Keloid Scar Treatment
Keloid scars are raised, thickened areas of scar tissue that extend beyond the boundaries of the original wound or injury.
They can develop after surgery, injury, acne, piercings or other forms of skin trauma and may cause concerns such as itching, tenderness, discomfort or changes in appearance.
At Specialist Skin & Laser Clinics, we offer personalised consultations for clients concerned about keloid scars.
During your consultation, your practitioner will assess the scar, discuss your symptoms and concerns, review your relevant medical history and previous scar treatments, and determine which management options may be appropriate for you.
Your consultation is an opportunity to receive clear information about potential benefits, limitations, risks, recurrence and expected outcomes before deciding whether you would like to proceed.
How it Works
Understanding Keloid Scars
Keloids develop when scar tissue continues to grow beyond the boundaries of the original wound.
They can vary considerably in size, thickness, colour, location and symptoms, and their behaviour can differ between individuals.
Because keloids have a tendency to persist or recur, treatment is not the same for every person and an individual assessment is important before deciding on an appropriate management approach.
Your Consultation
Your consultation begins with an assessment of the scar and a discussion about your concerns.
Your practitioner will consider factors such as:
- the size, thickness and location of the keloid
- how long it has been present
- whether it causes itching, tenderness or discomfort
- how the scar developed
- previous treatments and how the scar responded
- your medical history and individual tendency to develop keloids
Discussing Your Options
Following your assessment, your practitioner will discuss management options that may be appropriate for your individual circumstances.
Depending on the scar, options may include topical or silicone-based approaches, selected procedural treatments, or referral for other medical or surgical management where appropriate.
In some cases, a combination of approaches may be considered.
Potential benefits, limitations, risks, likelihood of recurrence, expected recovery and relevant alternatives will be discussed before you decide whether to proceed.
Your Treatment Plan
If treatment is considered appropriate, an individual management plan will be developed based on the characteristics of the keloid and your circumstances.
Some scars may require a series of treatments or ongoing management rather than a single procedure.
Your practitioner will explain the proposed approach and answer your questions before obtaining informed consent.
Aftercare & Follow-Up
Following treatment, you will receive individual aftercare instructions relevant to the procedure performed.
Follow-up may be recommended to assess healing, monitor changes in the scar and determine whether further management is appropriate.
| Benefits |
|---|
| ✔ Individual Scar Assessment Each keloid is assessed individually, taking into account its size, thickness, location, symptoms and previous treatment history. |
| ✔ Tailored Management Recommendations are based on the characteristics of your scar, your medical history and your individual circumstances. |
| ✔ Multiple Management Options Depending on your assessment, different non-surgical or procedural approaches may be considered as part of your management plan. |
| ✔ Symptoms Considered Your consultation can address not only the appearance of the scar but also symptoms such as itching, tenderness or discomfort. |
| ✔ Informed Decision-Making Potential benefits, limitations, risks, recurrence and expected recovery will be discussed before you decide whether you would like to proceed. |
| ✔ Ongoing Care Because keloids can recur, follow-up or longer-term management may be recommended in some circumstances. |
Preparation requirements depend on the proposed treatment.
During your consultation, please tell your practitioner about:
- medications and supplements you are taking
- allergies and relevant medical conditions
- how and when the keloid developed
- previous keloids or abnormal scarring
- previous treatments performed on the scar
- recent procedures in the treatment area
- active infection, irritation or broken skin
- any other information that may be relevant to your care
You may also be advised to avoid certain skincare products, excessive sun exposure or other procedures before treatment.
Do not stop taking prescribed medication unless advised to do so by the healthcare professional responsible for your care.
Aftercare requirements vary depending on the treatment performed.
Your practitioner may advise you to:
- keep the treated area clean
- avoid unnecessary rubbing, pressure or trauma
- use recommended topical or silicone products as directed
- protect the area from excessive sun exposure
- avoid certain procedures or skincare products while the area heals
Temporary redness, swelling, tenderness or other local effects may occur depending on the treatment performed.
You will be advised when follow-up is appropriate and when you should contact the clinic or seek medical attention.
Keloid scar treatment has limitations and potential risks, and outcomes vary between individuals.
A keloid may improve without disappearing completely, and recurrence can occur even after treatment.
Depending on the management approach, potential side effects may include redness, swelling, discomfort, changes in skin colour or pigmentation, irritation, altered skin texture or additional scarring.
Some procedures may also carry treatment-specific risks that your practitioner will discuss with you before you proceed.
Importantly, keloids can respond differently between individuals, and more than one treatment approach or ongoing management may be required.
No particular cosmetic outcome or permanent removal can be guaranteed.
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Frequently Asked Questions
A keloid is an overgrowth of scar tissue that extends beyond the boundaries of the original wound or injury.
It can occur following surgery, injury, acne, piercings or other forms of skin trauma.
Your practitioner will assess the scar, discuss your concerns and symptoms, review your relevant medical history and previous scar treatments, and determine which management options may be appropriate.
Keloid scar treatment should be performed or supervised by a qualified healthcare professional experienced in dermatologic or aesthetic procedures.
Not necessarily.
Treatment may help improve the appearance, thickness or symptoms of a keloid, but complete removal cannot be guaranteed.
Keloids can also recur after treatment.
The appropriate approach depends on the individual scar.
Depending on your assessment, options may include topical or silicone-based treatments, selected procedural treatments or referral for other medical or surgical management.
Your practitioner will explain which options may be suitable for you.
Some management approaches may help reduce symptoms such as itching, tenderness or discomfort.
The likely benefit depends on the scar and the treatment being considered.
Comfort levels vary depending on the procedure and the individual.
Some treatments may cause temporary discomfort. Where appropriate, measures to improve comfort can be discussed with you before treatment.
The number of treatments varies according to the size, thickness, location and behaviour of the keloid, together with your response to treatment.
Some keloids require a series of treatments or longer-term management.
Yes.
Keloids have a recognised tendency to recur, which is why follow-up and ongoing management may be recommended in some cases.
Yes.
Potential risks vary depending on the treatment and may include temporary redness, swelling, tenderness, pigmentation changes, irritation, altered skin texture, scarring or recurrence.
Your practitioner will explain the risks relevant to the proposed treatment before you proceed.
Not necessarily.
Some keloids may require assessment or management by another healthcare professional, particularly where surgical or specialist treatment may be appropriate.
If this applies to you, your practitioner will discuss the appropriate next steps.
This depends on the keloid and the treatment being used.
Your practitioner will discuss what you may reasonably expect and the timeframe for reviewing your response to treatment.
Costs depend on the scar and the management plan recommended following assessment.
Any applicable costs will be explained before you decide whether to proceed.
Keloid Scar treatments are available at our Albury clinic.