Keloid Treatment: How to Prevent and Reduce Raised Scars – And Do They Come Back After Removal? | Kosmoderma

Struggling with a raised, itchy scar that keeps growing beyond the wound? You might be dealing with a keloid. These scars are tough—but they’re not untreatable. In this blog, Kosmoderma Skin, Hair, Body Clinics breaks down why keloids form, how to prevent them, and what really works to treat and flatten keloids. We’ll also answer the big question: Do keloids come back even after treatment?

What Is a Keloid – And How Is It Different from a Regular Scar?

A keloid is an overgrown, raised scar that forms due to excess collagen production after a skin injury—even minor ones like acne, piercings, or cuts. Unlike regular scars that stay within the wound area, keloids grow beyond the original wound, forming hard, shiny, and sometimes painful lumps.

They’re more common in:

• Individuals with darker skin tones
• Those with a family history of keloids
• Common trigger zones: chest, shoulders, jawline, ears, upper back

How to Prevent Keloids – Especially If You’re Prone

Keloid prevention is crucial if you’ve had one before. Here’s what Kosmoderma dermatologists recommend:

• Avoid unnecessary skin trauma (tattoos, piercings, cosmetic procedures on high-risk areas)
• Use silicone gel sheets or scar creams on fresh wounds
• Get early dermatological treatment for acne, especially cystic acne
• Do not pick or scratch healing wounds
• Apply pressure earrings if you’re prone to earlobe keloids
• Keep healing areas moisturised and sun-protected

Best Keloid Treatment Options – What Actually Works?

Keloid removal isn’t one-size-fits-all. Depending on your scar’s size, depth, and history, your Kosmoderma dermatologist may recommend one or a combination of treatments.

1. Steroid Injections (Corticosteroids)

A widely used method to shrink and flatten keloids.

Pros:

• Reduces inflammation and thickness
• Helps relieve itching and discomfort

Cons:

• May need multiple sessions
• May not completely flatten very large keloids

2. Laser Keloid Removal (Fractional CO₂ / PDL)

At Kosmoderma, we use FDA-approved laser devices to break down excess scar tissue while stimulating healthy collagen.

Pros:

• Precise and safe for darker skin
• Improves colour, texture, and thickness
• Minimal downtime

Cons:

• May require combination with steroids or PRP for best results

3. Cryotherapy

This involves freezing the keloid from within.

• Best for: Smaller, newer keloids
• Caution: Not ideal for darker skin as it may cause pigmentation changes

4. Surgical Excision + Preventive Therapy

Surgical removal must always be followed by post-removal steroid injections, pressure therapy, or laser sessions to reduce recurrence.

At Kosmoderma, we never recommend surgery without a complete post-op plan, as standalone excision has a high recurrence rate.

Do Keloids Come Back After Removal?

Yes, they can.

Keloids have a recurrence rate of up to 70–100% if treated without follow-up care. That’s why combination therapy is the gold standard.

At Kosmoderma, our keloid treatment plan includes:

• Personalized combination approach (e.g., laser + steroid)
• Post-treatment scar care kits
• Follow-up sessions to monitor recurrence

Real Results from Kosmoderma

Case Study: Ear Keloid

• Patient had a 3-year-old keloid from a piercing
• Treated with: Laser + 3 steroid sessions
• Result: 85% flattening and no recurrence in 10 months

Case Study: Acne Scar Keloid (Jawline)

• Treated with: CO₂ Laser + PRP + Scar gel
• Result: Noticeable softening, reduced itch, better skin tone match

Will My Keloid Go Away on Its Own?

Unlikely. Keloids don’t “shrink with time.” In fact, they may grow larger, thicker, and darker if left untreated.

Early treatment = better outcome + lower cost.

FAQs

1) Is laser keloid removal safe for Indian skin?

Yes, Kosmoderma uses advanced lasers suitable for melanin-rich skin, reducing the risk of hyperpigmentation.

2) Is keloid treatment painful?

Most treatments involve minor discomfort, which is well-managed with topical anaesthesia.

3) How many sessions will I need?

It varies. Small keloids may need 3–5 sessions. Larger or recurring ones need more.

4) Is keloid removal covered by insurance?

Usually not, as it’s considered cosmetic unless medically necessary (e.g., recurrent infections or pain).

5) Can I treat keloids at home?

Silicone gels and OTC scar creams may help reduce irritation, but complete removal needs clinical intervention.

Why Trust Kosmoderma for Keloid Treatment?

• Clinics across Bangalore, Chennai, Mumbai, and Delhi
• Dermatologists with 19+ years of clinical expertise
• Advanced lasers, injectable & post-care regimens
• Personalized combination therapies
• Trusted by 1.3+ lakh clients across India

Let’s Help You Heal with Confidence

No matter how old or stubborn your keloid is—you don’t have to live with it. At Kosmoderma, our goal is simple: help you reduce scar and regain smooth, healthy skin.

Book your FREE consultation today.