Hanlim University Dongtan Sacred Heart Hospital recently announced a milestone achievement of over 800 combined keloid surgery and radiation treatments. This success is attributed to the specialized keloid clinic, which has been operating within the hospital’s plastic surgery department since 2021.
The chest and breast area accounted for the highest percentage of treatments at 32%, followed by ears at 28%, upper limbs (including shoulders and back) at 17%, face and neck (including jaw) at 12%, and abdomen (including navel and sides) at 9%. Among patients, 67% presented with keloids in a single location, while 33% had keloids in multiple areas.
Keloids are a condition characterized by excessive collagen production during the healing process. This abnormal growth results in scars that extend beyond the original wound site, forming raised, firm tissue. While the exact cause remains unclear, experts believe genetic factors, individual constitution, and tension at the wound site play significant roles.
Dr. Kim Byung-jun, who heads the specialized keloid clinic, employs a comprehensive approach to treatment. He combines surgical and radiation therapies with other methods such as laser treatments, intralesional injections, and silicone sheet applications to provide tailored care for each keloid patient.
Dr. Kim explained that they’re continuously analyzing the efficacy of the combined treatments based on accumulated data. The ongoing research aims to develop optimal, personalized treatment strategies for each patient. It believes this individualized approach will lead to the best possible outcomes for those suffering from keloids.
He further emphasized the challenges in treating keloids, stating that keloids are notoriously difficult to treat, and patient responses can vary greatly. Unfortunately, this sometimes leads to patients discontinuing treatment prematurely. It’s committed to improving patients’ quality of life and helping them return to their daily routines through persistent research and advancements in surgical techniques.