Our Summary

The research paper discusses a treatment strategy for keloids, which are raised scars, located on the front of the chest. This treatment involves a specific surgical method (including a technique known as z-plasty), followed by radiation therapy and then self-care of the scar using silicone tape and a type of medication called steroid plaster.

This study involved patients who had these chest keloids, which had developed from minor skin issues such as acne or folliculitis. After the surgery, patients were taught to manage the healing process themselves using the silicone tape and steroid plaster. The patients were then given radiation therapy in three sessions over three days. The main goal of the study was to see if the keloids came back within two years.

Out of 141 patients, the keloids returned in 15 cases. However, these recurring keloids were successfully treated with the steroid plaster and injections. Interestingly, the study found that the size of the original keloid or the patient’s gender did not affect whether the keloid would return.

In conclusion, the paper suggests that this combined treatment method can be successful in treating chest keloids.

FAQs

  1. What is the treatment strategy discussed in the research paper for keloids?
  2. How did the patients manage the healing process after the surgery?
  3. Did the size of the original keloid or the patient’s gender affect the recurrence of keloids?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might tell a patient about z-plasty that it is a surgical technique used to reposition scars in a way that can improve their appearance and function. It can be particularly useful for scars that are causing functional issues or are in areas of high tension. The doctor may explain that combining z-plasty with other treatments, such as radiation therapy and self-care measures, can help prevent the recurrence of keloids and promote better healing outcomes. They may also emphasize the importance of following post-operative care instructions and attending follow-up appointments to monitor the healing process.

Suitable For

Patients who have keloids on the front of the chest, especially those that have developed from minor skin issues such as acne or folliculitis, are typically recommended for z-plasty surgery. This surgical method, combined with radiation therapy and self-care of the scar using silicone tape and steroid plaster, has been shown to be successful in preventing the recurrence of keloids in these patients. Gender and the size of the original keloid do not seem to affect the success of this treatment method.

Timeline

Before z-plasty:

  1. Patient experiences the development of keloids on the front of the chest, possibly from minor skin issues like acne or folliculitis.
  2. Patient undergoes surgical treatment, including the z-plasty technique, to remove the keloids.
  3. Patient is instructed on self-care techniques using silicone tape and steroid plaster to manage the healing process.

After z-plasty:

  1. Patient receives radiation therapy in three sessions over three days.
  2. Patient continues self-care of the scar using silicone tape and steroid plaster.
  3. Follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor the healing process and check for any recurrence of keloids.
  4. Recurring keloids are successfully treated with steroid plaster and injections if needed.
  5. Patients are monitored for up to two years to assess the effectiveness of the treatment method.

Overall, the combined treatment method of surgery, radiation therapy, and self-care with silicone tape and steroid plaster is found to be successful in treating chest keloids, with a low rate of recurrence.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about z-plasty for keloids include:

  1. What is z-plasty and how does it help in treating keloids?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with z-plasty?
  3. How long is the recovery period after undergoing z-plasty for keloids?
  4. Will additional treatments such as radiation therapy and silicone tape be necessary after the surgery?
  5. What can I expect in terms of scarring and the appearance of the treated area after z-plasty?
  6. How successful is z-plasty in preventing keloids from recurring in the future?
  7. Are there any alternative treatment options for keloids that I should consider?
  8. How many z-plasty procedures have you performed for keloids, and what is your success rate?
  9. Will I need to follow a specific post-operative care regimen after the z-plasty procedure?
  10. How soon after the z-plasty surgery can I expect to see results in terms of the appearance of my keloids?

Reference

Authors: Arima J, Dohi T, Kuribayashi S, Akaishi S, Ogawa R. Journal: Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2019 Mar 13;7(3):e2177. doi: 10.1097/GOX.0000000000002177. eCollection 2019 Mar. PMID: 31044131