There are 4 basic types of acne scars: ice-pick, rolling, boxcar, and hypertrophic/keloid.
It’s important to know which type of scar you have, since different types of scars require different treatment options if you want to get rid of them.
Of the 4 types of scars, hypertrophic and keloid scars are typically the most severe.
So let’s get right into it and talk about hypertrophic and keloid scars. First will look at what they actually are, how they form, and what your treatment options are for getting rid of them.
What Are Hypertrophic & Keloid Acne Scars?
Hypertrophic or keloid scars are severe types of acne scars. Unlike other acne scars, which are depressions in the skin, hypertrophic scars are raised. This means that rather than having a loss of tissue in the area, your body has actually created extra tissue and that is what causes the scar in the form of a bump.
The only thing that determines whether a scar is hypertrophic or keloid is the area which the scar occupies. Hypertrophic scars occupy the site of the original wound (the acne lesion), while keloid scars grow beyond the boundary of the original wound.
These types of scars may feel rubbery to the touch, and may even itch.
Keloid and hypertrophic scars are more commonly found on the chest and back, however they can occur on the face as well.
Hypertrophic & Keloid Acne Scar Pictures
Here are some pictures of keloid and hypertrophic scars, to give you a better idea of what they look like.
What Causes Hypertrophic & Keloid Acne Scars?
Keloid and hypertrophic scars, like all scars, are formed by collagen. In this case, they form when the body tries to repair damaged tissue but ends up filling the area with more collagen than is needed. The result of the extra tissue is a raised bump, which is the scar.
Unlike some other types of acne scars, hypertrophic scars don’t always extend deep into the skin to the subcutaneous tissue, and may be closed to the surface.
Hypertrophic & Keloid Acne Scar Treatment Options
Due to the severity of this type of scarring, there are fewer treatment options available that show any sort of effectiveness.
Still, it is possible to either eliminate them altogether or at least reduce the appearance of keloid and hypertrophic scars.
Here are some of the most effective hypertrophic scar treatments.
Steroid Injections
The oldest and still most popular type of treatment for severe hypertrophic scarring is steroid injections.
It works by inhibiting the growth of certain fibrous tissues, and reducing the amount of collagen in the scar. This lowers the bump closer to the level of the skin, thus reducing the appearance of the scar.
Cryosurgery
Another option for treating keloids and other hypertrophic scars is something called cryosurgery. Basically, it means freezing the scar off the skin.
Studies have shown that it is both safe and effective, but it best performed after steroid injections have already reduced the size of the scar. This is the combination of treatments which tends to produce the best results.
Laser Treatments
Not yet proven to work for keloid or hypertrophic scars, laser surgery has been known to be effective for some patients.
Using a laser, the scar can literally be burned off the skin. This type of treatment is actually more suited for other types of acne scars, however keloids and hypertrophic scars seem to also respond well to it.
