Post-Heart-Surgery (Cardiac) Keloid Treatment
Keloids are one of the most common and long-lasting side effects of coronary bypass surgery. Keloids are raised, fibrous, and ridged scars that become visible after the healing process following surgery. Excess amounts of the protein known as collagen in the skin result in the formation of keloids.
Keloid formation following cardiac bypass surgery can cause a significant amount of discomfort and pain. Thankfully, there are effective options for treating and removing keloids to help address these issues. At The Keloid Plastic Surgery Center, we offer a variety of non-surgical and surgical options for the treatment of post-heart-surgery keloids. Dr. Roberto Mendez and Dr. Gabriel Salloum are board-certified plastic surgeons who specialize in the treatment of keloids. They can provide you with the care you need.
Superficial Radiation Therapy (S.R.T.)
Superficial Radiation Therapy after surgical removal is incredibly effective at curing up to 90% of keloid scars. Unlike full-fledged radiation therapy, superficial therapy involves penetration that doesn’t go beyond 5 mm below the skin’s surface. This therapy requires patients to undergo multiple 30-60 second treatments over a 3-day period after surgical removal.
Removal with Surgery
Patients can opt for keloid removal through surgical excision only as well. The keloid will be carefully cut from the area using a sharp instrument. One of the issues with surgical removal alone is that there is a high rate of recurrence following surgery. Additional treatment such as radiation therapy is recommended to significantly reduce the chance of recurrence.
Combined Surgical/Radiation Therapy Treatment
One of the most effective ways of minimizing keloid scars is to combine surgical excision with superficial radiation therapy. This treatment involves performing the surgical excision first, followed by the application of radiation therapy. Apart from ensuring that the existing keloid scarring decreases drastically, this combined treatment also prevents keloids from happening again in up to 90% of the patients.
Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy involves subjecting keloids to extreme cold. Also known as cryo-surgery, this keloid treatment method has become incredibly popular because of its affordability, safety, and effectiveness. It’s also easy to perform, which makes it a win-win treatment for both the physician and the patient. It is usually used for smaller lesions, and requires multiple treatments,
Intralesional Steroids
Intralesional steroid injections involve injecting keloid patients with corticosteroids to minimize keloid scars. Commonly used corticosteroids for this treatment include betamethasone acetate and triamcinolone. Physicians use intradermal injections for this treatment so that no dents are caused. Typically, patients need to take an additional dose after a 4 – 8-week period for sustained results. It is usually not effective for the larger keloids.
Compression Therapy
Compression therapy is yet another treatment method that can be effective in minimizing keloid scars. It involves the application of controlled pressure to the targeted area. As a result, lesions and scars gradually heal. Compression therapy can be of various types, such as compression bandaging, compression hosiery, and anti-embolism stockings.
Creams
Using certain creams can minimize keloid scarring as well. Two of the most commonly-used creams for treating keloids are Imiquimod and Tretinoin. Imiquimod is often recommended to patients who have undergone surgical excision or radiation therapy as it prevents keloids from coming back. On the other hand, Tretinoin speeds up the natural cell turnover of the skin and is effective in reducing the visibility and size of keloids.
Silicone Gel Pads
Silicone gel pads are commercially available and are recommended for patients who want to minimize keloid scarring without having to undergo surgery. These gel pads can drastically decrease the size of keloids and also have properties that prevent keloids from resurfacing. They are usually not as effective in the larger keloids.
Schedule a Consultation
Contact The Keloid Plastic Surgery Center today to schedule a consultation for your post-heart-surgery keloid treatment. Dr. Mendez and Dr. Salloum have been treating keloids for over 20 years and have the knowledge and experience needed to provide you with outstanding care and results.
