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Smart Use of Skin Biopsy Punch in Treating Keloids: A Single-Center Retrospective Study

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Abstract

Background

Treatment of scarring has long been a problem due to high incidence and recurrence. Despite many existing treatment therapies, the efficacy remains unstable.

Objectives

To determine the efficacy and safety of skin biopsy punch in combination with corticosteroid injection (BPCI) in treating keloids.

Approach

This was a retrospective study. In total, 16 patients with keloids received BPCI. Changes in scar appearance, accompanied symptoms, and Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) were analyzed. Patient satisfaction, VAS scores, and adverse effects were also evaluated.

Results

Scar appearance, accompanied symptoms, and VSS scores improved significantly after the treatment. The total effective rate was 93.75% at an 18-month follow-up on average. The mean reduction rate of VSS score was 58.44% (p < 0.0001), especially in height and pliability (84.44% and 78.19%, p < 0.0001). The recurrence rate in this study was 12.5% (n = 2) at an 18-month follow-up on average. Mild adverse effects of pain, pruritus, hypopigmentation, and telangiectasia were recorded.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated BPCI might be an effective and safe therapy in keloids with a low long-time recurrence rate and well tolerance for patients.

Level of Evidence IV

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Data Availability

The text and image data of patients used to support the findings of this study are restricted by the Medical Ethics Committee of Dermatology Hospital of Southern Medical University in order to protect PATIENT PRIVACY. Data are available from Yixin Li, 2204170401@csu.edu.cn for researchers who meet the criteria for access to confidential data.

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Acknowledgments

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No.81 Kaifu Road, Kaifu District, Changsha, 410008, Hunan Province, China

    Yixin Li, Kai Huang, Wu Zhu & Shuang Zhao

  2. National Engineering Research Center of Personalized Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China

    Yixin Li, Jingyi Dong, Kai Huang, Wu Zhu & Shuang Zhao

  3. Hunan Engineering Research Center of Skin Health and Disease, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China

    Yixin Li, Jingyi Dong, Kai Huang, Wu Zhu & Shuang Zhao

  4. Hunan Key Laboratory of Skin Cancer and Psoriasis, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China

    Yixin Li, Jingyi Dong, Kai Huang, Wu Zhu & Shuang Zhao

  5. National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, Hunan, China

    Yixin Li, Jingyi Dong, Kai Huang, Wu Zhu & Shuang Zhao

  6. Department of Dermatologic Surgery and Dermatologic Oncology, Dermatology Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangdong Provincial Dermatology Hospital, 2 Lujing Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou, 510000, Guangdong Province, China

    Liuhong Liu, Dingheng Zhu & Renliang He

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  1. Yixin Li
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Correspondence to Shuang Zhao or Renliang He.

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The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest to disclose.

Human and Animal Rights

This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Dermatology Hospital of Southern Medical University (Approved number: 2021003).

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Patient provided informed consent to participate in this study.

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Li, Y., Dong, J., Liu, L. et al. Smart Use of Skin Biopsy Punch in Treating Keloids: A Single-Center Retrospective Study. Aesth Plast Surg (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00266-024-04000-6

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