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- What causes keloid scars?
- What types of keloid scars can be treated with radiation?
- What is radiation therapy for the keloid scar procedure?
- Side effects of radiation therapy for keloid scars
- Radiation therapy for keloid scars at MedPark Hospital
Radiation therapy for keloid scars
Radiation therapy for keloid scars is a non-invasive medical treatment modality for keloid scars, a thick, raised scar extending beyond the original wound edges, using low-dose radiation therapy targeted at the hypertrophic scar tissue to stop the growth, reduce the size of keloid scars, and prevent keloids from recurring. Doctors use radiation therapy for keloid scars after surgery to produce the best possible results, targeting only the outermost skin layer, specifically the keloid scars, without affecting the surrounding healthy tissue or the deeper skin layers. Radiation therapy for keloid scars is a highly effective treatment method for treating keloid scars or hypertrophic scars using low-dose radiation therapy with few side effects and has very high success rates.
Why radiation therapy for keloid scars?
Typically, keloid or hypertrophic scars can be treatable with steroid injections, laser treatment, or surgery to reduce scar size, soften scar tissue, and fade scar color. However, in those with large keloid scars or hypertrophic scars that significantly extend widely from the base to the sides or keloid scars located in difficult-to-treat areas, steroid injections may not be efficacious, laser treatment may need repeating several times, and keloid surgery may increase the risk of keloid recurrence, resulting in an unsightly and asymmetrical postoperative wound.
Radiation therapy for keloid scars after surgery almost always produces satisfactory results. When combining the appropriate radiation dose with a precise radiation technique, the possibility of recurrence is virtually eliminated. The procedure requires only 3 radiation sessions, poses no risk of infection from the surgical incision, reduces the size of the keloid scars, and prevents keloid recurrence effectively.
What causes keloid scars?
Keloid scars are due to collagen overproduction during the wound healing process. This causes tissue to overgrow larger than the original wound in various skin sites, such as the earlobe, shoulder, or chest. Keloids result from an exuberant wound-healing process of surgical wounds, cesarean sections, ear piercings, abrasions, acne scars, or scald burns. Keloid scars are not harmful to health, but they can be annoying and cause a lack of confidence in revealing skin with keloid scars.
What types of keloid scars can be treated with radiation?
Keloid scars that can be treated with radiation therapy after surgery are as follows:
All types of postoperative keloid scars
- Cesarean section (C-section)
- Keloid scars from surgery
- Keloid scars after ear piercing
- Keloid scars from injections
- Keloid scars with a high possibility of recurrence
- Keloid scars that are wider than the original wound base
- Hypertrophic scars
- Contracture scars
What is radiation therapy for the keloid scar procedure?
The doctor will assess keloid scars, hypertrophic scars, or other types of scars by inquiring about the cause of the scar and thoroughly examining the scar, checking the location, asking about symptoms, identifying the type of scar, and planning the treatment, including considering other co-treatment options in order to achieve the best possible treatment outcomes, using the following procedure:
Preoperative radiation therapy for keloid scars
- The doctor and radiologist will plan the treatment, taking keloid scar images to determine the location, size, and extent of the keloid scars that require surgical removal before radiation therapy and calculating the radiation dose, intensity, and duration of the treatment.
- The doctor will schedule the date and time of keloid surgery, followed by radiation therapy on the same day. The radiation will be scheduled once a day for 3 consecutive days.
During radiation therapy for keloid scars
- After the surgeon performs keloid surgery, the patient will be transferred to radiation therapy for keloid scars within 24 hours of surgery or as soon as possible before the keloid scars develop.
- The doctor and radiologic technologist position the patient on the bed and start the radiation therapy for keloid scars using electron beam radiation directly into the keloid scars, specifically only on the superficial or outermost skin layer without penetrating to the deeper skin layers, as well as not affecting the surrounding tissues and not causing any pain.
- Typically, radiation therapy for keloid scars takes only 1 minute. After completing the first radiation therapy session, the doctor will schedule an appointment for repeat radiation therapy the next day.
Selfcare after radiation therapy for the keloid scars
- Do not get the wound wet, do not apply bandages, and stay away from dusty areas.
- Avoid activities that induce sweating, such as exercise or strenuous exertion.
- Temporarily discontinue regular skin care regimens, except for the doctor-prescribed topical medications.
- Wear comfortable clothing that does not irritate the wound, and avoid tight or rough fabrics to reduce friction against the wound.
- Normal routines and daily activities, as well as normal living with nearby people, can be resumed as usual.
Side effects of radiation therapy for keloid scars
Common side effects of radiation therapy for keloid scars include red or pink skin over the scars, dry, flaky skin, itchy wounds, or minor wound pain. However, these symptoms will gradually improve. Long-term side effects of radiation therapy include skin color darkening or lightening, and the skin may be sensitive to sunlight. Doctors recommend applying sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to the treated skin every day to protect the skin from UVA/UVB rays.
Benefits of radiation therapy for keloid scars
Radiation therapy for keloid scars is a treatment for keloid scars that uses low-dose radiation on the superficial or outermost skin layer without penetrating the deeper skin layer. It is a safe treatment procedure that takes a short time, does not require hospitalization or anesthesia, is painless, has few side effects, and is the best possible treatment to help prevent keloid scar recurrences.
Success rates of radiation therapy for keloid scars
According to a survey, those who treated their keloid scars with radiation therapy after surgery had a 67-98% success rate. Radiation therapy following keloid surgery helps shrink keloid scars, stop growth, and effectively prevent recurrence.
Radiation therapy for keloid scars at MedPark Hospital
Light of Day Radiation Oncology Center, MedPark Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand, led by a team of radiologists with long-term experience in providing treatments in collaboration with seasoned radiographers and caring nurses who are ready to treat all types of keloids, hypertrophic scars, and all types of surgical wounds, both common and complex, with standard treatments and modern options, using state-of-the-art Linear Accelerator (LINAC), providing adjustable electron radiation beam intensity that precisely conforms to the location, size, and shape of the keloid scars, aiding treatment accuracy, precision, and efficacy, while providing consistent post-treatment follow-up care, ensuring reduced complications, prevent recurrence, and rejuvenate smooth and fine skin as best as possible.
