Can surgical excision cause keloid scars?

A keloid is an overgrowth of scar tissue after skin injury. It can begin as a firm, smooth, shiny, itchy, or painful thickening and may continue enlarging beyond the incision. Keloids can follow planned surgery as well as minor injuries. They are more likely in people with a personal or family history of keloids and commonly affect areas such as the chest, shoulders, jawline, and ears. A raised scar that remains inside the wound edges may instead be hypertrophic.

Tell the surgeon before excision if you or a close relative has formed keloids. This history can influence the incision, closure, follow-up, and preventive scar plan. During healing, follow dressing instructions, avoid picking, and reduce tension on the wound. After closure, ask when silicone or other preventive treatment can start. Do not cut out a developing keloid without discussing recurrence prevention, because another injury can also stimulate excess scar growth.

Arrange a scar assessment if the area becomes progressively thicker, itchy, painful, or extends outside the incision. Seek prompt wound advice for pus, increasing warmth, spreading redness, fever, separation, or sudden swelling. A keloid near an eye, mouth, joint, or ear may deserve earlier review if it affects movement, comfort, or function.

Does my scar history suggest a keloid tendency? What preventive measures fit this surgical site? When should silicone or another treatment begin? If a keloid develops, which combination of treatments could limit symptoms and further growth?