Keloids

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Plastic surgeons often deal with scars. Some say they are obsessed with scarring. The technique, the way the skin or tissue is held, the way the needle enters the skin - all can make an impact on the healing process. Despite a surgeon's best maneuvers, some patients present to our Chicago clinic due to excess scarring, or keloid.

Everyone heals differently; we also know that different parts of the body (even on the same person) heal differently.

Keloids are made of firm scar tissue that overgrows its boundaries. These "scar growths" are common on the ear, earlobe, chest and back. There are many theories as to why these form, but most likely there is a combination of both "nature" and "nurture" at play.

Sometimes keloid scars can run in families. Sometimes patients report having excess pain or infection at the site of their ear piercing for weeks or months.  The exact cause of these annoying and often stubborn scars is yet to be discovered.

Treatment for keloid scar can take on many different forms.  From steroid injections to silicone therapy to surgical excision and radiation: each modality is meant to target the body's desire to form this extra scar.

Unfortunately, keloid scarring may return. Even if the surgeon is able to remove the scar in its entirety, the body can regrow them.

We hope to meet you to discuss your keloid journey and how we can help to alleviate your symptoms.