Continuous tension reduction to prevent keloid recurrence after surgical excision: preliminary experience in Asian patients.

Surgical excision combined with postoperative radiotherapy is considered one of the most radical but most effective keloid therapeutic option. However, radiotherapy may not be appropriate for all keloid patients. In this study, we propose an alternate approach to prevent keloid recurrence and provide preliminary assessment in clinical efficacy of this treatment for keloids. Forty consecutive patients with different keloid sites underwent excision without postoperative radiation. After surgery, the tension offloading device was used at least 6 months for the purpose of continuous tension reduction at surgery incision. Scars were assessed independently using scar scale at before and 24-month follow-up. Overall, 38 patients completed this research. Clinical results showed that 35 patients achieved healing with an esthetic appearance at 24-month follow-up. Three patients showed relapse and the recurrence rate was 7.9%. Both of VSS (Vancouver Scar Scale) and JSW (Japan Scar Workshop Scar Scale) scores decreased significantly at 24-month follow-up visit than before. No severe complications were reported. Using the tension offloading device could greatly decrease tension on the surgical incision. The technique of continuous tension reduction could be used as an alternative method to prevent keloid recurrence under the condition of without radiotherapy.