How is a keloid different from an ordinary scar?
A keloid is scar tissue that grows beyond the boundary of the original wound after healing. It may become firm and raised, cause itching, pain, or tightness, and continue growing over time.
Unlike a hypertrophic scar, which thickens within the wound boundary, a keloid grows beyond that boundary. A clinician must make the diagnosis.
When should I seek medical care?
An assessment is advisable if a scar becomes wider or thicker than the original wound or if itching, pain, or tightness continues.
Expansion beyond the wound
The scar grows beyond the wound boundary into surrounding skin.
Height and firmness
It remains thick, firm, and raised over time.
Persistent symptoms
Itching, pain, or tightness with movement continues.
Previous recurrence
It has grown again after previous treatment or excision.
Can a keloid be treated with one method alone?
Keloid care often combines methods based on size, location, symptoms, and previous response. Because excision alone may be followed by regrowth, adjunctive treatment and monitoring before and after surgery are important.
| Method | Main role | What to consider |
|---|---|---|
| Injection treatment | Main roleReduce thickness and symptoms | What to considerRepeated treatment may be needed |
| Laser or cryotherapy | Main roleManage color, thickness, and tissue response | What to considerSelected according to skin and scar condition |
| Silicone or pressure therapy | Main roleManage the scar environment and tension | What to considerConsistent use is important |
| Surgical removal | Main roleRemove large scar tissue | What to considerConsider adjunctive treatment to reduce recurrence |
What does Myongji Best Plastic Surgery Clinic assess?
Treatment planning reviews the scar's location, size, thickness, color, symptoms, and skin tension together with previous treatment and recurrence history.
- STEP 01
Assess the scar boundary
Compare the original wound boundary with the current growth.
- STEP 02
Review symptoms and history
Review itching, pain, previous treatment, and recurrence.
- STEP 03
Select treatment methods
Compare injection, laser, cryotherapy, pressure, and excision.
- STEP 04
Create a combination plan
If needed, set the sequence and interval for multiple methods.
- STEP 05
Monitor recurrence
Regularly check changes in thickness, color, and symptoms.
When are treatment results assessed?
Keloid treatment focuses on reducing thickness, color, itching, and pain and watching for regrowth rather than removing every trace in one session.
Response varies with location, skin tension, size, and prior recurrence, so long-term follow-up may be needed.
What should I watch after treatment?
Temporary redness, pain, or color change may occur. Follow instructions for wound care, pressure therapy, and silicone use.
Reduce irritation
Avoid scratching the wound or repeatedly pulling the area.
Wound care
Follow directions for dressings, ointment, silicone, or pressure therapy.
Signs of recurrence
Watch for renewed firmness or expansion.
A sign that medical treatment is needed
Seek care for severe pain, warmth, drainage, or rapid growth.
Because keloids can recur, continue scheduled follow-up.
What should I prepare before consultation?
Cost varies with scar size and number, selected treatments, and repeat sessions. The overall plan and cost range are discussed after assessment.
Cause of occurrence
Note whether it began after surgery, trauma, piercing, injection, or another event.
Record changes
Note when it began expanding or causing symptoms.
Previous treatment
Report the timing and response to injections, laser, or surgery.
Cost range
Check the number of sessions and whether adjunctive treatment and follow-up are included.
Because diagnosis and treatment scope can vary, finalize the plan after medical evaluation.