Keloid scars are thick, raised areas that can form when the skin heals after a cut, burn, or injury or simply from a pimple! They traditionally grow beyond the original wound size and can return after focused treatment. Preventing them from coming back may involve medical options such as silicon sheets and careful skin care. This guide shares simple steps that can help reduce the chance of keloid scars forming again.
What Are Keloid Scars?
Keloid scars are thick, raised areas of scar tissue that form when the skin heals too actively after an injury. They happen because the body produces too much collagen, which is a protein that helps repair the skin. Unlike normal scars, keloids can grow beyond the original wound and may continue to get larger over time. They can develop after cuts, burns, acne, piercings, surgical incisions, or even small scratches. Keloids often feel firm or rubbery and may cause itching, tenderness, or discomfort for some patients.
Some people are more likely to get keloids due to their skin type or family history. They are more common in patients with darker skin tones and often run in families, which suggests a genetic link. Keloids can appear anywhere on the body but are more likely to form on the chest, shoulders, earlobes, and upper back. Knowing this tendency helps patients take extra care of wounds and seek early advice if signs of keloid formation appear. Proper management can help reduce the risk of keloids becoming larger or harder to treat.
Why Do Keloid Scars Grow Back?
Keloid scars can return because the skin’s healing process stays too active, even after treatment. The body may continue to produce extra collagen, which can lead to new scar tissue forming in the same area. This overactive response makes keloids different from normal scars, which usually stop growing once the wound has healed.
Recurrence can also happen if the area is irritated, infected, or placed under tension as it heals. Pulling or stretching the skin around the scar can sometimes trigger the process again. This is why it is important to follow aftercare advice closely and protect the area during recovery. Working with a healthcare professional can help reduce the risk of keloids returning by using treatments suited to the scar’s size, location, and behaviour.
Medical Treatments to Reduce Recurrence
Healthcare professionals may use different treatments to help lower the chance of keloids coming back. These can include steroid injections, silicone sheets, laser therapy, or skin needling (a device with fine needles that stimulates the skin’s natural repair process). Each option works in a different way to calm the skin’s healing response and slow down the production of scar tissue. In some cases, more than one treatment may be used together over time.
A treatment plan is usually based on the size, location, and behaviour of the keloid. Regular follow-up visits are important to check how the scar is responding and to make changes to the plan if needed. This approach helps ensure the care provided is suitable for the patient’s needs and supports the healing process.
Skin Care Tips After Treatment
Caring for the skin after treatment is an important step in reducing the chance of keloids coming back. The area should be kept clean and protected from irritation while it heals. Patients may be advised to use silicone gel sheets or pressure garments, which can support the healing process and help manage scar activity.
It is also helpful to protect the treated area from the sun, as UV exposure can make scars darker and more noticeable. This can be done by covering the area or using sunscreen as recommended. Following the advice of a healthcare professional closely allows the skin to recover and reduces the risk of further problems.
When to See a Healthcare Professional
It is important to see a healthcare professional if a scar becomes itchy, painful, or starts to grow again. Early signs of recurrence may be managed with appropriate treatments when addressed promptly. The DOC Clinic offers treatment for keloid scarring that may involve multiple visits, usually spaced 3–4 weeks apart. Each treatment plan is tailored to the patient’s needs.
Depending on the size, location, and behaviour of the keloid, options at The DOC Clinic in Melbourne may include surgical removal, anti-inflammatory injections, or a combination of both. Dr Ed can use these injections to help reduce abnormal scar activity and decrease the size of the scar tissue. Regular check-ups allow the area to be monitored and any concerns to be managed early, which can help prevent the keloid from becoming larger or more difficult to treat.
Why Choose The DOC Clinic for Keloid Scar Treatment in Melbourne
The DOC Clinic provides keloid scar treatment in a professional setting using medical-grade technologies. Treatment options may include laser therapy, injection based treatments and skin needling, depending on the size, location, and behaviour of the scar. Each plan is developed after a thorough assessment to ensure the chosen approach is appropriate for the patient’s needs.
Dr Ed Omarjee leads The DOC Clinic and is a Fellow of the Cosmetic Physicians College of Australasia (CPCA) and the Australasian College of Aesthetic Medicine (ACAM). His background includes work with a range of skin treatments, laser procedures, and non-surgical techniques in both Australia and overseas. He follows current medical standards to ensure that each treatment plan is appropriate for the patient’s needs.
At The DOC Clinic in Melbourne, all procedures are performed following established medical standards. Treatment plans are developed after a full assessment and are reviewed regularly to monitor progress. Patients are offered follow-up appointments with high level professional standardized photography to check how the scar is responding and to adjust care if needed.
Further Reading about Keloid Scars with Dr Ed:
- Read The DOC Keloid Scar Removal/Treatment Page
- Read BPS blog: Keloid Scarring: What are the Real Facts?
- Read BPS blog: What Are Keloid Scars and Can They Be Treated?
- Read BPS blog: Best Treatment for Keloids & Hypertrophic Scarring
- Read BPS blog: Piercing Bump vs Keloid Scar: What’s The Difference?
- Read BPS blog: Keloid Scar Treatment in Melbourne: The Costs Explained
- Read BPS blog: What Is The Success Rate of Keloid Scar Treatment?
Medical References about Keloid Scars
