The cause of the keloid still appears again even though it has been operated on

Do you have keloids? In some people, these scars can make them feel inferior and lack self-confidence, especially if they are found on areas of the body that are easily visible, such as the back of the hand. One way to get rid of it is by means of plastic surgery. However, some say that if the keloid is operated on, it will actually grow again, even bigger. Is this true? Did surgery actually cause keloids to grow again?

What causes keloids?

Keloids are scar tissue that grow raised like flesh, and are darker in color than the surrounding healthy skin. Usually, scars heal and close on their own. However, in some cases, the scar tissue may get bigger. Keloids are not harmful.

Not everyone will have keloids. Some people are more at risk of developing keloids because they have genetic inherited "talent" and excess collagen (a special protein). In these people, collagen can continue to be produced even after the wound has closed. As a result, new skin tissue grows on top of the scar which looks protruding like growing flesh.

There are several other risk factors that can also cause keloids, namely your race and age. Asian people who are under 30 years of age are more prone to developing keloids.

Is it true that the operation causes keloid to grow again?

Actually, there is no treatment that is most effective and can cure keloids completely. Some treatments like surgery of course have side effects. Surgery can indeed reduce keloids and minimize these scars.

But unfortunately, there is a chance that the scar will grow back and stand out. In some cases, recurrent keloids have even grown to a larger size. The chance for keloids to grow again is about 45-100 percent, depending on the individual conditions.

Therefore, usually the doctor will provide several series of treatments when the operation is carried out, in order to minimize the possibility of the keloid coming back. Medications given such as steroid injections and corticosteroid injections during surgery, or radiation therapy after surgery. That way, the chances of the keloid growing again are small, which is around 8-50 percent.

The development of keloids cannot be prevented because most of the cases are genetic. However, you can avoid various triggering factors, such as not getting tattoos and piercings, and keeping your skin from getting injured.