Scars and Keloids
There are multiple different types of scars that may appear on your skin for various reasons.
- Keloids
- Traumatic Scars
- Hypertrophic Scars
For treatment options, check out our Scars and Keloid treatment information
Keloids
Occasionally scars enlarge spontaneously to form firm, smooth, hard growths called keloids. Keloids may be uncomfortable or itchy, and may be much larger than the original wound. A keloid is an excessive production of scar tissue that can result from acne scarring, a surgical scar or from ear or body piercing. They can arise soon after the injury, or they may develop months later.
It is not known why keloids appear. While most people never form keloids, others develop them after minor injuries or even insect bites or pimples. Keloids may form on any part of the body, although the upper chest and shoulders are especially prone to them. They are more common in darker skin types.
Keloid scars are usually just a cosmetic problem. They never become malignant.
 Accident Scar |
 Keloid Scar
|
Traumatic scars
Traumatic scars form after injuries that leave jagged or rough wounds to heal, or major surgeries that require large incisions. These scars may appear puffy, uneven or may have discoloration for months or even years.
 Scar - Burn |
 Scar - Surgical
|
Hypertrophic scars
As wounds heal, scar tissue forms, which at first is often red and somewhat prominent. Over several months, a scar usually becomes flat and pale. If there is substantial tension on a wound, the healing area is remains thicker than usual. This is known as a hypertrophic scar.
Treatment
Many of these scars can be faded or reduced significantly under the care of Dr. Adam Schaffner, Patients Medical's very own plastic surgeon, using the latest technology, including fractional laser resurfacing and other customized treatments. For details on treatments, read our Scar and Keloid Treatment page or call 212-794-8800 for more information or to schedule.
Begin Your Journey to Wellness with Patients Medical
Our job at Patients Medical is to listen, to connect the dots between a patient's medical history, symptoms,
and their underlying causes. Patients Medical is a superb place for women and men to secure integrative and holistic health
care from me or one of my colleagues. I provide innovative and personalized care that nurtures mind, body, and spirit, and
enjoy partnering with my patients to support their health and well-being.
For those that can make the journey, I am happy to welcome new patients to our medical center in New York City. Call us at 1-212-794-8800. I am here to listen and to help.
Start Your Road to Health with Dr. Schaffner