{"id":3473,"date":"2025-05-13T23:40:20","date_gmt":"2025-05-13T21:40:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/garcialegaz.com\/?p=3473"},"modified":"2025-05-13T23:40:36","modified_gmt":"2025-05-13T21:40:36","slug":"cicatriz-queloide-realmente-se-puede-eliminar","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/garcialegaz.com\/en\/blog\/cicatriz-queloide-realmente-se-puede-eliminar\/","title":{"rendered":"Keloid scar: can it really be removed?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Scars are not always a simple reminder of past wounds; some become a real <strong>medical challenge<\/strong> and a great therapeutic challenge. This is the case of hypertrophic and keloid scars, a <strong>abnormal scar tissue response<\/strong> that after a skin injury grows uncontrollably, significantly affecting your appearance.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Although there are various treatments, is it really possible to eliminate them completely?&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>From the <a href=\"https:\/\/garcialegaz.com\/en\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Garc\u00eda-Legaz Dermatological Institute<\/a>, we want to talk to you about the <strong>real possibility<\/strong> to improve a keloid scar, as well as explain to you <strong>what is<\/strong>, what are your <strong>characteristics<\/strong> and <strong>factors<\/strong> cause it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"rtoc-mokuji-wrapper\" class=\"rtoc-mokuji-content frame4 preset1 animation-none rtoc_open default\" data-id=\"3473\" data-theme=\"Hello Elementor Child\">\n\t\t\t<div id=\"rtoc-mokuji-title\" class=\"rtoc_btn_none rtoc_left\">\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<span>TABLE OF CONTENTS<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div><ol class=\"rtoc-mokuji decimal_ol level-1\"><li class=\"rtoc-item\"><a href=\"#rtoc-1\">What is a keloid scar?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"rtoc-item\"><a href=\"#rtoc-2\">Causes and risk factors<\/a><ul class=\"rtoc-mokuji mokuji_ul level-2\"><li class=\"rtoc-item\"><a href=\"#rtoc-3\">Genetic predisposition<\/a><\/li><li class=\"rtoc-item\"><a href=\"#rtoc-4\">Age<\/a><\/li><li class=\"rtoc-item\"><a href=\"#rtoc-5\">Skin type<\/a><\/li><li class=\"rtoc-item\"><a href=\"#rtoc-6\">Location of the lesion<\/a><\/li><li class=\"rtoc-item\"><a href=\"#rtoc-7\">Type of injury<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class=\"rtoc-item\"><a href=\"#rtoc-8\">Keloid Scar Removal: Is It Possible?<\/a><ul class=\"rtoc-mokuji mokuji_ul level-2\"><li class=\"rtoc-item\"><a href=\"#rtoc-9\">When should a hypertrophic keloid scar be treated?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"rtoc-item\"><a href=\"#rtoc-10\">Possible treatments<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class=\"rtoc-item\"><a href=\"#rtoc-11\">Keloid prevention<\/a><\/li><li class=\"rtoc-item\"><a href=\"#rtoc-12\">Literature<\/a><\/li><\/ol><\/div><h2 id=\"rtoc-1\"  class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is a keloid scar?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In normal healing, the <strong>fibroblasts<\/strong> (the cells responsible for collagen production) are activated to repair the wound, and then deactivated once the scar has closed the injury.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, in the case of the <strong>keloid scars<\/strong>, this <strong>answer<\/strong> is <strong>excessive<\/strong>, causing a <strong>overproduction of collagen<\/strong> which continues to accumulate even after the wound has healed. This results in a scar that is not only more prominent, but also <strong>grows beyond the limits of the original wound<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A keloid scar can appear anywhere on the body after a skin injury and is <strong>characterizes<\/strong> by:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><em>Elevation<\/em>: surface <strong>bulging<\/strong> which can be very prominent on the surrounding skin, its contour is usually <strong>irregular<\/strong> and does not always follow the line of the original scar.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><em>Texture<\/em>: its consistency can be <strong>firm or rubbery<\/strong>, usually thicker than normal skin. It has a surface <strong>smooth, shiny and hairless<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><em>Discomfort<\/em>: can cause <strong>itch<\/strong>, <strong>tightness<\/strong> or even a feeling of <strong>pain<\/strong>, especially if they are subject to friction or pressure.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><em>Coloration<\/em>: can vary from a <strong>deep red<\/strong> until <strong>brown or purple<\/strong>Over time and after sun exposure, they may darken further.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"rtoc-2\"  class=\"wp-block-heading\">Causes and risk factors<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Although the exact causes of this abnormal response are not fully understood, keloid formation may be influenced by <strong>multiple factors<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Know your <strong>causes and risk factors<\/strong> It is essential for the management and prevention of keloids, especially in people at higher risk. