For years, Jorge thought surgery had ended his battle with Acne Keloidalis Nuchae (AKN). Unfortunately, like many patients, he learned the hard way that removal alone doesn’t guarantee the condition won’t return. After a decade of painful bumps, failed treatments, and one unsuccessful surgery, Jorge’s scalp lesion came back. Out of options, he sought help from AKN specialist Dr. Sanusi Umar, known for his advanced, recurrence-prevention techniques.
What Causes Acne Keloidalis Nuchae?
Jorge initially believed a haircut triggered his AKN, but the truth is more complex. AKN develops when a combination of factors work together to inflame and scar hair follicles, including:
- Coarse hair and thick skin causing ingrown hairs and triggering inflammation
- Friction and micro-injuries from shaving, shirt collars, and headwear
- Immune responses that treat ingrown hairs as foreign bodies, causing excess collagen buildup, which results in scarring
- Genetics making some people more prone to developing AKN
Why AKN Often Comes Back After Surgery, and How Dr. Umar Prevents It
When first-line therapies like steroids, injectables, and antibiotics can’t cure AKN, patients often turn to surgery as their last resort. However, having surgery to remove the scalp bumps doesn’t mean they can’t return. For Jorge, his surgery failed, and the large lesion at the back of his head came back. The factors that cause AKN, mentioned earlier, and other causes such as incomplete removal of hair follicles, poorly managed post-operative healing, and the lack of a preventative strategy after surgery, can all exacerbate the skin condition and cause it to recur. This is when patients like Jorge turn to Dr. Umar, whose expertise makes him the best person to treat these challenging cases.
Dr. Sanusi Umar’s Approach To AKN
Jorge didn’t just want the scalp bumps gone; he also wanted peace of mind and the freedom to do what he wanted without worrying about them. When Dr. Umar surgically excises an AKN scalp bump, he is not only removing the lesion, but also the conditions that cause the skin condition to develop in the first place. To close the wound, Dr. Umar used his patented Athena Suture Kit, a tool he invented to gradually close wounds without tissue damage. Jorge had to undergo a strict post-surgery routine to facilitate proper healing and prevent AKN recurrence.
Lasting Freedom from AKN
After 10 years of suffering, Jorge is finally free from his chronic scalp inflammation. His large scalp bump is gone, and he only has minimal scarring after two AKN removal surgeries. He is finally free to live his life on his terms, thanks to the expertise of Dr. Umar. “If I found you before,” he told Dr. Umar, “I would have been here way before.”
Check out our Instagram Reel on Jorge’s story:
Jorge is just one of many patients who have dealt with AKN recurrence. It’s more common than you think, so it’s important to consult with doctors who can deploy strategies to remove AKN and prevent it from coming back. If you or anyone you know is suffering from AKN, fill out our free online consultation form to be reviewed by Dr. Umar.
Individual results may vary. This story reflects one patient’s personal experience with Acne Keloidalis Nuchae (AKN) and treatment with Dr. Umar. Consult with a qualified physician for personalized advice.
