How to Prevent Keloid and Hypertrophic Scars
Identify the risk factors for keloid scar formation., Know who is at risk for hypertrophic scar formation., Talk to your doctor., Avoid non-essential cosmetic surgeries.
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Identify the risk factors for keloid scar formation.
Keloid scars are more commonly found on the arms, upper chest, and upper back.
They grow beyond the borders of the original abrasion and appear as red, raised nodules.
Keloids are the result of an overgrowth of dense fibrous tissue that usually develops after healing of a skin injury.
You can also develop a keloid scar from a cut, a piercing, or acne.
Keloid scars are more difficult to prevent and treat, but early recognition can lead to either prevention or at least reduction.
People with darker complexions, pregnant women, teens, individuals under 30, and others with a history of keloid scarring may be more susceptible to keloid scar formation. -
Step 2: Know who is at risk for hypertrophic scar formation.
Hypertrophic scars are less visible and stay within the boundaries of the original damage.
They become flatter and paler over time.
While men and women are equally susceptible to hypertrophic scarring, there are specific groups that are more prone to it.
People at higher risk include those who: use surgical blades (because they are at a higher risk of cutting themselves) are overweighthave Native American or Alaskan Native heritage, Before deciding on what method to use, consult your physician.
Everyone's skin is different and every scar causing injury is different too.
Your doctor will be able to tell you whether simple silicone coverings will work or if more extreme measures are necessary to reduce the size of scars or to get rid of them all together., If you have a history of keloidal scarring, then you may want to avoid any non-essential surgeries to prevent scarring.
All surgical wounds should be closed with the least amount of tension around the incision.
Incisions should not cross joint spaces, which are prone to excessive stretching.
Mid-chest incisions should be avoided for the same reason.If you have to get surgery and a scar is unavoidable, there are laser techniques surgeons can use to reduce the appearance of scars. -
Step 3: Talk to your doctor.
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Step 4: Avoid non-essential cosmetic surgeries.
Detailed Guide
Keloid scars are more commonly found on the arms, upper chest, and upper back.
They grow beyond the borders of the original abrasion and appear as red, raised nodules.
Keloids are the result of an overgrowth of dense fibrous tissue that usually develops after healing of a skin injury.
You can also develop a keloid scar from a cut, a piercing, or acne.
Keloid scars are more difficult to prevent and treat, but early recognition can lead to either prevention or at least reduction.
People with darker complexions, pregnant women, teens, individuals under 30, and others with a history of keloid scarring may be more susceptible to keloid scar formation.
Hypertrophic scars are less visible and stay within the boundaries of the original damage.
They become flatter and paler over time.
While men and women are equally susceptible to hypertrophic scarring, there are specific groups that are more prone to it.
People at higher risk include those who: use surgical blades (because they are at a higher risk of cutting themselves) are overweighthave Native American or Alaskan Native heritage, Before deciding on what method to use, consult your physician.
Everyone's skin is different and every scar causing injury is different too.
Your doctor will be able to tell you whether simple silicone coverings will work or if more extreme measures are necessary to reduce the size of scars or to get rid of them all together., If you have a history of keloidal scarring, then you may want to avoid any non-essential surgeries to prevent scarring.
All surgical wounds should be closed with the least amount of tension around the incision.
Incisions should not cross joint spaces, which are prone to excessive stretching.
Mid-chest incisions should be avoided for the same reason.If you have to get surgery and a scar is unavoidable, there are laser techniques surgeons can use to reduce the appearance of scars.
About the Author
Brian Wright
Brian Wright specializes in education and learning and has been creating helpful content for over 5 years. Brian is committed to helping readers learn new skills and improve their lives.
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