How long does fractional laser treatment take to work for keloid scars?

A keloid is scar tissue that extends beyond the original injury and may remain raised, firm, itchy, tender, or uncomfortable. Fractional laser creates microscopic channels in the scar and may improve surface texture or help other treatments reach the tissue. It does not instantly remove the raised growth, and the early redness or swelling can obscure the eventual response. Because keloids can become active again after skin injury, treatment choice, energy settings, and follow-up need individual planning by a clinician familiar with abnormal scarring.

Tell the clinician about previous keloids, family tendency, piercings, operations, injections, and any recent change in size or symptoms. Keep the treated skin clean and protected as directed, avoid picking, and use sun protection to reduce additional colour change. Do not schedule another procedure over the area without approval. Keep follow-up visits even if the surface looks improved, because firmness and regrowth need monitoring over time.

Seek advice for increasing warmth, pain, swelling, discharge, fever, or redness that spreads after treatment. Arrange review if the keloid grows quickly, becomes newly painful or itchy, or begins limiting movement. These changes may need assessment and a revised plan; they are not a reason to increase treatment intensity yourself.

Ask whether the goal is softer texture, reduced symptoms, improved movement, or support for another treatment. Clarify how recurrence will be monitored, what interval is appropriate between sessions, and which signs should prompt an earlier review.