Keloid or Hypertrophic Scar?

[anxiousladybug]

Hello, I am a 31 female who had a loop recorder inserted in November of 2021. The incision did not stay closed and a raised scar formed within a few weeks. It has not changed shape, grown, or spread since it occurred and I have never had any issues with scarring before or since. It is quite raised, smooth, shiny and pink with red around the edges. It has gotten a lot paler towards the center than when it formed. It doesn’t cause me any discomfort or issues at all. I am concerned because I’m wanting to get my nose pierced and I fear keloid formation if this is what it happens to be. Does this sound like keloid scarring or hypertrophic scarring? I have no family history of keloids and have never had one myself and I have quite a few normal scars. Any advice would be appreciated! Thank you in advance :)

[Sara_MHModerator]

Hello and welcome to the forum! We're glad to have you here.  So, I understand that this scar is standing out to you. I know it can be hard to get into dermatologists these days quickly but that's always an option for medically evaluating this scar.  If you formed keloid, I'd think you'd have noticed it elsewhere.  Are your ears pierced for example? This is a common place. This article explains Keloid scarring and also has remedies you can try to reduce the scar you currently have. As to a nose piercing, this article also talks about non metal backs to nose rings and earrings to help cut down on Keloid scars.  https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319900#treating-keloids-at-home  Give that a read and let me know what you think.