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"rtoc-3\"  class=\"wp-block-heading\">Genetic predisposition<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>People with <strong>family history<\/strong> of keloids are at greater risk of developing these scars. In addition, certain populations, such as those of African descent <strong>African, Asian and Latin<\/strong> present a greater <strong>predisposition<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>The <strong>inheritance<\/strong> It is one of the most influential factors in the development of keloids.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"rtoc-4\"  class=\"wp-block-heading\">Age<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Keloids are more common in <strong>young people<\/strong>, especially in those under 30 years of age.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This could be due to the <strong>increased cellular activity<\/strong> characteristic of this stage of life, when the skin produces more collagen, which could explain its higher incidence in this age group.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"rtoc-5\"  class=\"wp-block-heading\">Skin type<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>People with <strong>darker skin<\/strong> are at higher risk of developing keloids.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is partly because skin cells (<strong>melanocytes<\/strong>) in these people are <strong>more active<\/strong>, which can influence the formation of this type of scars.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"rtoc-6\"  class=\"wp-block-heading\">Location of the lesion<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Certain <strong>areas<\/strong> of the body are more <strong>prone<\/strong> to develop keloids, such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Chest and cleavage<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Shoulders<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Upper back<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Central part of the abdomen<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cheeks<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ears<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>These areas may be <strong>more exposed to stress and movement<\/strong>, which can contribute to the formation of keloids.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"rtoc-7\"  class=\"wp-block-heading\">Type of injury<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The <strong>surgical incisions<\/strong> have the potential to develop keloids in predisposed individuals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, these particularly susceptible individuals can trigger the formation of keloids with <strong>minor injuries<\/strong> such as cuts, abrasions, punctures, burns, bites, and severe acne.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"rtoc-8\"  class=\"wp-block-heading\">Keloid Scar Removal: Is It Possible?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>They exist <strong>various treatments<\/strong> which can significantly reduce the size of the scar and improve its appearance, but the <strong>total and definitive elimination<\/strong> of a keloid is a <strong>challenge<\/strong> considerable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"rtoc-9\"  class=\"wp-block-heading\">When should a hypertrophic keloid scar be treated?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The sooner the better, the longer the scar is, the more difficult the treatment will be.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To improve keloid scars, we need several sessions spaced a few weeks apart, so the sooner the initial evaluation is performed, the more time we have.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"rtoc-10\"  class=\"wp-block-heading\">Possible treatments<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The treatment of keloid scars is challenging due to their <strong>strong tendency to reappear<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>The focus of treatments for keloid scars is usually on <strong>reduce its size<\/strong>, <strong>relieve symptoms<\/strong> and <strong>improve your appearance<\/strong>, often combining several methods to achieve the best results.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>Depending on the <strong>magnitude and age<\/strong> For keloid treatment, dermatologists often employ some of the following options:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><em>Corticosteroid injections and <\/em><em>antiproliferatives<\/em><em>:<\/em> <strong>reduce<\/strong> <strong>the<\/strong> <strong>inflammation<\/strong> and the size of the keloid, softening the scar, but not ensuring its complete removal.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><em>Topical treatments:<\/em> Creams with corticosteroids, retinoic acid, or other ingredients help reduce the risk of <strong>inflammation<\/strong>, <strong>soften<\/strong> <strong>scar tissue and modify growth<\/strong> of the keloid.