids. Even insect bites, vaccinations, and tattoos can trigger keloid development in susceptible individuals.
- Hormonal Factors: Some studies suggest that hormones may influence scar formation. Though more research is needed, there have been instances where keloids appear during puberty, pregnancy, or other times of hormonal change.
- Unknown Triggers: Sometimes, keloids seem to appear randomly. You might have a minor scrape or seemingly insignificant injury that transforms into a keloid. This unpredictability is part of what makes these scars difficult for many people to handle.
Understanding these causes, you can understand why certain scars don’t behave as expected. Thankfully, we have a variety of treatment options at our disposal. Dr. Philip Young has spent years focusing on scar revision and cosmetic enhancements, so you can feel confident that you’re in good hands when you see us for keloid scar treatment in Seattle, WA, Bellevue, or Kirkland.
Keloid Scar Treatment With Dr. Young
Dr. Young specializes in multiple approaches to dealing with keloid scars. Keloids can be stubborn, and a single method may not always address the issue. That’s why we may recommend combining several therapies to find the best, most personalized solution for you. Here’s a closer look at the keloid scar treatment options we often discuss with our patients:
Surgical Excision (Keloid Removal Surgery)
One of the more straightforward approaches to treating keloids is to remove them surgically. During this process, Dr. Young carefully excises—or cuts out—the scar tissue. The goal is to remove as much of the keloid as possible while minimizing further trauma to the surrounding skin. This can be particularly beneficial for more extensive or thicker keloids that aren’t responding to other treatments.
- What To Expect: Surgical excision typically involves numbing the area with a local anesthetic, though sedation options may be available. Once the area is numb, we carefully remove the keloid tissue, then close the incision in a way that aims to reduce the chance of another keloid forming. The procedure itself is usually done on an outpatient basis, meaning you can go home the same day.
- Benefits: Removing a keloid can provide immediate relief from discomfort and itching. It may also improve the appearance and contour of the affected area. However, it’s important to remember that keloids tend to come back after surgical removal. That’s why Dr. Young might combine surgery with additional treatments like steroid or 5-FU injections to lower the risk of recurrence.
CO₂ Laser Therapy & Pressure Treatment
Lasers have become a mainstay in cosmetic and medical dermatology for various purposes, from skin resurfacing to scar revision. We may recommend a type of laser known as the CO₂ laser for keloid scars. This laser targets scar tissue, vaporizing the excess tissue layer by layer. Because of the controlled nature of the laser, Dr. Young can smooth out the scar, reducing its thickness and possibly improving its overall appearance.
- Pressure Treatment: After a laser procedure, pressure dressings or garments may keep the area flat and discourage keloid regrowth. When worn consistently, pressure garments can help limit the blood flow to the scarred region and reduce the buildup of excess tissue.
- Benefits: CO₂ laser therapy may be an excellent option if you’re looking for a non-surgical way to reduce a keloid. When combined with pressure treatment, the chance of recurrence may be lowered. That said, it’s still important to understand that no method can 100% guarantee the keloid won’t come back. However, many patients find CO₂ laser sessions can significantly soften, flatten, or lighten their keloids.
Kenalog (Triamcinolone) Injections
Steroid injections, particularly triamcinolone (often referred to by the brand name Kenalog), have been used for years in the management of hypertrophic and keloid scars. Steroids can help reduce inflammation and slow collagen production in the scar. This may lead to a decrease in scar thickness and some improvement in texture.
- What To Expect: During a Kenalog treatment, Dr. Young injects a small dose of steroid into the keloid. We usually space these injections out over several weeks or months. The number of sessions needed will vary based on the keloid’s size, location, and response.
- Benefits: Steroid injections can be a more conservative approach if you don’t feel ready for surgery. They can help soften the scar and reduce discomfort or itchiness. On the downside, side effects such as skin thinning, discoloration, or a minor dent where the injection was administered may be possible. However, for many patients, the benefits may outweigh these risks, especially if it helps slow down the aggressive growth of the keloid.
5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) Injections
5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is an anti-cancer medication that may also address keloid formation. While it might sound intimidating, the keloid doses and protocols differ from those used in oncology. When injected into the scar tissue, 5-FU can interfere with the rapidly dividing fibroblasts responsible for excessive collagen production, thereby reducing keloid growth.
- What To Expect: Similar to steroid injections, 5-FU is administered directly into the keloid at set intervals. You may receive these injections every few weeks, and the number of sessions required will depend on how your keloid responds. Some people notice a flattening of the scar after just a few treatments.
- Benefits: 5-FU may work well for those who haven’t seen improvements with steroids alone or for individuals with recurrent keloids. This medication can slow the process of scar tissue formation, leading to a softer and potentially flatter scar. Potential side effects could include temporary redness, stinging, or mild pain at the injection site.
Combination Therapy (Kenalog + 5-FU Injection)
Because keloids are notoriously challenging to treat, we sometimes recommend using both Kenalog and 5-FU injections together. By targeting the scar with both a steroid and an anti-cancer agent, we can achieve better results than using either infusion alone. The idea is to tackle keloid formation from multiple angles: reducing inflammation, slowing collagen production, and preventing the keloid from becoming thicker and larger.
- What To Expect: Combination injections often follow a schedule, such as weekly, biweekly, or monthly, depending on your specific needs. Dr. Young personalizes every regimen because each patient’s keloid situation is different. During your consultation, we’ll discuss what timeline may work best for you and how many sessions you need.
