Keloid scars often form following any type of injection, piercing, acne, wound and even surgery. This type of scar is a large raised scar found at the incision point. Usually the person is predisposed to developing keloids. These scars are usually itchy and darker in color than the skin. They are formed when the body produces excess collagen in an attempt to heal itself. The keloid tends to continue to swell and grow for sometime after its first appearance.
The breastbone, earlobes and shoulders are the most common spots for keloids to form, however, they can appear anywhere on the body. There is a genetic connection in developing these types of scars and African Americans, Hispanics and others of dark skin are more prone to developing these scars. Doctors performing tummy tucks on those prone to keloids usually try minimizing incisions and use lasers as well as other methods to smooth out the rising scar tissue.
Younger people between ten and thirty years old are more likely to develop these scars and they affect both men and women equally. There are many ways to reduce or to hide these scars, but sometime treating them can make them grow. Those who have them surgically removed often end up with more scarring because the body makes more scar tissue to combat the invasive activity.
Steroids have been successful in treating these scars and also ease the itching, burning and swelling that often occurs. Compression garments help to flatten them out somewhat and reduce the swelling. For more severe cases, some surgeons have used skin grafts. However it can be a risky procedure and once again, the body may simply produce more scar tissue. That is the underlying problem with all keloids as they tend to grow back, larger and darker.
With any surgery, it is a serious decision that must be discussed at length with your doctor. If a tummy tuck is your wish to remove fat from the abdomen, you might seriously consider laser liposuction which uses a much smaller incision point. But for excessive skin, where a tuck is necessary, you might opt for one where the incision is lower and hidden below underwear or a bathing suit. If you are prone to keloids, let your doctor know and you can work something out. When it comes to deciding between fat or keloids, weigh your options and decide which you would rather live with.
![[Valid RSS feed]](http://www.articlesfree.co.uk/images/icon_Rss.png "XML Feed For RSS"){kind=icon}
Category Rss Feed
Print This Article
Add To Favorites
![[Valid RSS feed]](http://www.articlesfree.co.uk/images/rss.jpg "XML Feed For RSS")