San Francisco Keloid Correction Surgery
The last thing any plastic surgery patient wants is to have noticeable scars. Surgeons continue to improve techniques and incision placements to minimize visible scarring and the results are impressive and reassuring. However, for people prone to Keloid scarring, the threat of visible scarring goes much further. San Francisco Facial Plastic Surgeon Dr. Mabrie specializes in minimizing the risks of potential Keloid scarring as well as removing existing Keloid scars.
Keloid scars, a type of raised, enlarged scar often seen in African Americans, can be double or triple the size of the incision, causing a skin deformity that is hard to miss. African Americans are at special risk for developing Keloid scars, and that risk has been enough to deter some from seeking cosmetic improvements. New developments in surgical procedures and post-surgical techniques are helping to not only minimize the growth of Keloid scars, but also remove and improve any existing Keloid scarring.
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Before Keloid Removal |
After Keloid Removal |
About Keloid Scars
Keloid scars are smooth, shiny, dome-shaped scars that can grow larger than the incision itself. People of African American descent, who have a family history of Keloids, or who have had a Keloid scar in the past are at greater risk of developing this type of scar. Dr. Mabrie treats these scars when they appear on the head, face, and neck. Not only can they be unsightly, they can be uncomfortable. They often itch, burn, or feel tender to the touch. Surgery, severe acne, and body piercings are typical causes for Keloid scars, though they can develop spontaneously as well.
The good news is that new surgical techniques and post-surgical procedures have been developed to help minimize the chance of Keloid scars from developing. Scar revision surgery can be performed on existing Keloids, as well, which can be a huge relief to people who suffer from this condition.
Can Keloid Scars Form After Blepharoplasty or Rhinoplasty?
The most common places for Keloids to occur on the face are on the ears after piercing. It is extremely rare for Keloids to develop on the eyelids after blepharoplasty (eyelid lift), or on the nose after rhinoplasty (nasal surgery). Keloids may occur behind the ear after facelift surgery and for this reason, the history of the patient and patient's family is important in pre-operative screening.
The Surgeon For You
Dr. David Mabrie offers:
- Double board certification
- Excellent training & experience
- Specialization in the face and neck
Minimizing the Risk of Developing Keloids
As the number of African Americans interested in plastic surgery has risen, surgical techniques have been improved to reduce the risk of Keloid scarring. San Francisco Facial Plastic Surgeon Dr. Mabrie is committed to serving the black community in San Francisco, Oakland, and the East Bay, and specializes in techniques that minimize Keloids of the face, head, and neck. Special consideration goes into suturing incisions and post-surgical treatment of the sutures. Covering the healing wound with hypoallergenic paper tape or silicon-gel sheets can limit or stop Keloid growth and certain injectable medications have been very effective as well.
Revising Existing Keloid Scars
For people who have existing Keloid scars, there are many new treatments to consider, including steroid injections, cryotherapy, and liquid nitrogen injections. However, scar revision plastic surgery in San Francisco continues to have the best results, removing the Keloid and using improved suturing technique to minimize the possibility of a new Keloid developing. For severe Keloids, excisional surgery may be combined with radiation to prevent their return. While Keloids can form in many places, Dr. Mabrie treats this type of scar only when they appear on the face, head, and neck. Other surgeons in the Bay Area are available to treat Keloids on the chest, back, and extremities.
Will Surgery Make Keloids Worse?
After excision of Keloids, there is a risk of recurrence. It is important that both the excision and skin closure be performed as atraumatically as possible. After excision, the use of steroids and/or radiation therapy may help to prevent the return of the Keloid.
What Is the Next Step?
If you suffer from Keloid scars or are worried about the possibility of developing Keloid scars while undergoing facial cosmetic surgery in San Francisco, know that new techniques are available to help you look your best.
