Compression Therapy for Keloid Scars: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Background

Keloid scars have a multitude of treatments with varying success rates. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to study the different types of compression therapies used following surgical excision and their recurrence rates.

Methods

A literature search was conducted using the following databases: PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Reviews. The following keywords were used in the search: "keloid" and "compression." The following inclusion criteria were used: (1) identifying lesion must be a keloid and (2) use of any type of compression therapy for keloid scar.

Results

A total of 27 articles were included in the final analysis, grouped into three treatment modalities for comparison. The three treatment modalities are (1) surgical excision and compression earring, (2) surgical excision and silicone gel sheeting, and (3) surgical excision, compression earring, and silicone gel sheeting. Based on our analysis, combination treatment with compression earring device and silicone gel sheeting had the lowest recurrence rate when compared with compression earring device or silicone gel alone, but the difference in recurrence rates between the three treatment modalities was not statistically significant.

Conclusions

There were too few studies included in each treatment modality with even fewer sample sizes, and there is a need for a greater number of studies with increased sample size to evaluate which therapy is the most efficacious in preventing keloid recurrence following surgical excision.

Keloid Intralesional Excision Reduces Recurrence: A Meta-analytic Study of the Available Literature on 608 Keloids

Background

The objective of this meta-analysis was to examine the effectiveness of keloid intralesional excision (KILE) in preventing recurrence. Treatment of keloids using surgical excision alone leads to high rates of recurrence. To date, there are no widely accepted guidelines for keloid treatment, and a multitude of adjunctive therapies are used to reduce recurrence. Despite these efforts, recurrence remains high. In this study, we conducted a meta-analysis of the existing literature on KILE to determine its role in recurrence reduction.

Methods

A literature review using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases was performed. Two authors independently evaluated studies for eligibility. Incidence of keloid recurrence was recorded, and a comprehensive meta-analysis was performed to assess the pooled keloid recurrence rate, as well as the effect of additional therapies.

Results

Twenty-two studies evaluating intralesional excision of 608 keloids were included in the study. Average time to follow-up was 19.2 months (range 6-35 months). A meta-analysis of proportions was conducted, demonstrating a pooled recurrence rate of 13% (95% confidence interval, 9%-16%). There was no evidence that using therapies in addition to KILE had a significant effect on the overall pooled recurrence rate.

Conclusions

A meta-analysis of 608 keloids shows that KILE is an effective technique in preventing keloid recurrence, with a pooled recurrence rate of 13% compared with previously reported rates of 45%-100% after complete excision. Although there are no standard guidelines for keloid treatment, our meta-analysis shows that KILE is promising in recurrence reduction.

Excision and adjuvant treatment to prevent keloid recurrence. - a systematic review of prospective, clinical, controlled trials

Keloids are defined as the formation of collagen-rich scar tissue extending beyond the original lesion. Not all keloids respond to conventional treatment with intralesional triamcinolone injections. Recurrence of keloids after primary excision is reported in almost 100% of cases and should therefore always be followed by adjuvant treatment. Currently, consensus on preferred adjuvant treatment in relation to keloid excision is lacking. This study seeks to systematically review evidence on the efficacy of adjuvant treatments in relation to keloid excision. A systematic literature review was conducted on PubMed. Titles, abstracts, and articles were screened and sorted according to defined inclusion- and exclusion criteria. Each study was evaluated according to the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine, OCEBM, Levels of Evidence by two independent authors. Seven studies were eligible. Adjuvant treatment methods included intralesional triamcinolone injection, radiotherapy, silicone gel, pressure therapy, verapamil hydrochloride and 5-fluorouracil. While all the included studies reported promising results, two studies showed that minimizing dosages when treating with radiotherapy or triamcinolone should be considered to avoid adverse events. However, a high risk of bias was found in all the included studies.

Long-Term Results of a Multimodal Treatment Regimen in Patients With Auricular Keloids

Objectives: The treatment of auricular keloids is challenging, as they tend to recur; further, the treatment may impact quality of life and implies cosmetic and functional impairment for each patient. There is no standardized therapeutic concept established, and the literature is lacking long-term results of available treatment modalities. Methods: Patients suffering from auricular keloids were included in the study. All patients had undergone surgical resection, intralesional injection of triamcinolone acetonide (TAC), and the application of an individual pressure splint. Quality of life (QoL) was assessed using the keloid intervention benefit inventory 21 (KIBI-21). Further analysis was carried out for patients without (group 1) and with (group 2) recurrence of the keloid. Results: In total, 50 keloids with a mean follow-up period of 59 months (range 6-137 months) could be analyzed. In nine cases (18%), a keloid recurrence was found during the observation period. The assessment of QoL differed significantly between study groups at P = 0.04, as well as for the subcategories General Health (GH) and Physical Health (PH). No differences were found for the categories Social Impact (SI) and Self-Esteem (SE). Conclusions: The multimodal subsequent treatment regimen consisting of surgical resection, intralesional TAC injection, and the application of an individual magnetic pressure splint shows good results concerning long-term recurrence rates. The treatment method shows positive effects on the QoL, especially in the measured categories GH and PH.