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><em>Laser treatment:<\/em> vascular laser in the inflammatory phase, non-ablative fractional laser (<a href=\"https:\/\/garcialegaz.com\/en\/tratamientos\/nordlys\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">FRAX 1550 by Nordlys<\/a>), ablative fractional laser (CO2 laser) in stable phase and other combinations of lasers can precisely treat scar tissue without damaging the surrounding skin, improving the <strong>texture and color<\/strong> and assisting in complete scar removal. Laser-assisted drug delivery can also be performed. <em>(<\/em><strong><em>LADD<\/em><\/strong><em>: Laser Assisted Drug Delivery)<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><em>Surgical removal:<\/em> <strong>removes the tissue<\/strong> scarring, but with very high <strong>risk<\/strong> of recurrence, which is why it is usually avoided and reserved for very specific areas and always combined with other treatments.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"rtoc-11\"  class=\"wp-block-heading\">Keloid prevention<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The <strong>prevention<\/strong> of this type of scars is essential, especially for those with a family history or who have developed keloids previously.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Avoid unnecessary injuries:<\/strong> Minimize procedures that damage your skin, such as tattoos or cosmetic surgeries.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Early wound treatment:<\/strong> Keep wounds clean and use silicone dressings or gels to reduce the risk of abnormal scarring.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Pressure on the scar:<\/strong> Apply pressure with bandages or compression devices to prevent their formation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Sun protection:<\/strong> Protect your skin on recent scars to prevent darkening and reduce the risk of irritation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>In conclusion, although completely removing a keloid scar can be <strong>complicated<\/strong>, there are effective treatments. Our <a href=\"https:\/\/garcialegaz.com\/en\/tratamientos\/dermatologia-clinica\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">specialists in clinical dermatology<\/a> are committed to offering you <strong>customized and efficient solutions<\/strong>, with the help of the latest technology, regardless of the severity of your case, to combat these unsightly scars and improve their appearance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"rtoc-12\"  class=\"wp-block-heading\">Literature<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Cintr\u00f4n-Mach\u00f3n, G., &amp; Poveda-Xatruch, J. (2008). Keloid scarring.\u00a0<em>Costa Rican Medical Certificate<\/em>,\u00a0<em>50<\/em>(2), 87-93. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scielo.sa.cr\/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&amp;pid=S0001-60022008000200004\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">https:\/\/www.scielo.sa.cr<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Salem, C., Vidal, A., Mariangel, P., &amp; Concha, M. (2002). Hypertrophic scars and keloids.\u00a0<em>Surgery notebooks<\/em>,\u00a0<em>16<\/em>(1), 77-86. <a href=\"http:\/\/revistas.uach.cl\/index.php\/cuadcir\/article\/view\/2204\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">http:\/\/revistas.uach.cl<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Andrades, P., Ben\u00edtez, S., &amp; Prado, A. (2006). Recommendations for the management of hypertrophic and keloid scars.\u00a0<em>Chilean Journal of Surgery<\/em>,\u00a0<em>58<\/em>(2), 78-88. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scielo.cl\/scielo.php?pid=S0718-40262006000200003&amp;script=sci_arttext%2520\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">https:\/\/www.scielo.cl<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Las cicatrices no siempre son un simple recordatorio de heridas pasadas; algunas se convierten en un verdadero desaf\u00edo m\u00e9dico y un gran reto terap\u00e9utico. Este es el caso de las cicatrices hipertr\u00f3ficas y queloides, una respuesta anormal del tejido cicatricial que tras una lesi\u00f3n en la piel crece de manera descontrolada, afectando significativamente a tu [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":1949,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[60],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3473","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-general-en"],"lang":"en","translations":{"en":3473,"es":1948},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/garcialegaz.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3473","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/garcialegaz.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/garcialegaz.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/garcialegaz.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/garcialegaz.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3473"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/garcialegaz.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3473\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3474,"href":"https:\/\/garcialegaz.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3473\/revisions\/3474"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/garcialegaz.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1949"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/garcialegaz.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3473"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/garcialegaz.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3473"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/garcialegaz.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3473"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}