- Benefits: Many patients notice that a combination approach may yield faster and more noticeable improvements. The risk of side effects doesn’t necessarily double when you combine these therapies, but we carefully monitor your healing and progress to ensure everything stays on track. By bringing Kenalog and 5-FU together, we aim to give you the best chance at reducing the size and symptoms of your keloid.
Recovery Process
- You may need to apply ointments or keep the area clean and moisturized.
- Some patients are advised to use pressure garments to keep the keloid from reforming or growing.
- If you undergo surgical removal, you may have sutures that need to be taken care of until they are removed or dissolve on their own.
Why Choose Northwest Face & Body?
You have plenty of options when it comes to finding keloid scar treatments. So, why should you choose Dr. Philip Young at Northwest Face & Body for your care? Here are just a few reasons that come to mind:
- Expertise in Scar Revision: Dr. Young has spent years focusing on different methods to address complex scarring issues. His knowledge of the art and science of aesthetic procedures sets him apart.
- Personalized Care: We believe no two scars—or patients—are alike. From your initial consultation to your final follow-up, we’ll tailor a treatment plan considering your medical history, scar location, skin type, and personal preferences.
- Innovative Techniques: We stay up-to-date on the latest advancements in scar management. Whether combining Kenalog with 5-FU or CO₂ lasers with surgical removal, we’re open to employing multiple strategies for the best possible outcome.
- Patient-Focused Environment: We aim to create a welcoming, comforting space for all our patients. We know that scars can be deeply personal, and discussing them can feel vulnerable. Our team is here to guide you with empathy and understanding.
- Comprehensive Services: Beyond keloid treatment, we offer a wide range of aesthetic and reconstructive procedures. Many patients appreciate the convenience of finding a full suite of services under one roof.
If you’re ready to take the next step and explore keloid scar treatment in Bellevue, WA, Kirkland, or Seattle, we invite you to reach out. At Northwest Face & Body, we provide thorough consultations to evaluate your keloid, discuss your goals, and determine which treatment strategy might suit you best.
To schedule your consultation with Dr. Young, you can fill out our online contact form, check our Price Simulator, or call (425) 473-1074.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can keloid scars come back after treatment?
Yes, they can. Keloids have a higher recurrence rate than many other types of scars. While treatments like surgical removal or steroid injections may reduce or remove the scar, there is always a possibility that it can return, especially if you’re genetically prone to forming keloids. However, combining treatments—such as surgical excision with steroid or 5-FU injections—may reduce the likelihood of recurrence.
Will my insurance cover the cost of keloid treatment?
It depends on your insurance policy and whether the treatment is medically necessary. Some insurance plans may cover part or all of the procedure if the keloid is causing pain or functional impairment. We recommend contacting your insurance provider to check your coverage details. Our friendly staff at Northwest Face & Body can also help you determine the documentation you must submit.
How many injection sessions will I need to see results?
Everyone’s situation is different. Some patients respond well after just a few injections, while others may need ongoing sessions to achieve their desired outcome. The size and age of the keloid, your body’s response, and the type of injection used can all influence how many sessions you’ll need. During your consultation, Dr. Young will discuss these factors with you so you can clearly understand what to expect.
Do keloids only appear on the ears, chest, and shoulders?
Keloids can appear almost anywhere on the body, though common spots are the ears, chest, shoulders, and upper back. Some people may get them on the jawline, neck, or other areas prone to trauma or friction. Location isn’t the only factor; genetics and skin type also affect where keloids form.
Is it possible to prevent keloids altogether?
Complete prevention can be challenging if you’re prone to keloid formation. However, being mindful of skin injuries, promptly treating cuts or scrapes, and avoiding unnecessary piercings or tattoos can reduce your risk. Suppose you have a history of keloids and require surgery. In that case, you may discuss preventative treatments (like steroid injections or pressure therapy) with your doctor to minimize your chances of developing a keloid.
Are there any at-home remedies for managing keloids?
While some over-the-counter creams, gels, or silicone sheets may help flatten or soften early scars, established keloids typically need professional intervention. Certain ingredients like silicone or onion extract (found in some scar gels) might help in mild cases. Still, larger keloids often require a combination of medical treatments for the best result.
Does it hurt to get these injections or undergo laser therapy?
Pain tolerance varies from person to person, but we do what we can to make you comfortable. We often use a small needle for injections and can apply a topical numbing agent if needed. Laser therapy may cause a stinging or heating sensation, but a cooling device can help soothe the skin. Many patients find the discomfort manageable, and we’re always ready to adjust our techniques or use additional numbing to keep you as comfortable as possible.
How soon will I see results?
This depends on the treatment. Surgical excision yields immediate removal of the keloid, but there’s a postoperative healing period and a possibility of regrowth. Steroid or 5-FU injections can take several weeks or months before you see notable changes in the scar’s size or texture. CO₂ laser therapy may show visible results once the treated skin heals, but multiple sessions might be recommended for optimal improvement.
Can children or teenagers receive keloid treatments?
Yes, they can. However, because young individuals are still growing and their skin constantly changes, we must weigh the risks and benefits carefully. Early intervention in some instances may be beneficial, but we’ll discuss everything with the patient and guardians before proceeding. A thorough evaluation will help us determine the most appropriate time and type of treatment for younger patients.