BLOG

Hello, I'm Ryutaro Natsume, an image designer and cosmetic surgeon.

 

Many people suffer from red, raised skin after injuries or surgery, specifically from keloids.

Some people hesitate to undergo incision-based surgery due to concerns about keloid-prone skin.

Here's a keloid predisposition check test. Use it to see if you truly have a tendency to develop keloids.

This can also change the treatment approach, such as whether to perform a brow lift incision or opt for a buried suture technique that leaves almost no scarring for eyelid sagging.

There is also a condition called hypertrophic scar, which resembles keloids. While the causes are similar, I will explain the differences.

The Difference Between Keloids and Hypertrophic Scars

Keloid scars extend beyond the original wound site, forming raised, red growths that cause significant pain and itching.

Hypertrophic scars are raised red areas confined to the wound site, causing pain and itching, but with milder symptoms than keloids.

 

Causes of Keloids/Hypertrophic Scars

During the healing process of a wound, tissue that fills the wound proliferates excessively, forming a lump-like mass.
Keloid scars tend to develop more readily in areas where skin tension is relatively high, such as the center of the chest, shoulders, outer upper arms, upper back, lower abdominal hairy region (after cesarean section), and chin. They can arise not only from surgical or injury scars but also from acne scars or even small wounds the person may not notice.

 

Keloid Prone Skin Test

You can find out if you have a keloid-prone constitution using the score calculator on the site below.

It is divided into 12 categories, including race, family history, number of keloids, age of onset, etc., with a total score of 25 points.

0-5 points: Normal scar characteristics

6-15 points: Hypertrophic scar characteristics

16-25 points: Keloid-like characteristics

https://www.scar-keloid.com/pdf/JSW_Scar_Scale_2015_JP.pdf

I have a keloid near the left mandibular angle that developed from acne during my university entrance exam period.

It's a keloid-like condition, so it's a 17-point score.

Therefore, I plan to be cautious about undergoing incision-based procedures like brow lift surgery in the future.

If you're concerned about keloids, I think it's a good idea to use this score as a reference when deciding on treatment.

 

Keloid Treatment

Eclair Plaster Tape

This is a tape containing steroids.

Apply the patch to the keloid area daily.

Applying the patch beyond the keloid's edges can thin healthy skin, so trim it appropriately to match the keloid's shape before use.

However, it may peel off easily due to hair or sweat.

 

Tranilast (Rizaben®) Oral

This anti-allergy agent suppresses inflammatory cells within keloids and hypertrophic scars, thereby alleviating itching and inflammation.

 

Kenacort injection

If the keloid is large, if Eclaplast tape is ineffective, or if it cannot be applied properly, we will administer a steroid injection directly.

The frequency is every four weeks.

Continuing the injections will gradually soften and reduce the keloid. However, overdoing it can cause skin indentation, so moderation is key.

Redness may occur due to vasodilation caused by steroids.

In such cases, we combine it with the Advatex laser, which can reduce redness. The Advatex laser itself has also been reported to be effective against keloids.

 

resection

The keloid will be excised and carefully sutured.

Keloid scars tend to form in areas that are already prone to tension.

While it depends on the individual's constitution, the fact is that keloids are forming in that patient's body precisely because it is prone to keloid formation. Therefore, even if we cut and suture it, recurrence is likely to occur from that site.

We employ Z-plasty, W-plasty, and suturing techniques to minimize tension.

Radiation therapy administered in low doses over approximately three days reduces recurrence rates. Therefore, for cases with a higher risk of recurrence, we will refer you to facilities capable of providing radiation therapy.

 

⸻

Summary

This time, we explained keloids.

The difference from hypertrophic scars lies in whether the red raised area extends beyond the wound's boundaries and whether it causes significant pain or itching.

We also introduced a keloid predisposition check test. Keloid treatment involves a combination of several approaches.

Because I have keloid-prone skin, I understand the pain. Conversely, I also know how difficult treatment can be.

I'll explain what we can and cannot do, including those limitations.

Feel free to contact us anytime.

⸻

Reservations can be made here.

Complete your reservation in 60 seconds ▶︎

https://reservation.medical-force.com/b/d7bb811e-ebd5-4b93-93f8-588864b24f15

⸻

※There are various approaches to aesthetic medicine, and opinions and practices may differ among physicians. Please consider the information provided here as one reference only, and we hope you will choose medical care that suits you and meets your expectations.

We apologize if any unintended inaccuracies or misleading expressions were included. In such cases, we will make appropriate corrections or additions.

 

【Profile】

Plastic Surgeon Dr. Ryutaro Natsume

https://biancaclinic.jp/doctor/natsume/

Performed numerous facial surgeries, particularly focusing on the eye area and facial bones, in the field of plastic surgery.

Regarding treatments for the eye area, I believe that not only aesthetic appearance but also ophthalmic functionality is extremely important. To provide safer and more reliable treatments, I am currently deepening my expertise as an ophthalmologist.

We actively incorporate non-surgical procedures such as hyaluronic acid injections, in addition to treatments requiring surgical instruments.

From a multifaceted professional perspective encompassing cosmetic surgery, cosmetic dermatology, reconstructive surgery, and ophthalmology

BIANCA CLINIC, a leading Japanese clinic specializing in beauty and regenerative medicine, provides the latest aesthetic treatments.

【Career】

2020: Graduated from Tokyo Medical University Tokyo Metropolitan Saiseikai Central Hospital

2022 Jikei University Hospital Department of Plastic Surgery

2023 Department of Plastic Surgery Jikei University School of Medicine Kashiwa Hospital

2024 BIANCA CLINIC

【Professional Affiliations/Qualifications】

Japanese Society of Aesthetic Surgery (JSAS)

Full Member of the Japan Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

Full Member of the Japanese Society of Craniofacial Surgery

Full Member of the Japanese Ophthalmological Society

Full Member of the Japanese Society of Aesthetic Medicine

【SNS】

Instagram account　

 https://www.instagram.com/dr.natsume?igsh=OHBvd3VtajV1bmY1&utm_source=qr