Do you have a keloid that you’ve been wanting to get rid of — but are hesitant to go under the knife?
Surgery may sound scary, but it doesn’t necessarily have to be…
Keloid removal surgery is a procedure that removes keloid scars from the body. Keloids are raised, thickened areas of scar tissue that form at the site of an injury or incision. These bumps can be annoying, painful, and unappealing. They may even limit movement when they appear on joints or other parts of the body. Keloids are more common in individuals with darker skin tones and can be hard to treat.
At Canova Medical, we offer keloid removal surgery to patients in the North-West and Manchester area, who are looking to remove keloid scars from their bodies. Our experienced plastic surgeon uses advanced techniques to minimise scarring and ensure the best possible results. We understand that keloids can be a source of embarrassment and discomfort, and we are committed to helping our patients achieve the look they desire.
Why choose Canova Medical as your clinic for your surgery?
At Canova Medical, we are dedicated to providing our valued patients with the highest level of care and attention. Our skilled plastic surgeons have a lot of experience and use the latest techniques and technology to ensure the best results. We recognise that each patient is unique and take the time to understand your concerns and goals, creating a personalised treatment plan to meet your needs.
- Enjoy VIP discretion: You’ll never see another patient at Canova Medical, so your keloid removal will be performed in utter confidence.
- Highly experienced team: Not only is the quality of the products important, but so is the experience of the Surgeon who will be performing your procedure. The Canova Medical team is skilled, qualified, and experienced – you can meet the team here.
- Results that you’ll love: Whether you want dramatic results or subtle results… the choice is yours. You can see what our patients say about us here.
- Pre-treatment Consultation: To help our surgeon deliver the results you desire, they will take the time to get to know you and understand your preferences.
- Easy accessible: We are in the hearth of Wilmslow, Cheshire (close to Manchester Airport and Wilmslow train station)
Your keloid removal questions answered…
Here’s some information to help you decide if keloid removal is right for you, though this will be covered in far more detail at your consultation.
If you have any other questions, please do contact us. Our friendly team is here to help guide you!
Don’t let the idea of surgery scare you away. Restore confidence in your appearance today with keloid removal surgery. If you are in Manchester area, you are welcome to visit our Wilmslow clinic, in hearth of Cheshire.
What exactly is an keloid?
Typically appearing after some form of physical injury, an keloid is a type of raised scar tissue that often expands far beyond the original injured site. Ear keloids may be round, oval, or irregularly shaped in appearance and may form behind your ears, earlobes, or just about anywhere in the region; however, many patients report getting them after an ear-piercing. While nearly anyone can develop ear keloids, your susceptibility may increase if there is a family history of keloids.
What is keloid excision?
Keloid removal surgery is a painless surgical intervention that utilises a scalpel to eliminate the keloid. Based on the dimensions of the scar tissue, the entire process could take a maximum of an hour to finish, necessitating sutures afterwards, with the ultimate shape forming over weeks or months. If the keloid is notably substantial or of uncertain appearance, your Surgeon might recommend consulting a dermatologist for further examination.
Who is a good candidate for the surgery?
You can be considered a good candidate for the surgery, so long as you are physically in good health and have keloid scars that are very visible or seem to persistently increase in size. Your candidacy will be determined at your consultation however, suspicious-looking keloids will need to be assessed by a dermatologist prior to carrying out any form of cosmetic treatment.
What else can I expect at the consultation?
As well as understanding the extent of your cosmetic concerns, your surgeon will assess your overall physical health. Any medical conditions will be discussed and evaluated, to ensure that you are a good candidate for keloid excision. The Surgeon will also pay particular attention to any skin conditions you may have. Depending on your medical history, your Surgeon may suggest other alternatives for keloid removal.
Are the results permanent?
As keloid tend to be notoriously difficult to get rid of, there may be a reoccurrence after the surgery. As such, there are cases where the results might not be permanent and may require further treatment should the keloid return once again. Based on your specific circumstances and in order to reduce the likelihood of recurrence, you might need to receive corticosteroid injections during the weeks prior to the surgery. Alternatively, you may be asked to wear either a pressure earring or garment after the surgery to help prevent the keloid from returning.
Who performs the surgery?
Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeon, Dr Apostolos Vlachogiorgos MD MSc, will perform your keloid removal procedure in our clinic.