Scar-centered dilation in the treatment of large keloids

BACKGROUND

Hypertrophic scars and keloid treatment is a major problem in plastic surgery. While small keloids can be treated with resection followed by radiotherapy, large keloids require treatment with a tissue expander. Conventional methods increase the need for auxiliary incisions, causing new scar hyperplasia.

AIM

To introduce a new method for the treatment of keloids with an expander.

METHODS

Between 2018 and 2021, we performed surgeries to treat large keloids in nine patients with a two-stage approach. In the first stage, an intrascar incision was made in the keloid, and a customized expander was implanted under the keloid and the surrounding normal skin. A period of 3-6 mo was allowed for skin expansion. In the second stage, after the initial incision healed, a follow-up surgery was performed to remove the expander, resect the keloid, and repair the expanded skin flap. To accomplish this, an incision was made along the scar boundary to avoid making a new surgical incision and creating new scars. Superficial radiotherapy was then performed postoperatively.

RESULTS

Two patients had anterior chest keloids. After treatment, the anterior chest incision was broken repeatedly and then sutured again after debridement. It healed smoothly without scar hyperplasia. Keloids were successfully removed in 7 patients without recurrence.

CONCLUSION

This method was performed through a keloid incision and with a custom expander embedded. After full expansion, the keloid was directly resected using a linear suture, which avoids new surgical incisions and scars and can successfully remove large-area keloids. The treatment is effective, providing new insights and strategies for the treatment of similar large-area keloid and hypertrophic scar cases in the future.

The outcome of postoperative radiation therapy following plastic surgical resection of recurrent ear keloid: a single institution experience

Background

Ear keloids are abnormal continuously growing healing process following cutaneous injury. Surgical excision is the standard treatment strategy; however, 50–80% of cases develop recurrence. Adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) is commonly offered with a marked decrease in the recurrence rate. The variation in RT protocols used in different studies leads to a bias of results analysis. The aim is to present our experience of using surgical excision with postoperative radiotherapy for recurrent ear keloids. Also, studying different variables especially dose and keloid size that affects recurrence rate. Radiotherapy complications were reported and assessed.

Patients and methods

Keloids between 2006 and 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. Fifty-five ear keloids out of 83 cases who received RT after surgical excision were included in the study. Different dose regimens including 13 Gy/1fx, 8 Gy/1fx, 10 Gy/2fx, 15 Gy/3fx, and other fractionated regimens were used. The Median follow-up period was 35 months. Recurrence-free rate (RFR), side effects, and prognostic factors were assessed.

Results

The overall 2-year RFR was 88 ± 5%. The 2-year RFR was 83 ± 8% for dose regimens with biological effective dose (BED) ≤ 40 and 92 ± 5% for regimens with BED > 40 Gy with an insignificant p value. The 2-year RFR was 74 ± 10% compared to 97 ± 3% for keloids > 2 cm and keloids ≤ 2 cm respectively (p value 0.02). The higher dose used for keloids with > 2 cm size significantly improved RFR. The orthovoltage therapy showed marginally better 2-year RFR compared to electron beam therapy; however, statistically insignificant (p value 0.09). The side effects were minimal with no reported second malignancy or serious G3-4 complications.

Conclusion

Excision followed by RT is a safe and effective treatment for recurrent ear keloids. Low and modest radiation doses are effective; however, a higher dose is recommended for keloids > 2 cm. We recommend a prospective larger-scale study to test the effect of dose and keloid size on the treatment results.

A 7-year Experience with Keloid Fillet Flap and Adjuvant Intralesional Corticosteroids

Context:

Keloids are fibroproliferative scars characterized by excessive collagen deposition beyond the margins of the original wound. Although many treatment modalities were described in the literature, no single first-line therapy is recommended, and its recurrence rate remains high.

Aims:

The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy rate in treating auricle keloids after fillet flap excision combined with adjuvant intralesional steroid injections.

Settings and Design:

This was a retrospective study.

