Intense Light Pulse Laser & Steroid Injections

I had an appointment for a consultation with a Cosmetic & Plastics Specialist yesterday. I've been contemplating whether or not to reach out to specialists in the Los Angeles area, but thought I should do some research for people around my area first (San Francisco Bay).

Anyway, the appointment went well. I explained to my doctor that I've been getting on and off treatments for my scars for a few years but I was interested in other approaches.

She suggested that we try intense pulse light laser treatments, immediately followed by steroid injections for 4 weeks at a time. So I had my first pulse light treatment, which was super quick!

Pulse Light Laser:

Basically, I sat down on a chair (kinda looked like a dentist chair), and she put googles on me to protect my eyes from the laser flashes. I didn't feel any pain. It just felt like quick puffs of air, and flashes of heat. It kind of reminded me of camera lights flashing. It probably lasted less than 5 minutes altogether.

Right after the pulse light laser treatment, she asked me to take the googles off and immediately injected my scars with kenalog steroid. I don't miss these haha.

I must have looked scared, because she had to remind me to breathe.

Anyway, I took off my band aids this morning...

Here is a picture of what it looks like today. I know it's not going to get better overnight but keeping my hopes up that I will see some progress in the next coming months...

The doctor also mentioned that the laser treatments usually will make your scars appear purple/more red before lightening it up (like a bruising effect).

Anyway, I scheduled my next appointment for next month. Praying that this will work!!

Hello

It's been so long since I've updated you guys...but that's mostly because I haven't really done anything as far as treatment. As you can see, my keloid is worst than ever. :/
It's really grown and is bulging, bumpy, dark red, and man---is it painful!
I really messed up. I have been uninsured for the past year, so I haven't seen any doctors...so no treatments. I tried REALLY hard to ignore the scar. I told myself, maybe I could live with it. It's not a big deal.

It IS a big deal though! When it gets so painful, that it's hard to sleep---I cannot ignore it any longer.
Trying to see a doctor via Medi-Cal was a JOKE! HA! SO found out really quick that there are no plastic surgeons/scar specialists that are covered through Medi-Cal. I tried to see someone through my University's Health Center, but they are really just there to refer out...

Anyway, I finally bit the bullet---and am paying $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ for Kaiser (Silver Plan! haha).
It's costs as much as a new car payment, but what choice do I have?

Starting Aug 01, I will be covered! I'll be seeing a new doctor. I want to start on Kenalog injections again, and see where that goes. I recently moved too, so I'm hoping my new doctor will be more supportive of my scar treatment process. Wish me luck everyone! I'll make sure to update more frequently!


Current Treatment: Silicon sheets only (drug store brand), sometimes I use prescribed Cordran tape (but I'm running out soo I've been using it sparingly)
Progress: None
Plan: Find a new doctor stat!