Keloid treatment: Is there a role for acellular human dermis (Alloderm)?

Abstract

Keloid management is faced with high recurrence rates. Keloid fibroblasts lack the normal negative feedback mechanism resulting in an exuberant scar formation. Alloderm doesn't undergo the same proliferative process as keloidal scar dermis. To evaluate Alloderm as a treatment modality for keloids A retrospective chart review of six patients with a total of eight large recurrent keloids was performed. Patients were treated with excision of the keloid followed by placement of Alloderm. Each patient was evaluated for recurrence and complications. During follow-up ranging from 1 month to 4(1/2) years there were 0% recurrences. Two out of 8 (25%) had residual induration. one of the two patients with residual induration, required an intralesional injection of kenalog at 6 months post-op. Our results from this small study show that with the use of Alloderm after keloid excision, recurrence is low. Further study is warranted.