Materials and Methods:

Between 2012 and 2019, a total of 16 auricle keloids were treated at our center with fillet flap excision and adjuvant steroid injections. Intralesional steroid injections were given at the end of the first week and then administered at 4-week intervals until the lesions were soft and flat. Postoperative efficacy, complications, recurrence, and patient satisfaction were analyzed.

Results:

A high improvement of the keloid was observed in 13 (81.2%) lesions. No major complications and no recurrence of the keloid were detected during the follow-up period (mean, 35 months). Regarding patient satisfaction, nine (81.8%) considered their result as excellent.

Conclusion:

This study showed that this approach is effective regardless of the keloid location at the auricle.

What Do We Know About Treating Recalcitrant Auricular Keloids? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background:

Recalcitrant auricular keloids are keloids that have recurred after any previous treatment. They have been shown to have an increased likelihood of recurrence. There is no consensus on how best to treat recalcitrant auricular keloids. Here, we perform the first systematic review and meta-analysis investigating the evidence for treating recalcitrant auricular keloids.

Methods:

We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and EBM Reviews using specific keywords. Prespecified inclusion and exclusion criteria were used to assess article eligibility. Data were extracted for number of recalcitrant keloids, treatment modality, recurrence, and minimum follow-up time. Included articles were stratified by treatment and assigned a level of evidence (LOE) based on the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine guidelines. A meta-analysis was performed to estimate recurrence rates with 95% confidence intervals for each treatment modality.

Results:

A total of 887 unique articles were identified and 13 included. Eleven were LOE III and 2 were LOE IV. Recurrence rates were found to be 9% (95% CI: 3%-25%) for excision with adjuvant brachytherapy, 14% (95% CI: 12%-17%) for excision with adjuvant compression therapy, 17% (95% CI: 3%-56%) for excision with adjuvant external beam radiation, and 18% (95% CI: 4%-53%) for excision with adjuvant steroid injections. No statistical significant difference was found.

Conclusions:

Data for treatment of auricular keloids are heterogeneous with few high-quality studies. Excision with adjuvant brachytherapy has the lowest recurrence rate in our analysis. Narrow confidence intervals reported here for brachytherapy and compression therapy may help surgeons more confidently recommend either of these treatment modalities to patients.

Correlation of Melanin Content with Collagen Density in Keloid Patients

BACKGROUND: Keloid is a form of wound healing that results from fibrous tissue activity. It can develop beyond the boundaries of the original wound, extends into the dermis layer, and disrupting the appearance. Previously, no studies have revealed a correlation between melanin pigment and keloid. AIM: This research aimed to describe the correlation between melanin concentration and collagen deposition in keloid tissue. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective study conducted through the application of a cross-sectional analytic survey method. The color of the skin was measured using a chromameter, and a histopathologic examination was performed on the skin surrounding the keloid, as well as the keloid tissue. Data were analyzed using a t-test, correlation, and linear regression statistics. RESULTS: The results showed a significant difference between melanin concentration and collagen deposition in the skin surrounding the keloid tissue. No significant difference was observed between melanin concentration in the surrounding skin of keloid and those in the keloid tissue, as well as collagen deposition. Meanwhile, the melanin concentration in the surrounding skin of keloid and keloid tissue had a significant relationship with fibrocytes number. CONCLUSION: There is a significant correlation between melanin concentrations and collagen density in the keloid tissue.

The Keloid Intervention Benefit Inventory 21: A New Assessment Tool for the Quality of Life of Patients with Auricular Keloids

The assessment of the quality of life (QoL) of patients with chronic diseases before and after medical interventions has gained increasing importance in recent decades. Particularly for patients with visible keloid scars in the head and neck region, standardized measurement tools are either absent or have been shown to be insufficient. The aim of the present study was to create a new standardized questionnaire that is specific to auricular keloid patients and reflects their clinical symptoms and QoL. The Keloid Intervention Benefit Inventory 21 (KIBI-21) questionnaire was developed in two stages. First, a group of experts identified a pool of 26 questions and modified and supplemented the items through a comparison with existing QoL assessments so that they related to keloid-specific clinical symptoms and the QoL of patients with auricular keloids before and after a medical intervention. This questionnaire was distributed to 27 outpatients who had undergone medical interventions for visible auricular keloids. Second, a sequential statistical analysis was conducted. This included a single-item assessment and reduction, analysis for internal consistency, construct validity, and divergence validity as well as a factor analysis. The analyses were performed for the entire questionnaire and for the items in the subcategories General Health, Physical Symptoms, Self-Esteem, and Social Impact. The final version of this newly validated and standardized KIBI questionnaire consisted of 21 items, of which each item was assigned to only one subscale. The questionnaire showed a Cronbach's α of 0.84 with a good internal consistency. In the item correlation validity, strong associations were found in all subscales, except for the Social Impact Subscale. The keloid-specific QoL questionnaire KIBI-21 proved to be a reliable and reproducible instrument to assess the QoL and clinical symptoms in patients suffering from auricular keloids before and after a medical treatment.

