How effective is pulsed dye laser treatment for keloid scars?
Short answer
Pulsed dye laser can lessen redness and sometimes itch or tenderness in a keloid scar, but it may not flatten the scar on its own.
This answers one question. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace an assessment by a licensed doctor.
At a glance
- Likely benefit
- Less redness and possibly less itch or tenderness
- Key limitation
- Flattening may be limited when the scar is thick
- Recurrence
- Keloids can regrow after treatment
What improvement to expect
A keloid is raised scar tissue that extends beyond the original wound. Pulsed dye laser acts on blood vessels within the scar and may make a red or purplish keloid look less prominent. Changes in height, firmness and movement can be more difficult to achieve.
Keloids have a tendency to return after treatment. For that reason, a dermatologist may combine laser with injections, silicone-based care, pressure therapy or another scar treatment suited to the scar’s site and behaviour.
Before and after a session
Have the scar examined before booking laser, especially if it is growing, painful, repeatedly irritated or close to a joint. Tell the clinician about previous scar treatments and whether you or close relatives form raised scars after minor injuries.
Follow the wound-care instructions closely. Temporary swelling, redness, bruising or sensitivity can occur. Avoid picking or rubbing the area, and protect it from sun while colour changes are settling. Keep follow-up appointments so recurrence can be noticed early.
When to contact the clinic
Contact the treating clinic if pain becomes increasingly severe, redness spreads beyond the treated area, discharge develops, fever occurs, or the wound is not healing as expected. Rapid scar enlargement also deserves review rather than another session arranged without examination.
Useful questions
Is the main goal colour, itch, tenderness or scar height? Could laser stimulate more scar activity in my skin? Which combination plan gives the best balance for this keloid, and how will you monitor it for return?
Find care
General Clinics & Polyclinics in Abu Dhabi
That answer is general. If you want it applied to your own case, these are licensed general clinics & polyclinics listed in Abu Dhabi.
27 Ar Ruwwad St - Shakhbout City - MSH4 - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates
Accepts: Daman, Thiqa, Cigna, MetLife +20 more
Al Ruwais, Al Dhafrah
Accepts: Daman, Thiqa, AXA, Cigna +16 more
Al Bahyah - Al Bahyah Old - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates
Accepts: Daman, Thiqa, Cigna, Allianz Care +18 more
Abu Dhabi
Accepts: Daman, Thiqa, AXA, Cigna +27 more
Ordered by verification status and how complete each clinic's public record is, then alphabetically. This is a directory listing, not a ranking — Zavis does not rate or recommend providers.
A factual listing drawn from the DHA, DOH and MOHAP licence registers. It is not a referral, an endorsement, or advice that any of these providers is right for you.
Questions people ask
Does pulsed dye laser cure a keloid?
It can improve selected features, particularly colour and some symptoms, but it does not reliably remove the tendency to form keloid tissue.
Can an old keloid still be assessed for laser?
Age alone does not decide suitability. The scar’s colour, thickness, symptoms, location and previous treatment history are more useful when planning care.
Related
Related reading
Keep reading
Medical disclaimer. This page is general health information, not medical advice, and it cannot diagnose you. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider about your own symptoms and treatment. In an emergency in the UAE, call 998 for an ambulance.