Keloid permanent removal: what to know

A keloid is scar tissue that extends beyond the original wound. It may form after a piercing, acne spot, injection, burn, or operation, and can continue to thicken or itch after the skin has healed. Removing the visible tissue does not remove the skin’s tendency to overproduce scar tissue. This is why a dermatologist may combine treatments or plan follow-up after a procedure.

A raised lump is not automatically a keloid. Hypertrophic scars stay within the original wound, while keloids extend beyond it. Examination helps distinguish these from an inflamed cyst, infection, or another skin lump.

A clinician considers the keloid’s size, location, age, colour, symptoms, and previous treatments. Options can include injections into the scar, freezing, laser treatment, or removal with surgery. Surgery alone may be followed by further care because the scar can return. Do not cut, burn, squeeze, or apply harsh chemicals to the area at home; these actions can injure surrounding skin and stimulate more scarring.

Protect the area from rubbing and unnecessary piercing or trauma. Keep any treated wound clean according to the clinician’s instructions, and attend planned reviews so early thickening can be addressed.

Arrange a dermatology assessment if a scar is enlarging, spreading beyond the original injury, painful, itchy, or catching on clothing. Seek prompt medical attention for increasing warmth, marked redness, pus, fever, bleeding that does not settle, or a rapidly changing lump. These features can indicate infection or another problem that needs examination.

Ask what type of scar this is, whether treatment should combine more than one approach, how recurrence will be monitored, and what wound care is needed after treatment. Ask which symptoms should prompt an earlier review and whether a new piercing or elective procedure could worsen scarring.