What Are Keloid Scars?
Keloid scars are raised scars that form when the skin produces too much scar tissue while healing from an injury. Unlike normal scars, keloids continue to grow beyond the boundaries of the original wound. They can develop after acne, surgery, burns, piercings, cuts, or even minor skin injuries.
Keloids often appear smooth, firm, and thicker than the surrounding skin. While they are not harmful, they may cause itching, discomfort, or cosmetic concerns. These scars commonly occur on the chest, shoulders, jawline, neck, and earlobes, and often require specialised treatment to improve their appearance.
What Causes Keloid Scars?
Keloid scars can develop when the skin continues producing scar tissue even after a wound has healed. While the exact cause isn't always known, some factors can make them more likely to occur.
- Injuries to the Skin: Cuts, burns, surgical scars, and other injuries can trigger keloid growth.
- Piercings and Tattoos: Keloids commonly develop around ear piercings and can also form after tattoos.
- Acne Breakouts: Severe acne can leave behind scars that may develop into keloids, especially on the face, chest, and back.
- Genetics: A family history of keloids can increase your risk of developing them.
- Hormonal Factors: Changes in hormone levels during puberty or pregnancy may contribute to keloid formation.
What are the Different Types of Keloid Scars?
Keloid scars can vary in appearance, size, location, and the way they develop. Some of the common types of keloid scars include:
- Earlobe Keloids: Commonly develop after ear piercings or trauma to the earlobe. They appear as firm, raised growths that can gradually increase in size over time.
- Chest Keloids: Frequently occur on the chest following acne, injuries, surgery, or skin inflammation. These keloids tend to be larger and have a higher risk of recurrence.
- Shoulder and Upper Back Keloids: Often develop after acne, cuts, burns, or vaccinations. They may continue to expand beyond the original wound and become quite prominent.
- Jawline and Neck Keloids: Commonly associated with acne, ingrown hairs, or shaving-related irritation. These keloids can be particularly noticeable due to their facial location.
- Nodular Keloids: Characterized by firm, rounded, raised lumps of scar tissue. They are often thick, prominent, and can continue to grow if left untreated.
- Linear Keloids: Develop along surgical incisions, cuts, or traumatic wounds. They appear as elongated, raised scars that extend beyond the original injury margins.
What Are the Symptoms of Keloid Scars?
Keloid scars are different from normal scars because they continue to grow even after the skin has healed. They are usually easy to notice due to their size, texture, or appearance. While keloids are not harmful, they can sometimes cause discomfort and affect how you feel about your skin. Common signs and symptoms include:
- Raised Scar: Keloids appear as thick, raised scars that grow beyond the original wound or injury.
- Changes in Skin Colour: They may look pink, red, purple, brown, or darker than the surrounding skin.
- Firm Texture: Keloids often feel harder and thicker than normal skin and may have a smooth or shiny surface.
- Itching or Irritation: Some keloids can feel itchy, tight, or irritated, especially as they grow.
- Pain or Sensitivity: In certain cases, keloids may feel tender or uncomfortable when touched or rubbed against clothing or accessories.
- Continued Growth: Unlike regular scars that gradually fade, keloids can continue to grow slowly over time, even after the wound has fully healed.
Keloid Scar Treatment in Bangalore Offered at Anew?
At Anew Skin & Aesthetic Clinic, we offer personalised keloid scar treatment in Bangalore designed to reduce the appearance of raised scars, improve skin texture, and help prevent further growth. Depending on the size, location, and severity of the keloid, our doctors may recommend one or a combination of the following treatments:
CO₂ Laser Therapy
- Uses advanced FDA-approved CO₂ laser technology to precisely target excess scar tissue.
- Helps reduce the thickness and volume of keloid scars over multiple sessions.
- Improves skin texture by resurfacing the affected area and promoting skin renewal.
- Minimises damage to surrounding healthy skin through targeted treatment delivery.
- Creates a smoother, more even skin appearance while enhancing overall scar quality.
Intralesional Steroid Injections
- Steroid medication is injected directly into the keloid scar for targeted treatment.
- Helps reduce inflammation and excessive collagen production within the scar tissue.
- Softens hard, raised keloids and improves their overall appearance.
- Can help decrease symptoms such as itching, tenderness, and discomfort.
- Gradually reduces scar size and helps prevent further progression of the keloid.
Combination Treatment Approach
- Combines CO₂ laser therapy and steroid injections for a comprehensive treatment strategy.
- Targets both the visible scar tissue and the underlying causes of keloid formation.
- Enhances scar flattening and improves skin texture more effectively than a single treatment.
- Helps reduce the risk of recurrence by addressing excess collagen production.
- Provides customised treatment plans based on the scar's size, location, and severity.
Advanced Scar Management
- Additional therapies may be recommended depending on the type and extent of the keloid.
- Supports the healing process and optimises overall treatment outcomes.
- Helps improve skin texture, flexibility, and appearance over time.
- Focuses on long-term scar management and reducing the likelihood of recurrence.
- Tailored treatment recommendations ensure a personalised approach for every patient.
Then vs. Now
How is A Keloid Scar Treatment Diagnosed and Treated?
Every keloid scar is unique, which is why treatment begins with a thorough assessment of your skin and scar characteristics. If you're searching for keloid treatment near me, a personalised evaluation is the first step towards finding the right solution.
1. Diagnosis and Assessment
Our doctor examines the size, location, thickness, and appearance of the keloid to understand its severity and determine the most suitable treatment approach.
2. Personalised Treatment Planning
Based on the diagnosis, a customised treatment plan is created to address concerns such as scar size, redness, discomfort, and ongoing growth.
3. Treatment Sessions
Depending on your needs, treatment may involve laser therapy, steroid injections, or a combination of both. The number of sessions varies from person to person.
4. Aftercare and Monitoring
Following treatment, you'll receive detailed aftercare guidance and regular follow-ups to monitor healing and progress.
5. Long-Term Scar Management
As keloids can sometimes return, ongoing support and preventive recommendations help minimise the chances of recurrence.
Our Most Asked Questions
Keloids can form on almost any part of the body where the skin has been injured. However, they are more common on the chest, shoulders, upper back, earlobes, and cheeks. At Anew, we regularly treat keloids in these areas, whether small or large.
Keloid scars are generally not harmful and do not pose a serious health risk. However, they can continue to grow over time and may cause itching, tenderness, discomfort, or cosmetic concerns. In some cases, larger keloids can affect movement if they develop near a joint.
The most effective treatment depends on the size, type, and location of the keloid. At Anew, we use advanced US FDA-approved CO2 keloid laser treatment, often combined with steroid injections or silicone therapy, for safe and long-lasting results.
Keloid scars are known for their tendency to recur, but with the right treatment plan, the chances of them coming back are significantly reduced.
Recovery is usually quick. Most patients notice redness or mild swelling for a few days, but can resume their normal routine within 2–3 days. Our doctors provide aftercare guidance to ensure smooth healing.
The goal of keloid scar treatment is to reduce the size, thickness, and visibility of the scar. While it may not completely disappear, most patients notice a significant improvement in the scar's appearance, texture, and comfort.
The number of sessions varies from person to person. Smaller keloids may require fewer sessions, while larger or older scars may need multiple treatments.
The cost depends on the size of the keloid, the treatment method recommended, and the number of sessions required. A consultation is the best way to receive an accurate estimate.