| Keloids
are uncontrolled growth of scar tissue. They tend to
occur in predisposed individuals and in sites such as
front of the chest and surgical scars. They are common
in young people who have pierced their ears or nose.
Even though they are benign, bulky and itchy keloids
cause social embarrassment and physical discomfort.
Periodically they may also get infected. Under local
anesthesia the 4mm Erbium laser is used to create a
crater in the surface of the keloid. Following this
liquid nitrogen is sprayed to freeze the keloid. Three
such freeze-thaw cycles will be required. After a period
of two weeks corticosteroids are injected into the base
of the treated site to prevent reoccurrence. While a
cure is not possible, a debulked quiet keloid is a great
relief to patients. |
