Keloid in the face: what to know

Keloid tissue develops after the skin repairs an injury such as acne, a piercing, a cut, or a procedure. It can extend outside the original wound and may continue changing after the skin has closed. On the face, its position can affect shaving, makeup, facial movement, or confidence. A specialist may distinguish a keloid from a hypertrophic scar, which stays within the injury boundary, and from other skin lumps.

Do not squeeze, scratch, or repeatedly traumatise the area. Irritation can make tenderness and inflammation more noticeable. A photograph and a simple timeline of when the lump appeared can help a clinician assess its behaviour.

Arrange a dermatology assessment before trying to remove it yourself. Treatment may involve an intralesional steroid injection, a laser approach, freezing treatment, or surgery, depending on the scar's size, depth, location, symptoms, and previous treatment. Keloids can return after removal, so a clinician may combine approaches and plan follow-up.

Protect the area from friction and sun while it is active or healing. Use only products recommended for the site, especially near the eye, nose, or mouth. Options to discuss include Steroid Injection Into The Skin, Fractional Laser Treatment, Pulsed Dye Laser Treatment, Cryotherapy (Lesion Removal), and Keloid Removal Surgery.

Seek prompt medical review if the facial lump is rapidly enlarging, becomes increasingly painful, bleeds, opens, develops warmth or drainage, or affects vision, breathing, eating, or facial movement. These changes can signal infection, irritation, or a diagnosis other than a stable scar and should not be judged from appearance alone.

Ask whether the growth fits a keloid or another type of scar, whether treatment should start with injections or another approach, how the plan will protect nearby facial skin, and how recurrence will be monitored.