A keloid is a scar that does not stop growing and ends up being much larger than the original suture or injury. This is often associated with so-called hypertrophic Scars which are slightly thicker than desired, but not oversized. Until now, there has been no satisfactory treatment option for true keloids. At last, X-ray irradiation now represents a safe alternative that has recently led to excellent results. This is shown both in the literature and in the cases we have treated.
X-ray therapy, which was forgotten in dermatology for many years, is experiencing a renaissance thanks to new modern equipment. Our practice in Kilchberg has such a modern device. We primarily use it to treat inoperable skin tumors, but radiotherapy also works excellently for Keloid treatment.
Keloids are scars that for unknown reasons grow cancerous and become larger than the original suture, these characteristics distinguish them from the so-called hypertrophic scars. They can also develop without prior injury or surgery, sometimes months or years after an event. For unknown reasons, colored and Asian skin is particularly often affected. Fortunately, they occur much less frequently than hypertrophic scars, but are, of course, a heavy burden for those affected.
Keloids are not only ugly to look at, they often itch, are hard and inelastic, and lead to restricted movement if they are near a joint. The spontaneous impulse of some surgeons to simply surgically remove the disturbing appearance is followed with 100%iger certainty by a new, even larger and thicker keloid.
Radiotherapy with modern equipment finally offers a way out of this impasse: if a series of X-ray irradiations is started immediately after excision of the keloid, renewed proliferation of the scar tissue is prevented, a "normal" scar is formed, which is much less conspicuous and, above all, no longer causes any discomfort. The irradiations last only a few minutes, are not painful and not dangerous. The area to be treated is covered with lead plates. Several sessions are required, and the insurance company covers all the costs.
There are now also very good treatment options for "only" hypertrophic scars. Here we rarely offer the "tried and tested" cortisone or icing. The fractionated CO2 laserbut also Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) from your own blood, radiofrequency and combination procedures, for example with Microneedling.
Let us advise you!