Clinical characteristics of facial keloids treated with surgical excision followed by intra- and postoperative intralesional steroid injections

摘要

Background: The physiopathogenesis of keloid scars is not well understood. This report aims to present the authors' experiences with facial keloids, to evaluate their treatment outcomes via a prospective study, and to identify risk factors involved in facial keloid recurrence. Methods: Patients with facial keloids were treated with surgical excision followed by intra- and postoperative intralesional steroid injections at Kangbuk Samsung Hospital between July 2005 and June 2010. Of 15 keloids, 8 (53.3%) had previously been treated unsuccessfully at other hospitals. The follow-up period was 18 months, and therapeutic outcomes were evaluated based on recurrence or nonrecurrence. Results: The study evaluated 17 facial keloids in 15 patients. The overall recurrence-free rate was 76.5% after a follow-up period of 18 months. The authors hypothesized that the recurrence of keloids on the face is associated with both previous treatment and anatomic location. Conclusions: The authors' protocol resulted in successful outcomes for the treatment of facial keloids. Patients with a history of previous treatment and keloids in the perioral region should be monitored closely for signs of recurrence and managed cautiously during treatment.