CO2 laser keloid before and after: what to expect

Before treatment, a dermatologist assesses the scar’s firmness, height, colour, location, symptoms and history of regrowth. A CO2 laser removes or remodels portions of scar tissue in a controlled way. It may improve thickness, surface texture or tightness, but it does not erase the tendency to form a keloid. The treated area can look red, swollen, darker or lighter while the surface repairs. The final appearance develops gradually as new skin settles.

Tell the clinician about previous keloids, cold sores, medicines, skin treatments and any tendency toward dark marks after inflammation. Follow the prescribed cleansing and dressing routine, avoid picking peeling skin, and protect the area from sun exposure after the surface has healed. Some patients need a combined plan, such as injections, pressure or silicone care, rather than laser alone. Ask whether the scar should be photographed and measured at review visits.

Contact the treating clinic if pain, warmth, swelling, drainage or redness is increasing rather than settling, or if the wound opens. Seek prompt medical attention for fever, spreading redness, facial swelling, breathing difficulty or a rapidly enlarging scar. A new firm lump after healing also deserves review because recurrent keloid tissue may need early treatment.

Which part of the keloid is the laser intended to treat? Will another treatment be combined with it? What changes are normal during healing, and how will recurrence be monitored? What sun protection and wound-care products should I use?