Belly Button Piercing Keloid: Understanding, Treating, and Managing
Belly Button Piercing Keloid
Belly button piercings, also known as navel piercings, are a popular form of body art. However, they do carry certain risks, one of which is the development of belly button piercing keloids.
This article will dive deep into the topic of belly button piercing keloids, exploring their causes, treatment options, and the costs associated with keloid removal.
Understanding Keloids
Before we delve into the specifics of belly button piercing keloids, it’s crucial to understand what keloids are and why they form.
What Are Keloids?
Keloids are a type of raised scar that extends beyond the original wound site, resulting from an overgrowth of scar tissue. They can be red, pink, or skin-colored and can vary in size. While they don’t pose a serious health risk, they can cause discomfort, itching, pain, and cosmetic concerns (Goldenberg & Goldberg, 2010)[^1^].
Keloids can develop anywhere on the body but are commonly seen at sites of trauma or injury, which includes body piercings. Although anyone can develop a keloid, certain individuals are more prone to them due to genetic factors and skin type.
Belly Button Piercing Keloids
Body piercing, including belly button piercing, is a risk factor for keloid formation. It’s not the piercing itself that causes a keloid but the body’s exaggerated response to the skin injury inflicted by the piercing.
Why Do Belly Button Piercing Keloids Form?
The exact reason why some people develop keloids is still not completely understood. However, it is believed that keloids result from an abnormal response to skin healing after injury. Instead of forming a normal scar, the body overproduces collagen, leading to an excess of scar tissue and the formation of a keloid (Berman & Bieley, 1995)[^2^].
The process can be influenced by several factors, including skin type, genetic predisposition, and the location and type of skin injury. Those with darker skin tones are more likely to develop keloids, and injuries that involve a high degree of tension on the skin, such as piercings, tend to be more prone to keloid formation.
Treatment Options for Belly Button Piercing Keloids
Treating belly button piercing keloids can be a challenging task due to their tendency to recur after removal. Here are several common treatment options:
Intralesional Steroid Injections
One of the primary treatments for keloids is intralesional steroid injections. These injections help to reduce inflammation, slow down collagen production, and decrease keloid size and symptoms. Multiple treatment sessions are usually required, often spaced 4-6 weeks apart (Goldenberg & Goldberg, 2010)[^1^].
Surgical Removal
Surgical removal is another option, particularly for larger keloids. However, the risk of keloid recurrence after surgery is high. Therefore, surgery is often combined with other treatments such as intralesional steroids or radiation therapy to decrease the chances of recurrence (Berman & Boutros, 1996)[^3^].
Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy involves freezing the keloid with liquid nitrogen, which helps to reduce the size and soften the keloid. It can cause skin discoloration, especially in individuals with darker skin, and is often used in combination with other treatments like intralesional steroids (Rusciani et al., 2006)[^4^].
Laser Therapy
Lasers, particularly pulsed-dye lasers, can be used to reduce redness, improve texture, and flatten keloids. Multiple treatments are often necessary, and this approach may be combined with other modalities such as intralesional steroids (Alster & Zaulyanov-Scanlon, 2007)1.
Pressure Therapy and Silicone Sheets
Pressure therapy and silicone sheets can also be effective in managing keloids, especially when used after surgery. These methods work by reducing tension on the skin, which helps to minimize collagen production and prevent the keloid from returning (Berman & Bieley, 1995)2.
Radiotherapy
Radiotherapy, or the use of radiation, is sometimes employed post-surgery to prevent keloid recurrence. While effective, its use is typically reserved for severe cases due to potential long-term risks (Sclafani et al., 1996)[^6^].
Belly Button Piercing Keloid Removal Cost
The cost of keloid removal can vary widely depending on the chosen treatment method, the size and location of the keloid, and geographical location. According to the Healthcare Bluebook, the typical cost for surgical removal of a skin lesion (including a keloid) ranges from $150 to $400 in an outpatient setting[^7^]. However, this doesn’t include the costs of anesthesia, facility fees, or the potential need for follow-up treatments.
Intralesional steroid injections, cryotherapy, laser therapy, and other non-surgical treatments may have lower upfront costs but often require multiple sessions, which can increase the overall cost. It’s crucial to consult with a healthcare provider for an accurate estimate based on your specific circumstances.
Finding Keloid Removal Services Near You
When looking for a “keloid removal near me,” consider the following steps:
- Research Dermatologists: Look for board-certified dermatologists in your area with experience in treating keloids. The American Academy of Dermatology’s ‘Find a Derm’ tool is a good starting point[^8^].
- Read Reviews: Once you’ve found potential candidates, check their reviews and ratings on platforms like Healthgrades or Zocdoc.
- Consultation: Contact us at Divine Dermatology, PLLC, to schedule a consultation and discuss your treatment options, the potential costs, and to get a feel for the practitioner’s approach and experience.
Conclusion
Belly button piercing keloids are an overgrowth of scar tissue that occurs as a response to the skin trauma caused by the piercing. While they can be challenging to treat due to their high recurrence rate, multiple treatment options exist, ranging from steroid injections and surgery to cryotherapy and laser therapy.
The cost of keloid removal can vary widely, so it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional to get an accurate estimate based on your unique circumstances. Remember, seeking treatment from a board-certified dermatologist experienced in managing keloids is crucial in obtaining the best possible outcome.
References
1. Goldenberg, G., & Goldberg, D. J. (2010). The management of keloids. Skin Therapy Letter, 15(7), 5-7.
2. Berman, B., & Bieley, H. C. (1995). Keloids. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 33(1), 117-123.
3. Berman, B., & Boutros, S. (1996). The role of intralesional bleomycin in the treatment of keloids. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 4(6), 644-646.
4. Rusciani, L., Paradisi, A., Alfano, C., Chiummariello, S., & Rusciani, A. (2006). Cryotherapy in the treatment of keloids. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 5(7), 591-595.
5. Alster, T. S., & Zaulyanov-Scanlon, L. (2007). Laser scar revision: A review. Dermatologic Surgery, 33(2), 131-140.
6. Sclafani, A. P., Gordon, L., Chadha, M., & Romo, T. (1996). Prevention of earlobe keloid recurrence with postoperative corticosteroid injections versus radiation therapy: A randomized, prospective study and review of the literature. Dermatologic Surgery, 22(6), 569-574.
7. Healthcare Bluebook. (2023). Skin Lesion Removal. Retrieved from https://www.healthcarebluebook.com/
8. American Academy of Dermatology. (2023). Find a Dermatologist. Retrieved from https://www.aad.org/public/find-a-dermatologist
Hopefully this article was helpful in your skincare journey. Welcome to Divine Dermatology, PLLC – your beacon for skin care in St. Petersburg, Florida. Under the skilled guidance of Carol Sims-Robertson, MD, our office celebrates all skin types and ages, curating personalized treatments that enhance your natural beauty.
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