He has a special interest in Aesthetic Surgery and has worked for many years at the Christie Hospital in Manchester, where he has gained massive experience in Complex Skin Cancer Surgery. Over the last few years, he has also performed a great number of minor cosmetic surgeries, including mole removal, cysts, lipomas and keloids.
Dr Vlachogiorgos has a rich academic background, with a series of publications and active participation in International Plastic Surgery conferences, while he remains a Lecturer at the Queen Mary University of London. He is known amongst his patients for his holistic and detailed consultations, his perfectionism, and his precision.
Is there anything I need to do before the surgery?
You will be fully informed about what you need to do before the surgery; however, minimal preparation is usually needed prior to keloid excision. In general, you may be asked to temporarily stop taking certain food supplements and medications, and avoid the consumption of specific foods before your treatment session.
How much does keloid removal surgery cost?
The prices start from:
£345 for steroid injection for keloid
£745 for ear keloid excision
The consultation costs only £90 and lasts 30 minutes.
During your initial assessment, we will discuss your options and provide an exact cost for your procedure. And if you are interested in spreading the cost monthly, we can help you with that too. Our GoCardless options are perfect: no interests, no hidden costs. Simple!
What happens during the surgery?
During surgery, a local anaesthetic will be injected into the treatment area(s) to ensure you feel no pain throughout the procedure. The keloid will then undergo careful removal using a scalpel, after which sutures will be used to close up the excision site. As there is a chance of keloid reoccurrence after the treatment, your surgeon will perform special surgical techniques to ensure that this is less likely to happen. You may experience minimal discomfort, swelling, or bruising soon after the procedure is complete; however, this will gradually subside over the next couple of weeks.
What happens after the surgery?
Patients are usually advised to take ample rest for the first few days post-surgery. However, taking short walks is highly recommended the day after surgery has taken place, so long as you are with someone to keep you company. If you happen to notice the keloid returning a couple of weeks later, you will need to schedule follow-up sessions with your Surgeon to see what can be done.
What are the common side effects of keloid removal surgery
There are several possible side effects associated with keloid removal surgery. In excision, the primary complication is that a new hypertrophic scar or keloid will form at the area that was cut. However, recovery from keloid removal surgery is quite rapid and relatively painless. Temporary discolouration or discomfort may occur for the first two weeks after surgery, and healing is expected to continue for several weeks. Dressing may be removed after 1-2 weeks post-surgery, and minimal activity is advised post-surgery. The use of scar products and massages to the affected area(s) are recommended.
What does the aftercare look like?
While you will be given all the aftercare instructions you need after the surgery, you will typically be advised to:
- Apply cold compresses to the surgical site in 20-minute intervals for the first three days
- Relieve discomfort by taking pain-relieving medications as prescribed
- Avoid engaging in high-intensity physical activity such as tennis for at least six weeks post-surgery
- Avoid consuming alcohol and heavy meals immediately after your surgery is complete
- Avoid smoking for at least a week up to 10 days post-surgery as the chemicals in smoke may negatively impact the healing process
- Avoid driving and flying for up to 48 hours after surgery
- Ensure the dressings are kept on at all times unless otherwise instructed and keep them clean and away from water as much as possible
- Consult your Surgeon should any pain or redness persist for longer than expected
Can keloids go away on their own without surgery?
Although keloids grow relatively slowly and may take several months or years before they become noticeable and finally stop growing, they will not go away on their own. As such, treatments such as surgery are necessary to help get rid of them.
Are there non-surgical alternatives to keloid removal?
Yes, there are. If the keloid is quite large, surgery may be the most viable option. Nonetheless, some non-surgical procedures for keloid removal include:
- Cryotherapy, during which the keloid will be exposed to freezing temperatures to destroy it
- Ligature, wherein a surgical thread will be tied tightly around the keloid for a couple of weeks until it falls off
- Laser treatment, during which the keloid will be exposed to lasers to improve its appearance before eventually getting removed
What if I have any other questions?
Please contact the friendly team at Canova Medical – we’d be delighted to help you and answer any questions you may have.
What’s the next step?
The next step is to arrange a consultation. This will be with the surgeon who’ll be performing your surgery. He will take the time to get to know you and your desired outcomes; obtain your medical history; and make recommendations based on your specific needs.
Would you like to be another one of our happy customers? Then take the next step and arrange a consultation to see what we can do for you.