Keloid bump removal: treatment options

A keloid is scar tissue that extends beyond the original injury and can remain raised, firm, itchy, or sore. Removal is not always the same as simply cutting off a bump. A clinician considers its thickness, borders, location, skin tone, symptoms, and history of growth. Surgery removes the bulk of selected scars; injections, laser treatment, freezing, dressings, or other aftercare may be used around the procedure to influence healing. Some people choose reduction rather than complete removal when the scar is close to important structures or likely to heal aggressively.

Have the diagnosis confirmed before booking removal, and tell the clinician about previous keloids, medicines, allergies, and difficult wound healing. Possible approaches include [Steroid Injection Into The Skin](/treatments/injectables/intralesional-steroid-injection/), [Cryotherapy (Lesion Removal)](/treatments/surgical-dermatology/cryotherapy-lesion-removal/), laser treatment, or [Keloid Removal Surgery](/treatments/surgical-dermatology/keloid-excision/). Aftercare may require wound protection, avoiding friction, and scheduled reviews. Do not try to cut, burn, or tie off the bump at home.

Contact the treating service promptly for worsening pain, warmth, swelling, pus, wound separation, fever, or bleeding that does not settle. Ask for review when a treated scar becomes firmer, taller, itchy, or wider again. A new lump that has not been assessed should be examined rather than assumed to be a keloid; see [Skin Lumps](/symptoms/skin-lumps/) for general guidance.

Ask which removal method fits the scar, whether treatment will be staged, what the wound may look and feel like during healing, which aftercare is needed, how recurrence will be checked, and what result is realistic for its location.