Heart surgery is one of the most common procedures in the US today, with over half a million surgeries performed yearly. Unfortunately, keloids or hypertrophic scars 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.

Why

Why Do Cardiac Surgery Keloids Form?

Keloids are a type of scar that results from an abnormal wound-healing response to skin trauma or injury and excessive collagen production. They are fairly common, affecting about 10% of the population. Anything from a minor cut or scrape to an open heart surgery wound can lead to the development of a keloid. Moreover, keloid scars can happen anywhere in the body, but those who are prone to keloids usually get them on the chest region, earlobes (especially after they have been pierced), neck, and shoulders.

Patients who have undergone heart surgery are at risk of keloid development due to the trauma inflicted on their skin.
Postoperative chest wall keloids are a common side effect of open heart surgeries

Post-heart surgery keloid scars can grow far beyond the initial surgical wound. Some of them are itchy, but they are rarely painful. In appearance, keloids can look thick and raised lumpy, flesh-colored, red, purple, and bright pink, or with darker pigmentation. And while surgical scars are not generally harmful to your physical health, they can cause quite a bit of emotional distress and may negatively affect your self-image and self-esteem.

Everyone can develop keloids, but some populations carry a high risk of the appearance of scars than others:

  • Patients under 30 years of age
  • People of Black African, South Asian, or Caribbean descent
  • Patients undergoing surgery for heart diseases or have skin injuries
  • People with a personal or family history of keloids

Types Scars

Types Of Open Heart Surgery Scars

Heart surgery can leave prominent scars that can cause significant emotional distress – especially if said scar later develops into a keloid. Any of the following heart surgery scars can turn into a keloid in at-risk individuals.

Median Sternotomy Scar 

Can measure anywhere between 8 to 11 inches and runs from the top to the bottom of the sternum.

Pacemaker Scar

About 2 inches long, just below the collarbone.

Posterolateral Thoracotomy Scar

Right below the tip of the shoulder blade, measuring about 6 inches.

Anterolateral Thoracotomy Scar

About 6 inches long, runs from below the shoulder blade toward the front or side of the chest

Axillary Scar

Right below the underarm can measure up to 3 inches

Contact

Schedule a Consultation

If you are wondering how to remove a keloid, call 1 (833) 453-5643 or contact us at The Keloid Plastic Surgery Center today to schedule a consultation for your post-heart-surgery keloid treatment in our medical facility. Plastic Surgeons Dr. Mendez and Dr. Salloum combined have been treating keloids for over 40 years and have the knowledge and experience needed to provide you with outstanding care and results.

Hypertrophic scar treatment options include non-surgical treatments such as steroid injections and cryotherapy, along with surgical treatments like excision
Postsurgery scars can be unsightly, but with proper treatment, they can be managed

Best Treatment

Best Treatment For Post-Heart Surgery Keloids and Scars

Keloid formation following cardiac bypass surgery can cause a significant amount of discomfort and pain. Thankfully, there are effective methods for keloid treatment and removal. At The Keloid Plastic Surgery Center, we offer various non-surgical and surgical options for open heart surgery scars care. Dr. Roberto Mendez and Dr. Gabriel Salloum are board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeons who specialize in the treatment of scar tissue.

keloid Treatments

Combine Treatments to Remove Heart Surgery Keloids

Keloid formation following cardiac bypass surgery can cause a significant amount of discomfort and pain. Thankfully, there are effective methods for keloid treatment and removal. At The Keloid Plastic Surgery Center, we offer various non-surgical and surgical options for open heart surgery scars care. Dr. Roberto Mendez and Dr. Gabriel Salloum are board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeons who specialize in the treatment of scar tissue.

FAQs

FAQs About Keloid Cardiac Surgery Treatment

Why Choose Plastic Surgeon Dr. Mendez?

Why Choose Plastic Surgeon Dr. Salloum?

Last modified by Dr. Gabriel Salloum