An overview of superficial radiation of surgical keloidectomy sites to reduce keloid recurrences

Background Keloids adversely impact medical, cosmetic and psychological health and are detrimental to the quality of life of those affected. The clinical challenge following surgical excision of keloids is the high, 71%, recurrence rate. Based on its ability to suppress wound healing, judicious use of low‐dose, fractionated superficial radiation therapy (SRT) has been successful in reducing post‐keloidectomy keloid recurrences. Objective This overview focusses on the reported safety and efficacies of differing dosing and fractionation regimens of SRT of keloidectomy surgical sites to reduce keloid. Methods A literature review regarding superficial radiation of surgical keloidectomy sites to reduce keloid recurrences. Results Postsurgical treatment of keloid excision suture lines with several fractions of SRT reduces keloid recurrence rates. An effective and safe treatment protocol is a biologically effective dose of 3000 cGy (BED 30) with three fractions of 600 cGy on postoperative days 1, 2, and 3. Fractionation of the SRT dose reduces the risk of hyperpigmentation and other adverse events. Conclusion Judicious use of low‐dose, fractionated superficial radiation therapy safely and effectively reduces the rate of post‐keloidectomy keloid recurrences.