Laser Treatment for Keloid Scars: Before and After

Before treatment, the clinician checks whether the raised scar is a keloid and asks about growth, tenderness, itching, previous procedures, and skin healing. A laser can target colour or alter the scar surface, depending on the device and the scar's texture. It does not remove the tendency to form excess scar tissue. After treatment, the area may be red, swollen, sensitive, crusted, or temporarily darker or lighter. Improvement is usually assessed over follow-up visits rather than immediately. A keloid can return or continue growing, so the plan may combine laser with another approach such as Steroid Injection Into The Skin.

Tell the clinician about prior keloids, cold sores, medicines, recent tanning, and any treatment used on the scar. Follow the instructions about cleansing, ointment, dressings, and sun protection. Do not pick flakes or scabs, rub the site, or apply unapproved lightening products while it heals. Keep follow-up appointments so the response and any early thickening can be assessed. Depending on the scar, the clinician may discuss Fractional Laser Treatment, Pulsed Dye Laser Treatment, or other options such as Keloid Removal Surgery.

Contact the treating clinic if pain, warmth, swelling, discharge, or redness is increasing rather than settling, or if the wound opens. Seek prompt medical assessment for fever, rapidly spreading redness, or severe swelling. Arrange a review if the scar begins extending beyond its original edges, becomes increasingly itchy or tender, or changes after healing. A new or changing raised lump should be examined rather than assumed to be a keloid.

Which laser target is being treated: redness, thickness, texture, or several features? How will you protect the surrounding skin and judge progress? Could my scar need injections or another treatment afterward? What should I use during healing, and which changes should prompt an earlier review?