Assessing keloid recurrence following surgical excision and radiation

Keloids are a fibroproliferative disorder that can result from a cutaneous injury to the reticular dermis. Recurrence rates as high as 100% have been reported following surgical excision alone. Consequently, a variety of post-surgical techniques have been employed to prevent keloid recurrence, including the use of radiation. Although numerous studies have shown post-excisional X-rays, electron beam, lasers and brachytherapy can reduce the rate of keloid recurrence, numerous inconsistencies, including a wide range of definitions for keloid recurrence, make it difficult to compare study outcomes. The review aims to examine the various means for defining keloid recurrence in clinical trials involving the use of radiation therapy. Searches of the Cochrane Library and PubMed were performed to identify the available information for post-surgical keloid recurrence following radiation therapy. Each identified study was reviewed for patient follow-up and criteria used to define keloid recurrence. The search results included clinical studies with external beam radiation, brachytherapy and superficial radiation therapy. Many studies did not include a definition of keloid recurrence, or defined recurrence only as the return of scar tissue. Other studies defined keloid recurrence based on patient self-assessment questionnaires, symptoms and scar elevation and changes in Kyoto Scar Scale, Japan Scar Workshop Scale and Vancouver Scar Scale scores. The results of this review indicate keloidectomy followed by radiation therapy provide satisfactory recurrence rates; however, clinical studies evaluating these treatments do not describe treatment outcomes or use different definitions of keloid recurrence. Consequently, recurrence rates vary widely, making comparisons across studies difficult. Keloid recurrence should be clearly defined using both objective and subjective measures.

Surgical excision combined with fully ablative carbon dioxide laser therapy and triamcinolone injections as a potential treatment for keloids in children

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE

Keloids represent a functional and esthetic burden and can be particularly challenging to treat. Various topical, injectable, and ablative therapies exist but are associated with significant recurrence if used alone. We wanted to evaluate the long-term efficacy of multimodal therapy in pediatric patients treated for keloids at the Sainte-Justine University Hospital Center.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective case study of 21 children with 21 keloids treated between April 2006 and April 2016. The following combination of treatments was studied: surgical excision, carbon dioxide (CO₂ ) laser therapy on the surgical site, and triamcinolone acetonide (TAC) intralesional injections during surgery and follow-up. Depending on the site treated, pressure garments and/or topical silicone were also used.

RESULTS

Of the 21 patients initially treated, four were lost to follow-up. Of the 17 patients who had adequate follow-up (mean duration 18 months, with periodic reassessments and additional TAC injections if needed), 6 (35%) had some recurrence, with remission in three of them following subsequent treatment and three lost to follow-up. In summary, 14 (82.4%) of the patients with adequate follow-up had complete clearance of the keloid. However, this must be interpreted in light of the fact there was a significant loss of follow-up (33.3%) from the initial cohort.

CONCLUSION

Our results are in agreement with other recent studies that demonstrate the need for multimodal therapy with combined methods in order to achieve long-term remission. A randomized controlled trial would be necessary to assess the real benefit of this treatment combination in children.

Dermatologic Conditions in Transgender Populations

Transgender persons receiving gender-affirming hormone therapy and procedures may face specific skin conditions. Skin diseases in transgender patients often are underdiagnosed and underrecognized despite their important impact on quality of life and mental health. This article discusses pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of common skin diseases in the transgender populations. For transmasculine patients, conditions include acne vulgaris and male pattern hair loss. For transfeminine patients, conditions include hirsutism, pseudofolliculitis barbae, and melasma. Postprocedural keloids and other cutaneous complications are discussed. Unique aspects of skin health in transgender persons should be considered in the context of multidisciplinary gender-affirming care.

Treating Scars in the Auricle Region

This article provides a review of the surgical and nonsurgical options available to manage a variety of auricular scars. The basics of wound healing are discussed in addition to the etiology of keloids and the cauliflower ear. Many auricular scars can be revised with scar excision techniques, but separate discussions for the treatment of keloids and the cauliflower ear are provided. The management plan for auricular scarring requires appropriate patient counseling regarding the risk of recurrence in keloids, regrowth of scar tissue in cauliflower ears, scar hypertrophy at the line of closure, widening of the scar, and persisting ear contour deformities.