If I have surgery to revise these scars do you know what the likelyhood of keloids returning? Is there a 50%, 75%? If revision is necessary, can anything be done to prevent, or lessen the chance of keloids reappearing? These keloids are quite large, so I think I may need surgery.
Hi,
Keloids are an aggressive wound healing process of the body. It is not normal and is known to follow the Koebner phenomenon, according to which lesions like this tend to occur more at sites of repair. Hence and area which has faced some trauma actually is a possible site for keloids.
It is usually possible for a dermatologist to differentiate a keloid and an hypertrophic scar which heals much more easily.
Therapy includes steroid injection, some dressings and creams and cryotherapy. Surgery may also be an option in some cases.
Since they occur at sites of trauma and any treatment may cause some trauma, there is a theoritical chance of getting a keloid at a treatment site.
Hope this helped. Let us know if you have any other queries.
Best regards