How To Avoid Keloids Post Surgery

Keloids are scars that often form following any type of skin invasion such as an injection, piercing, acne, wound and even surgery. The scar is a large and raised and found at the incision point. A person is typically predisposed to developing keloids. The scars are itchy and darker in color than the skin and are formed when the body produces excess collagen in an attempt to heal itself. Keloids continue to swell and grow for sometime after their first appearance.

Breast bones, earlobes and shoulders are the most common location for keloids, however, they can appear just about anywhere on the body. There is a higher incidence and hereditary factor in African Americans, Hispanics and others of dark skin who are more prone to developing these scars. Doctors who perform tummy tucks on those prone to keloid scars attempt to minimize incisions by using lasers as well as other methods to smooth out the rising scar tissue.

Younger people who are between ten and thirty years old are more prone to develop these scars. Both men and women are afflicted equally. There are ways to reduce or to hide them, but sometime treatment can make them grow. Those opting to surgically removed them often end up with more scarring because the body then makes more scar tissue at the incision point.

Steroids are successful for treating these scars and can also ease the itching, burning and swelling that often occurs. Compression garments can help flatten them somewhat and reduce swelling. For more severe cases, surgeons use skin grafts. This can be a risky procedure and the body still may simply produce more scar tissue. That is the big problem with all keloids, they tend to grow back, larger and darker.

Surgery is a serious decision that must be discussed at length with your doctor. If a tummy tuck is your desired choice for the removal of fat inthe abdomen, you might discuss the option of laser liposuction which uses a much smaller incision point. But for excessive skin, a tuck may be necessary and you might request one where the incision is lower and hidden below underwear or a bathing suit. If you are prone to keloids, let your doctor know and you can work something out. When it comes to deciding between fat or keloids, weigh your options and decide which you would rather live with. And always choose safety and your health first.