What's up keloid? It's 2011.

Hi Everyone,

It's about time I provide an update. Today I went to visit doctor Dr. Jeffery R. Fischman, because I thought my keloid might be developing again.

The texture of my keloid seems more firmer and a little rough or lumpy inside. At times, I think I feel a little tingling, similar to the old sensation I felt when the keloid was growing. Truthfully, I do not know if it is me being over critical, having phantom sensation generated by my anxiety of it growing again, or it is indeed tingling and growing.

Nevertheless, I went to see Dr. Fischman. He stated, although it is a little lumpy, it does not look like it is growing, because it is not red and I am not certain of whether I feel tingling. Hearing his opinion assuaged my worries. Instead of an injection, I received a prescription for Triamcinolone Acetonide 0.5% Cre Foug that is not as potent to help the growth as the injection, but may hinder the growth for the circumstance of my keloid.

I am relieved that it is not growing or that a topical cream may help it instead of an evasive injection, because finally, my skin is not thin showing little red veins, and it is does not have an indentation from the treatment. However, the skin does not look completely healed like the normal skin around it, but I am happy. It looks much better.

Note: Someone commented that this seems to good to be true, and asked others to share their experiences. To anonymous commenter, I understand that it seems too good to be true, but this is not a treatment that quickly makes keloids vanish. It is an on going process of years for me, and my keloid has not vanished; I still have a scar, but I do not have the terrible burning feelings anymore. I hope other people share their experiences with any kind of treatment they have done.

2010 Update

My last treatment on my keloid was on October, '09. The two photos above were taken today, July 19, '10. The scar is looking a lot better. Meaning, it blends in more with the normal skin surrounding it. I am happy to say, I now wear clothing that does not cover the scar, for it isn't obvious, so I'm wearing all those cute summer tops. However, I do use a light tanning spray with SPF over it to blend in the color difference and protect the scar from UV rays, which can be especially harmful, because the scar skin is very thin.

Update!

Hi Everyone,

Here is two update photos of my keloid scar. I haven't received any additional injection, because my keloid has not grown back. I actually think parts (maybe entire scar) of my keloid will never grow back . The skin on the right side of my scar is starting to look and feel like normal skin. Also the pigmentation on the right is blending in. However, there is still discoloration as you can see I still have the loss of pigment and little red veins are apparent. Nevertheless, I think it is looking great, well better than before the treatment, and it does not hurt or get irritated. 

What My Keloid Looks Like Today

A Week After 6th Injection

I went last week to receive my 6th injection. My keloid felt like it was growing again but not outside the original area. Dr. Fischman stated, it is looking good, and there is a possibility I will only need one more injection after my 6th. Also, that the middle area of my scar is actually looking like normal skin. The color of my keloid scar is starting to look like my normal skin tone, and the pigmentation loss that was seen before from my other treatments are abating. I personally see a lot of changes from my penultimate photo. I know in time my little red veins will not be apparent. Progress is slow, but the results are rewarding.

Coverup Difficulty

Since my keloid scar is flat and summer is approaching, I want to wear nice tops like spaghetti strap shirts and dresses. However, it is very difficult for me to find makeup that can conceal my keloid scar without it looking like I have makeup on my shoulders. I bought dermablend, and it does cover my scar, but I haven't found a shade to match my skin tone. I have already bought three different colors tubes to blend, and now I'm buying a fourth color. I hope I have success matching my skin tone. I would like to finally wear a pretty summer dress. Anyway, I am really happy about my keloid treatment progress except the color discoloration, so I shouldn't bitch.  

My Scar Today