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

A pulsed dye laser targets blood vessels that contribute to the red or purple appearance of a raised scar. The scar can look bruised or darker immediately afterwards, and swelling or tenderness may temporarily increase. These early effects are not the final result.

Keloid tissue is dense and can continue to change after treatment. A clinician may assess colour, itch, tenderness, height, and firmness separately because one feature can improve before another. Laser is often part of a wider plan rather than a stand-alone solution.

Keep the area protected and follow instructions for washing, dressings, moisturising, and sun avoidance. Do not pick at crusts or massage the scar unless your clinician has specifically advised it. Attend follow-up appointments, because early review can help adjust the plan and reduce the chance of treating an irritated area too soon.

Tell the clinic if pain, heat, swelling, redness, discharge, blistering, or tenderness is getting worse instead of settling. Arrange assessment if the scar begins growing rapidly, opens, or becomes difficult to manage because of persistent itch or pain. Seek urgent help for severe swelling or signs of a serious allergic or infectious reaction.

Ask which change is the main treatment goal, when it will be measured, how laser fits with injections or pressure therapy, and how recurrence will be monitored after the scar improves.