How Superficial Radiation Therapy Works to Treat Keloids

For starters, you might be wondering -- what exactly is superficial radiation? Known as a tissue-preserving technology, superficial radiation therapy uses high-energy rays and particles to kill cancer cells. The procedure is painless and comparable to getting an X-ray, only with stronger radiation targeted to a precise area on your skin.

This same technology that targets cancer cells is also useful in the treatment of keloid scars.

If you have keloid scars that you’d like to get removed, it may be time to schedule a superficial radiation therapy treatment with one of our doctors at HK Dermatology. Based in San Juan Capistrano, Dr. Jeffrey Klein and his talented staff are experts in dermatological treatments.

Here’s how we can use superficial radiation therapy to treat your keloids.     

What are keloid scars?

Keloid scars are non-malignant tumors. They can be raised, or sometimes engorged, concentrations of scar tissue that form after serious cuts or traumatic injuries, like surgical incisions. In some individuals, keloids can even form after minor scratches and acne.

Around 18 million people worldwide have a genetic predisposition to forming keloids as a reaction to skin trauma. While keloids aren’t fatal, they can cause pain, itching, discomfort, impaired mobility, or increased self-consciousness. So, there are reasons that you’ll want to have them removed.   

Treating keloids with superficial radiation therapy

Superficial radiation therapy works by only penetrating 5mm below the surface of the skin. It only targets cancer cells, allowing healthy cells a chance to survive and flourish.

First, one of our doctors removes the keloid with surgical excision. Then, they apply the radiation therapy.  

Because keloids are also tumors (of the non-malignant type), superficial radiation therapy is designed to treat them. And because keloid scars are sensitive to X-ray radiation, this form of therapy has been shown to prevent keloids from coming back, with a 10% or lower recurrence rate.

What to expect with superficial radiation therapy for keloids

Superficial radiation therapy is administered in a series of brief 30 second treatments. Patient return for a brief 30-60 second treatment for 1 to 3 days, beginning the day after surgical excision of the keloid.

Dr. Klein and his expert team use an advanced radiotherapy machine known as the SRT-100™, and treatments are applied in our offices on an outpatient basis.

Get rid of your keloid scars today

We understand that keloid scars are more than a minor nuisance. They can cause real pain and discomfort, getting in the way of your daily activities and sometimes affecting your range of motion.

If you have keloid scars and can’t seem to get rid of them using more conservative treatment options, schedule a consultation with us to see if superficial radiation therapy is right for you. Call or schedule an appointment directly on our website today.