Mole scars

Question: I'm 21 years old and have awful scars from having moles removed. I had four moles removed in 1999 and was never informed that the scars could be about seven times the size of the actual mole, and that they could turn into keloid. I now have large scars which really make me self-conscious! I went to a mole scan and got two of them recut to get a better scar, but it hasn't worked. I have been told in the past that I have keloid scars, but I went to see a specialist for it and was told that it's not keloid, that it's hypotrophic, and that I need to see a good plastic surgeon. I don't know how much it would cost or what can be done, but I get really depressed about it and am so upset that I wasn't even warned that I could get such scarring. Being only 14 at the time, I had no idea! Is there any help? Can you give me some advice?

Answer: Unfortunately all surgical procedures result in scars, but in your case the scars are more significant. Keloid scarring is similar to hypertrophic scarring and the treatment is also the same.

The first option is non-surgical treatment with corticosteroid injection into the scars to decrease their size combined with silicone sheeting on the scars. Surgery may be an option but may not be the best choice. A plastic surgeon would be able to advise you of the best options.