It’s unfortunate to heal from a wound or surgical incision only to be left with a scar that compromises your appearance. That’s the reality of keloid scarring, and if you’ve experienced a keloid, you know it all too well. Fortunately, there are ways to flatten keloids and minimize their cosmetic effect so you can move forward with confidence.
In this blog post, we’ll explain why keloids happen, how we can treat them, and what you can expect in terms of costs.
What Is a Keloid?
A keloid is a raised, discoloured, and enlarged scar that forms after an injury to the skin, such as a cut, incision, or piercing. It happens when genetic signals trigger the scar tissue to form in this manner, though it’s not fully understood why.
Keloids are most common on the earlobes, back, shoulders, and midline of the chest, and some ethnic groups with deeper skin are more prone to develop them.
How Do You Get Rid of a Keloid?
At The Centre for Minor Surgery, we treat keloids by surgically removing them and following up with cortisone (steroid) injections directly into the scar to further shrink and flatten the area.
Can You Treat a Keloid at Home?
Many at-home treatments and remedies claim they can treat keloids. However, none of these have been proven effective. Surgical removal and injections are by far the most effective treatments available today, and these methods should not be attempted at home.
Will Keloids Come Back After You Remove Them?
Unfortunately, once the scar tissue in an area has been genetically programmed to heal in a certain way, there is currently no way to prevent it from happening again. It’s entirely possible a surgery to remove a keloid scar will result in another keloid scar. That’s why we follow up with cortisone to manage recurrence as much as possible. However, there is a strong chance your keloid will eventually return.
How Much Does Keloid Removal Cost?
At our Toronto practice, the cost of Keloid removal starts at $595. This may vary depending on the size of the scar and the complexity of the removal. We’ll provide a detailed estimate as part of the consultation process so there are no surprises.
Does OHIP Cover Keloid Removal?
Generally, keloid scar removal and other scar revisions are considered unessential as they are done for cosmetic purposes and don’t affect your overall health. For this reason, they usually do not qualify for OHIP coverage. Only the Ministry of Health can make this determination, and we cannot influence whether your procedure is covered.
If you would like to learn more about your keloid scar treatment options, please request a consultation online or give us a call at (416) 663-9649. We look forward to helping you complete your healing journey with confidence.
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