Laser Treatment & Keloids
Advancements in laser technology have resulted in effective solutions for a wide variety of skin conditions including scarring. A keloid is a severe case of scarring in which the skin exhibits discoloration and dramatic textural irregularity. Fortunately, keloids can be corrected with non-surgical cosmetic laser treatment.
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Keloids Identification
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Scarring occurs when wound-healing is disrupted by either too much or too little collagen, the skin's essential fibrous protein. Keloid scars are made of an overabundance of collagen. Keloids spread beyond the initial wound area and expand over time. Keloids are thick, raised, firm scars that are a deep reddish-purple. This type of scarring may occur in any individual, but is more common in darker skinned people, according to the Consumer Guide to Plastic Surgery. Health-Cares.net reports that there is a 15 times higher incidence of keloid scarring in blacks than in Caucasians.
Functions of Laser Treatment
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Cosmetic laser treatment aims to deliver skin that is more smooth and even in tone and texture. To correct the keloid, the lasers function to first destroy the excess skin cells that cause the thick, raised patch of the scar. Laser treatment must also stimulate the growth of new, healthy cells to replace the old ones, which will slough off during or after treatment. The new cells will be of normal skin pigmentation, which will correct skin discoloration and even out the skin tone.
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Pulsed Dye Laser Treatment
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Pulsed Dye Laser (PDL) treatment is a type of laser treatment commonly used to treat keloids. High-intensity, energy-filled laser beams target the blood vessels of the irregular skin and instantly destroy these cells as the laser energy transforms into heat. PDL treatment uses adjustable wavelengths and pulses, as well as precision, to ensure that the healthier surrounding skin cells remain unaffected. The abnormal cells of the keloid scar slough off, and new cell turn-over and collagen production (stimulated by the PDL beams) begins to work from the inside out to deliver a smooth, even-toned skin surface.
Considerations
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While PDL treatment is common for keloids, it can cause hypopigmentation (patches of light or white skin) on dark-skinned patients. According to the Consumer Guide to Plastic Surgery, blacks weren't considered ideal candidates for keloid scar removal until recent advances in laser technology minimized unwanted hypopigmentation side effects. Fractionated infrared lasers and radiofrequency devices are other types of laser technology used to treat keloids in black patients.
Recovery
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In most cases, patients can resume normal daily activities directly after treatment, although the appearance of the treated area may be red and swollen. Antibiotic ointments and scar-fading creams are applied following laser therapy. Depending on the severity of the initial scar condition, the doctor also may prescribe an oral antibiotic to prevent infection. Although pain and discomfort is usually mild, it ultimately depends on the size of the treated area and type of laser used for treatment.
The skin's regeneration process typically begins four days after treatment, according to the Consumer Guide to Plastic Surgery. The rapidity of healing and attainment of desired visible effects depends on the original skin condition and type of treatment. The doctor will check the skin's progress six to eight weeks following treatment.
Risks
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Hypopigmentation and hyperpigmentation (dark spots on the skin) are risks associated with laser treatment for scars. Both effects can worsen with sun exposure. Allergic reactions or infections are also possible side effects of laser treatment, but can be prevented and treated with antibiotic creams and oral medication.
Cost
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A number of factors influence the wide range of costs for laser scar removal. Skin condition, geographic region, type of laser treatment, surgeon skill and reputation, physician fees and facility fees are a few of the cost variables. The Consumer Guide to Plastic Surgery says that it is not possible to estimate cost before consulting with a surgeon. Cosmetic procedures are not usually covered by insurance, but many plastic surgery facilities offer financing options.
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