Successful Treatment of Post-operative Keloid with Combined Cryotherapy and Ablative Fractional CO2 Laser

Abstract

Keloids are pathologic fibroproliferative conditions characterized by excessive collagen deposition during wound healing. The pathogenesis of keloids is not fully understood, and current treatment options show variable results. In this case report, the patient developed a keloid after bilateral total thyroidectomy, and was treated with a combination approach using fractional ablative laser systems along with cryotherapy and triamcinolone injection. After seven monthly sessions of combination treatment, the patient presented marked improvement of the scar texture and symptoms. Furthermore, there was no recurrence for up to 2 years. We propose this combination as a safe and effective treatment option for keloid patients.