Keloid Removal with Dr. John Hilinski: Expert Treatment for Keloid Scars in San Diego
Keloids are raised, thickened scars that form as a result of abnormal healing after an injury, surgery, or piercing. These scars can grow larger than the original wound and can be itchy, painful, or cosmetically unappealing. Dr. John Hilinski, a leading facial plastic surgeon in San Diego, offers expert keloid removal procedures to help patients achieve smoother, more natural-looking skin. With advanced techniques in scar management and reconstruction, Dr. Hilinski can effectively treat keloids and minimize their recurrence.
Dr. Hilinski, Nicole, and team are absolutely amazing! Dr. Hilinski is very knowledgeable, takes the time to thoroughly explain procedures, and has gone above and beyond with patient care during my procedure and throughout all of my follow-ups.
What Are Keloids?
Keloids are a type of excessive scar tissue that forms at the site of a skin injury. Unlike normal scars, keloids extend beyond the boundaries of the original wound and can continue to grow over time. They appear as raised, thick, and often darker-colored areas on the skin. Keloids can occur anywhere on the body but are most common on the earlobes, neck, chest, shoulders, and back.
Common Causes of Keloids:
- Surgical incisions
- Traumatic injuries
- Acne scars
- Piercings, particularly on the ears
- Vaccination sites
- Burns
Keloids are more common in individuals with darker skin tones, though anyone can develop them. They can also run in families, suggesting a genetic predisposition.
Benefits of Keloid Removal Surgery
Improved Appearance
Keloid removal can dramatically improve the cosmetic appearance of affected areas by reducing the size and thickness of the scar.
Relief from Discomfort
Many keloids cause itching, pain, or sensitivity, which can be alleviated through surgical removal.
Prevention of Further Growth
Removing keloids helps prevent them from growing larger or becoming more uncomfortable.
Minimized Recurrence
Dr. Hilinski uses advanced techniques to reduce the risk of keloid recurrence after removal.
Keloid Removal Procedure
Keloid removal involves carefully excising the keloid scar to restore a more natural skin contour. Depending on the size and location of the keloid, the procedure may involve several different techniques, including surgical excision, corticosteroid injections, laser therapy, or a combination of these treatments.
Surgical Excision
In most cases, the keloid is surgically removed by excising the excess scar tissue. After the keloid is removed, the remaining skin is carefully sutured to minimize the appearance of a new scar. Dr. Hilinski often combines excision with other therapies, such as steroid injections, to further reduce the chance of the keloid returning.
Corticosteroid Injections
Steroid injections can help reduce the size of a keloid by flattening the scar and alleviating symptoms such as itching or pain. These injections are often used in conjunction with surgery to prevent the keloid from growing back.
Laser Therapy
Laser treatments may also be used to reduce the size and appearance of smaller keloids. Laser therapy works by targeting the blood vessels within the keloid, causing it to shrink over time.
Keloid Removal: FAQ
Keloids form when the body produces too much collagen during the healing process, causing the scar tissue to grow beyond the boundaries of the original injury.
Keloid removal typically involves surgically excising the excess scar tissue. Additional treatments such as corticosteroid injections or laser therapy may be used to reduce the chance of recurrence.
While keloid removal is effective, there is always a chance of recurrence. Dr. Hilinski uses advanced techniques to minimize the likelihood of the keloid coming back.
Yes, some scarring is inevitable after keloid removal, but Dr. Hilinski’s expertise in scar management ensures that the new scar will be as minimal and inconspicuous as possible.
Recovery typically takes about 1-2 weeks, depending on the size and location of the keloid. Dr. Hilinski will provide detailed aftercare instructions to ensure optimal healing.
Keloid removal is performed under local anesthesia, so patients experience minimal discomfort during the procedure. Some mild soreness may occur during the recovery period.
In addition to surgical removal, treatments such as corticosteroid injections or pressure dressings may be used to prevent the keloid from returning.
If you have a keloid that is causing discomfort or affecting your appearance, you may be a good candidate for keloid removal. Dr. Hilinski will evaluate your condition during your consultation to determine the best treatment plan.
Why Choose Dr. John Hilinski for Keloid Removal?
Dr. John Hilinski is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon with extensive experience in scar management and reconstructive surgery. A graduate of Harvard Medical School, Dr. Hilinski completed his residency in Head and Neck Surgery at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) Medical Center, where he specialized in complex facial and reconstructive procedures. He further honed his skills in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery through fellowship training with Dr. Dean M. Toriumi, a globally recognized expert in plastic surgery.
Dr. Hilinski’s expertise in scar revision and keloid removal ensures that his patients receive the highest level of care and personalized treatment. He employs the latest surgical techniques to reduce keloid recurrence and achieve the most aesthetically pleasing results.
Schedule a Consultation with Dr. Hilinski
If you are struggling with the appearance or discomfort of keloids, Dr. John Hilinski, San Diego’s expert in keloid removal, can help. Schedule a consultation today to learn more about your treatment options and how keloid removal can help restore smooth, natural-looking skin. Contact us now to get started on your journey toward keloid-free skin.