09/10/2026
Keloids are more than a regular scar.
A keloid is an overgrowth of scar tissue that extends beyond the original area of injury. They can develop after something as minor as a piercing, acne, surgery or another skin injury — and some people - and areas on the body - are simply more prone to developing them.
One important distinction: not every raised scar is a keloid. Hypertrophic scars are also raised, but they generally remain within the boundaries of the original injury.
Treatment depends on the individual keloid, including its size, location and whether it is growing or causing symptoms. Options may include scar injections, laser treatments or a combination of approaches.
Keloids can also recur, so treatment often requires a thoughtful, longer-term approach rather than simply removing the scar surgically. If you have a scar that you’re concerned about, an assessment can help determine what you’re dealing with and which treatment approach makes sense.
For this patient's ear keloid, we performed surgical debulking followed by laser ablation and scar injection. Scar injection was repeated at the follow-up visit, and return to the office is warranted as the first sign of itch, pain or scar growth to prevent the keloid from getting anywhere near the size that required this procedure.
Book your consultation to find the right treatment approach for your skin.
