Surgical excision combined with postoperative radiotherapy is considered one of the most radical but most effective keloid therapeutic option. However, radiotherapy may not be appropriate for all keloid patients.

The objective of a new study published in Dermatologic Therapy was to propose an alternate approach for the prevention of keloid recurrence, and to provide preliminary assessment in clinical efficacy of this modality for keloids.

Here, 38 consecutive patients of Asian origin and with different keloid sites underwent excision without postoperative radiation. After surgery, the tension offloading device was used for at least six months, for the purpose of continuous tension reduction at surgery incision. Scars were assessed independently using scar scale at before and 24-month follow-up.

It was observed that three patients suffered relapses and the recurrence rate was 7.9%. Both of VSS (Vancouver Scar Scale) and JSW (Japan Scar Workshop Scar Scale) scores decreased significantly at 24-month follow-up visits. No severe complications were reported.

Hence, it was concluded that using the tension offloading device could greatly decrease tension on the surgical incision. The technique of continuous tension reduction could be used as an alternative method to prevent keloid recurrence, in patients who do not undergo radiotherapy.

Source: Dermatologic Therapy. 2020 May 10;e13553. doi: 10.1111/dth.13553.