Keloid Laser Treatment: How It Works and What to Expect

Keloids form when scar tissue continues building after skin injury. A vascular laser may reduce the appearance of red or purple colour by acting on small blood vessels. A fractional laser may make controlled microscopic channels that can soften an uneven surface and help selected medicines reach scar tissue. These approaches have different aims and are not interchangeable.

A clinician examines the scar’s height, firmness, colour, age, symptoms, and position before recommending a device. Thick or actively growing keloids may need a broader plan, such as injections, pressure, or surgery, because laser alone may not address all of the scar tissue.

Before treatment, disclose prior keloids, darker marks after inflammation, cold sores near the treatment area, medicines, and recent tanning. Follow instructions about shaving, creams, and sun protection. Afterward, use only the cleanser, dressing, or ointment recommended for the treated skin. Mild heat, redness, swelling, tenderness, or surface crusting can be part of recovery.

Do not scratch, peel, or massage the area unless directed. Avoid friction and unapproved active products while the surface heals, and shield it from sunlight. Your clinician may use [Fractional Laser Treatment](/treatments/laser-and-energy/fractional-laser-treatment/) or [Pulsed Dye Laser Treatment](/treatments/laser-and-energy/pulsed-dye-laser-treatment/) according to the treatment goal.

Report worsening pain, spreading redness, increasing warmth, pus, blisters, marked swelling, or an open area that is not healing. Fever or feeling unwell needs prompt medical advice. Arrange a review if the scar starts enlarging, becomes newly painful or itchy, or changes in a way the treatment team did not anticipate. These signs do not identify the cause on their own, so examination matters.

Ask what the laser is intended to change, whether your skin tone affects the settings, and what alternatives fit the scar’s thickness. Clarify preparation, aftercare, likely temporary reactions, follow-up timing, and what would prompt a change in plan. Ask how recurrence will be watched if the keloid has grown after earlier treatment.