What a Keloid Scar Is

A keloid scar is a type of raised, thickened scar that forms when the body produces excess collagen during healing. Unlike regular scars, keloids can grow beyond the original injury site and may feel firm, lumpy, or rubbery. They can develop after surgery, acne, piercings, insect bites, or minor skin injuries.

While they’re benign (not cancerous), keloids can be cosmetically concerning and sometimes itchy or tender, which leads many people to pursue professional treatment.

Why Keloids Form

Keloids happen when the body’s normal wound-healing response overshoots, producing too much collagen and causing scar tissue to overgrow. Some people are genetically more prone to keloids, and they tend to be more common on the chest, shoulders, back, and earlobes.

Treatment Approaches

Treating keloid scars is typically multi-step and customized because they are known for being stubborn and having a high chance of recurrence if treated too aggressively or alone.

 Pressure & Silicone Therapy

• Pressure dressings or silicone gel/sheets over the scar help flatten and soften the tissue over time.
• These approaches are often used as first-line maintenance or after other treatments.

 Steroid Injections

• Corticosteroid injections into the keloid can reduce inflammation and scar thickness.
• These are often repeated over multiple sessions and help decrease size and symptom severity.

 Laser & Light Treatments

• Laser therapies can help smooth texture, reduce redness, and assist collagen remodeling.
• They’re generally used as part of a combination plan for gradual improvement.

 Cryotherapy (Freezing)

• Targeted freezing of scar tissue can help reduce the size of smaller keloids.
• Often combined with other methods because freezing alone may not fully resolve a keloid.

 Microneedling & Energy-Based Devices

• Controlled micro-injuries or radiofrequency can stimulate renewed collagen alignment and improve texture.
• These are usually repeated in sequence with other modalities.

 Combination Treatments

• Because keloids tend to recur, a combination of injections, pressure/silicone therapy, and energy treatments is often more effective than any single method alone.

Treatment Experience

Consultation:
A professional examines the scar to assess size, location, and how it behaves (firm vs raised). This helps decide the best mix of approaches.

Sessions:
Most effective plans involve multiple sessions spaced weeks apart rather than a single treatment.

Comfort:
Many treatments include topical or local numbing to minimize discomfort. Patients generally tolerate sessions well.

Healing & Aftercare

• Downtime: Varies; some treatments have little to no downtime, while others may involve minor redness or sensitivity for days.
• Sun Protection: Daily sunscreen is important to prevent pigmentation changes around the treated area.
• Maintenance: Ongoing pressure therapy or silicone application is often recommended to help prevent recurrence.

Outcomes & Expectations

• Gradual improvement: Keloid reduction usually happens over several weeks and sessions.
• Symptom relief: Besides size reduction, itching or tenderness often decreases.
• Recurrence risk: Keloids can come back, so long-term strategies and maintenance care are common parts of treatment plans.

Who Typically Seeks Treatment

People pursue keloid care not only for cosmetic improvement but also for relief from:

• Itching
• Discomfort or rubbing from clothing
• Psychological or self-image concerns

Treating keloids tends to be more effective when started early and managed with a balanced, gradual approach rather than aggressive single interventions.