After Keloid Removal Surgery: Recovery Tips

Keloid scarring is a type of skin growth that can develop after skin trauma. While scar revision with surgical keloid removal is an effective treatment for keloid scars, proper post-operative care is essential for achieving the best possible results. This article provides tips on how to properly care for your body after keloid removal surgery to ensure maximum recovery and minimal scarring.

What Is Keloid Scarring?

Keloid scarring is a type of abnormal skin growth that can occur after any kind of trauma to the skin, including surgical wounds, skin injuries, body piercings, bug bites, and even due to genetic components. Generally speaking, these raised scars form when the body produces too much collagen during the healing process in response to an injury or wound. The excess collagen builds up in the area and forms dense scar tissue that is more prominent than a regular scar.

In some cases, keloid scars may be quite large and cause discomfort or aesthetic concerns for those affected. Keloid scars can be large and bothersome for some people.

Reasons for Removing Keloids

Keloids can be unsightly scars and may cause discomfort or aesthetic concerns for those affected. For this reason, many people opt to have them removed. A person may be a candidate for keloid scar removal Miami Beach if the scar is causing significant pain, irritation, or distress. In some cases, topical medications and steroid injections may also be effective keloid scar treatment options. However, as these methods are not always successful, surgical keloid removal remains an important option.

What is Keloid Removal Surgery?

Keloid removal surgery is a scar revision procedure designed to remove keloid scar tissue and restore normal skin. During this procedure, the surgeon will first anesthetize the area and make an incision in the affected area. The surgeon then removes the excess scar tissue before closing the wound with stitches or using other surgical techniques.

After surgery, the body begins to heal from the wound, and new collagen is produced to replace the removed tissues, thus reducing the appearance of keloids. Surgical excision is considered one of the most successful treatments for keloid removal, however, post-operative care must be taken seriously to promote proper wound healing.

Recovering from Keloid Removal Surgery

The typical recovery time for this surgery is around six weeks, although it can vary depending on individual healing times and other factors. Taking extra care during this recovery period will minimize any risks of complications or recurrence. Recovering from keloid surgical removal requires proper post-operative care to ensure a successful outcome. After the procedure, it is crucial to follow the instructions given by your plastic surgeon.

Take prescribed medication

After the scar excision, it is important to take any prescribed medication as instructed by your doctor. These medications may include antibiotics, painkillers, or anti-inflammatory drugs that help reduce the risk of infection and promote healing. They may also reduce the risk of recurrence of keloid scarring.

Keep the area clean and dry

After undergoing keloid excision, it is important to keep the area clean and dry. Wound care includes washing the area with mild soap, avoiding soaking in bathtubs or pools, and avoiding activities that might cause sweat and irritation of the wound. It is also important to avoid direct sunlight over the treated area for at least three months after surgery. Advanced suturing techniques are often used during keloid removal procedures to prevent excessive scarring from occurring. These advanced techniques involve using dissolving sutures or special absorbable closure materials that don’t require removal.

Avoid strenuous activities

You will have to avoid strenuous activities or any activity that puts stress on the treated area for at least two weeks following keloid excision surgery. Strenuous activities or exercises can cause skin irritation and increase the risk of infection. Avoiding direct sunlight should also be observed to minimize the risk of hyperpigmentation.

It is best to take it easy for a few weeks after the procedure and refrain from heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, swimming, and other activities until your surgeon gives you clearance to resume them.

Follow a proper nutrition plan

To ensure proper healing after keloid surgery, you need to follow a healthy diet and nutrition plan. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, along with foods that are rich in vitamins A, C, and E can help boost the body’s natural healing process. Additionally, avoiding processed and sugary foods can help reduce inflammation in the area while promoting more rapid healing.

Drinking lots of water is also essential for maintaining hydration levels during recovery. Lastly, taking supplements such as zinc and vitamin C can also aid in the healing process.

Attend follow-up appointments with your doctor

Attending follow-up appointments with your doctor is essential to ensure that the removed keloid does not return and to monitor for any signs of infection or discomfort after keloid removal Miami Beach. During these appointments, your doctor will assess the healing process and check in on how you’re feeling. It’s important to inform your doctor of any discomfort or pain you may be experiencing as this could indicate an issue or infection that needs to be addressed.

Your doctor may also prescribe you topical ointments or other treatments if needed.

Prevent keloid formation in the future

If you had a keloid removed, it is important to take steps to prevent them from returning. This can include avoiding any unnecessary skin trauma such as piercings or tattoos, and keeping the area moisturized with creams and ointments. Additionally, your doctor may recommend topical steroid creams or other keloid treatments to reduce the risk of recurrence. These treatments can include:

• Compression therapy: It involves wrapping the affected area with an elastic bandage to reduce swelling and provide pressure on the site.
• Radiation therapy: SRT, or superficial radiation therapy, is a medical treatment used to decrease the size of keloids by administering low doses of radiation.
• Steroid injections: They can be used to reduce inflammation and shrink the size of keloids, allowing for easier and less invasive surgical removal.
• Cryotherapy: This is a medical procedure that involves the application of liquid nitrogen to the affected area to reduce inflammation and shrink keloids.
• Laser resurfacing: It is a minimally-invasive treatment option for keloids that uses high-energy beams of light to reduce the size and appearance of raised scars.

Consult with Keloid Experts!

If you are considering a keloid removal surgery, consult with Dr. Salloum and Dr. Mendez, the top experts in this field! They are experienced in providing personalized treatments for patients dealing with keloid growth and can help you understand your options. Set up an appointment and start your journey to a scar-free life!