What are Keloids?

Keloids are raised, thickened scars that extend beyond the boundaries of an original wound or injury, often appearing shiny, smooth, and firm. Unlike normal scars, keloids result from an overproduction of collagen during the healing process and can grow larger over time. They may cause discomfort, itching, or cosmetic concerns, particularly in visible areas like the ears, chest, shoulders, or back. At Nairobi Sculpt Aesthetic Centre, Dr. Mukami Gathariki specializes in advanced keloid treatment, with a particular emphasis on Triple Keloid Therapy—combining surgical excision, steroid injections, and low-dose radiotherapy—for optimal results. She also offers additional non-surgical options tailored to each patient’s needs.

Dr. Mukami’s approach, especially through Triple Keloid Therapy, focuses on minimizing keloid recurrence, a common challenge, by leveraging these three powerful techniques alongside comprehensive post-treatment care to promote healing and patient satisfaction.

Benefits of Keloid Treatment

• Improved Appearance: Reduces the size, thickness, and visibility of keloids for smoother, more even skin.
• Relief from Symptoms: Alleviates itching, tenderness, or pain associated with keloids.
• Customized Solutions: Combines surgical excision, steroid injections, and low-dose radiotherapy (Triple Keloid Therapy) or other therapies tailored to the keloid’s size, location, and patient goals.
• Enhanced Confidence: Addresses cosmetic concerns, particularly for keloids in visible areas, boosting self-esteem.
• Minimized Recurrence: Uses advanced Triple Keloid Therapy to significantly reduce the likelihood of keloid regrowth.

Who is a Candidate for Keloid Treatment?

Ideal candidates for keloid treatment, including Triple Keloid Therapy, include individuals who:

• Are in good overall health with no active skin infections or uncontrolled medical conditions.
• Have keloids causing cosmetic concerns, discomfort, itching, or pain.
• Seek to reduce the size or appearance of keloids on areas like the ears, chest, shoulders, or back.
• Are aged 18 or older, though younger patients with significant keloids may be considered.
• Have realistic expectations about outcomes, understanding that recurrence is a risk, though greatly minimized with Triple Keloid Therapy.

During your consultation, Dr. Mukami will assess the keloid’s size, location, and characteristics, as well as your medical history, to recommend the most effective treatment plan, often highlighting Triple Keloid Therapy for stubborn or recurrent cases.

Types of Keloid Treatments

Dr. Mukami offers a range of keloid treatment options, with Triple Keloid Therapy being a cornerstone for severe or persistent keloids:

• Triple Keloid Therapy: A powerful combination of:
  • Surgical Excision: Precisely removes the keloid, setting the stage for further treatment.
  • Corticosteroid Injections: Administered post-surgery to reduce inflammation and prevent collagen overgrowth.
  • Low-Dose Radiotherapy: Applied after excision to target remaining cells and significantly lower recurrence rates.
• Corticosteroid Injections (Standalone): Injects steroids directly into smaller keloids to flatten them and alleviate symptoms.
• Cryotherapy: Freezes smaller keloids with liquid nitrogen to reduce their size.
• Laser Therapy: Uses targeted laser energy to flatten and fade keloids, improving texture and color.
• Silicone Gel or Sheets: Hydrates the keloid to reduce thickness over time.
• Pressure Therapy: Uses pressure dressings or earrings (for earlobe keloids) to flatten the scar.

For severe cases, Triple Keloid Therapy stands out as Dr. Mukami’s preferred method due to its comprehensive approach and proven effectiveness in preventing regrowth.

The Keloid Treatment Procedure

The keloid treatment process varies by method, with Triple Keloid Therapy offering a multi-step solution:

1. Consultation: Dr. Mukami evaluates the keloid and designs a tailored plan, often recommending Triple Keloid Therapy for optimal outcomes.
2. Anesthesia: Local anesthesia is used for surgical excision within Triple Keloid Therapy, while injections or radiotherapy may require minimal or no numbing.
3. Procedure Execution:
   • Triple Keloid Therapy:
     • Surgical Excision: The keloid is removed with precision, and the wound is closed with fine sutures.
     • Steroid Injections: Administered immediately or in follow-up sessions to reduce inflammation.
     • Low-Dose Radiotherapy: Applied post-surgery (typically within 24–48 hours) to prevent regrowth.
   • Injections (Standalone): Corticosteroids are injected in a series of sessions.
   • Cryotherapy/Laser: Short sessions target the keloid’s structure.
   • Silicone/Pressure Therapy: Non-invasive, applied at home.
4. Completion: Surgical sites are dressed, and non-surgical treatments conclude with aftercare instructions.
5. Duration: Triple Keloid Therapy’s surgical excision takes 30–60 minutes, with radiotherapy and injections adding minimal time. Other treatments range from 10–20 minutes.

Dr. Mukami’s expertise in Triple Keloid Therapy ensures precise delivery, minimizing discomfort and recurrence risk while optimizing outcomes.

Recovery and Aftercare

Recovery varies by method, with Triple Keloid Therapy requiring specific care:

• Triple Keloid Therapy:
  • First Week: Mild swelling or discomfort post-surgery, managed with medication. Radiotherapy is completed early, and sutures are removed within 5–10 days.
  • Two Weeks: Swelling subsides, steroid injections may begin, and light activities resume.
  • One Month: Healing progresses, with follow-up injections or checks to ensure no regrowth.
  • Full Recovery: Results mature within 3–6 months, with minimal recurrence risk.
• Non-Surgical Treatments: Minimal downtime, with redness or tenderness resolving quickly.
• Silicone/Pressure Therapy: Ongoing for weeks to months.

Dr. Mukami’s aftercare for Triple Keloid Therapy includes:

• Keeping surgical sites clean and protected.
• Avoiding sun exposure and using sunscreen.
• Following steroid injection schedules and radiotherapy follow-ups.
• Avoiding trauma to the area to sustain results.

Combining Keloid Treatment with Other Procedures

Triple Keloid Therapy can be paired with:

• Scar Revision: For uniform skin improvement.
• Laser Skin Resurfacing: Enhances surrounding skin texture.
• Chemical Peels: Improves pigmentation near keloids.
• Facial Rejuvenation: Combines with Botox or fillers for broader enhancement.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can keloids be completely removed? Triple Keloid Therapy significantly reduces size and recurrence, though complete elimination isn’t guaranteed due to collagen overproduction tendencies.
• Will I have visible scars after treatment? Triple Keloid Therapy leaves a small, fading surgical scar; non-surgical options leave no additional scarring.
• Is keloid treatment painful? Triple Keloid Therapy involves minimal discomfort, managed with anesthesia and numbing agents.
• How many treatments will I need? Triple Keloid Therapy may require one surgery, 1–2 radiotherapy sessions, and several injections, tailored to your case.
• When will I see results? Triple Keloid Therapy shows initial improvement within 1–3 months, with full results in 3–6 months.