Keloid after laser: what should you know?

A keloid is scar tissue that grows beyond the original skin injury. After laser, a firm, shiny, itchy, tender, or darker bump can reflect extra scar activity, but redness, swelling, a blister, infection, or a thickened healing scar can look similar. A keloid may continue enlarging after the treated skin has closed. It does not mean the laser was necessarily performed incorrectly, and a photograph or examination is needed to distinguish it from other changes. New or changing skin lumps can be discussed alongside information about Skin Lumps.

Do not pick, squeeze, scratch, or apply unapproved acids, oils, or steroid creams. Keep the area clean, protect it from friction and sun, and follow the treating clinician’s aftercare instructions. Pause additional laser or cosmetic procedures on that spot until a dermatologist reviews it. Depending on its size, age, symptoms, and location, options may include Steroid Injection Into The Skin, pressure or silicone-based scar care, selected laser treatment, freezing treatment, or surgery. Treatment plans often combine approaches because a keloid can return after one method.

Arrange a dermatology review if the bump is growing, painful, persistently itchy, bleeding, or restricting movement. Seek prompt medical care for spreading redness, increasing warmth, pus, fever, or rapidly worsening pain, as these can indicate infection rather than ordinary scar growth. A sudden blister or open wound after laser also deserves advice from the treating clinic.

Ask whether the appearance fits a keloid, hypertrophic scar, or a healing complication; whether more laser could aggravate it; what treatment sequence is suitable; and how recurrence will be monitored. Bring the laser date, device or treatment name, aftercare products used, and photographs showing change over time.