Published on March 24, 2021. Last Updated on June 11, 2024.
This patient first came to see Dr.Bumpinator after an eight-year struggle with Acne Keloidalis Nuchae – AKN. Before this, he tried a nonsurgical approach at a different clinic using steroid injections. However, this did not get rid of his bump lesion. He then decided to choose Dr.Bumpinator as his service provider, hoping to achieve a discrete and inconspicuous linear scar. With Dr.Bumpinator’s surgical method to produce the best Acne Keloidalis Nuchae treatment results, this patient would also be able to have his final scar covered with his own hair growth.
Before Photos – AKN Class I Plaque
Due to the size and location of this patient’s bump lesions, this patient was categorized as an AKN Class I Plaque, according to Dr.Bumpinator’s system of classification.
The patient’s AKN bump is vertically narrow and located in the upper nuchal region.
Dr.Bumpinator’s categorization schema helps patients by allowing them to be matched with the most appropriate treatment format. By pairing specific cases with fitting methods, it is possible to expect the best possible cosmetic outcome (1) reliably.
Procedure Photos – Dr. Bumpinator’s Acne Keloidalis Nuchae Treatment Results – A Thin, Discrete Linear Scar
For this patient’s procedure, the most obvious starting point was to remove the actual AKN bump lesion through surgical excision. Dr.Bumpinator’s innovative surgical method would then result in a thin linear scar covered by the patient’s own hair growth.
After Photos – A Well Camouflaged Final Linear Scar
Here are images of this patient’s outcome, taken 14 years after his procedure with Dr.Bumpinator. Due to the successful growth of hair through the final linear scar, it is not even obvious that this patient had undergone any surgical removal or that AKN was even a problem in the first place. Can you tell that he even had a procedure done?
VIDEO: Acne Keloidalis Nuchae Treatment Results – No More Embarrassing Bumps
Watch this video to learn more about Dr. Bumpinator’s surgical journey and final scar outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions – AKN Removal
Should I see a dermatologist get rid of my AKN bumps?
Acne Keloidalist Nuchae removal requires a specialized treatment approach. Many doctors (dermatologists included) lack the expertise required to eliminate lesions and keep them from coming back permanently. Patients are often prescribed drug medications, injections, topicals, etc. However, these will not actually get rid of the unwanted tissue. Although AKN can be excised using surgery, Dr.Bumpinator recommends classifying each patient case to determine specific protocols for removal. It’s important to realize that the end goal is not just to get rid of the Acne Keloidalis Nuchae bumps but also to leave behind the most natural-looking final scar. This will require more advanced surgical methods. You will need to see a true specialist.
Is Acne Keloidalis Nuchae the same as razor bumps?
AKN starts as tiny bumps, resulting from close razor shaves on the back of the head. However, what makes them different from ordinary razor (shaved haircut) bumps is how the person’s skin responds. Affected individuals have a genetic predisposition to produce prolific collagen as a reaction to ingrown hair. Their immune systems mistake the hair shaft as a threat. The collagen is intended to heal the damage resulting from these attacks. So really, AKN does start as what appears to be regular razor bumps. But the bumps themselves (in predisposed individuals) are really starting a progressive and chronic skin issue.
Does AKN come back after surgical removal?
It really depends on how the surgical excision and wound closure was performed. Bumps are more like to return if the surgeon does not excise deeply enough to remove the affected tissue. Also, they can come back if the wrong wound closure method is used. Dr.Bumpinator has developed methods that aim towards long-term and permanent outcomes that patients can be happy with in the end.
References
- Umar, Sanusi et al. “Patient selection criteria and innovative techniques for improving outcome and cosmesis in acne keloidalis nuchae lesion excision and primary closure.” JAAD case reports vol. 5,1 24-28. 4 Dec. 2018
Further Reading
Discover how Dr.Bumpinator TERMINATED one man’s monstrous AKN bump for good
Learn more about the man behind Dr.Bumpinator
“Why Acne Keloidalis Nuchae Classification Leads to Better Treatment Results”
