Keloid Scar Treatment

What are Keloid Scars?

Picture of Keloid Scar

Keloid scars are fibrous, overgrown scars that develop after an injury, surgery, severe acne, or even minor skin trauma like a simple piercing. Unlike ordinary scars, keloids expand beyond the original wound, often becoming raised and larger over time. They commonly appear on the shoulders, chest, back, earlobes, and face. Although they are not cancerous, they can be itchy, painful, and cosmetically concerning, leading many people to seek specialized treatment. At The Minor Surgery Center (TMSC), our board-certified plastic surgeons have extensive experience in keloid scar removal to help restore confidence and comfort in your skin.

Symptoms of Keloid Scars

Keloids can take three months to a year to appear after a wound has healed, and they may continue to grow for weeks, months, or even years. Knowing the signs of keloid formation can help you identify them early:

  • Appearance: Larger and more pigmented than the original wound. They can feel soft and doughy or firm and rubbery.
  • Size: Keloids can range from less than an inch in diameter to over a foot long in severe cases.
  • Color: Often start out pink, red, or purple and can darken over time.
  • Location: Commonly form on earlobes, the center of the chest, back, and shoulders, but they can appear anywhere on the body.
  • Additional Symptoms: May feel itchy, tender, or painful during growth. These sensations often subside once the keloid stops expanding.

Causes of Keloid Scars

Several factors contribute to the development of keloid scars, and they aren’t always predictable. Common causes include:

  • Physical Trauma: Burns, cuts, severe acne, piercings, tattoos, or surgical incisions can lead to keloid formation.
  • Genetics: Individuals with darker skin tones or a family history of keloids are more prone to developing them.
  • Healing Process: Occasionally, the body produces excess scar tissue long after the initial wound has healed, causing a keloid.

Treatments for Keloid Scars

Keloid scar treatments aim to flatten, soften, or shrink the raised scar tissue. At TMSC, we personalize each treatment plan based on the scar’s size, location, and growth pattern. Our combination of surgical and non-surgical methods yields effective, long-term results. Here are some common options:

  • Surgical Removal: Excision of the keloid tissue under local anesthesia, often followed by corticosteroid injections to reduce recurrence.
  • Cryotherapy: Freezing the keloid to shrink it, which can be particularly useful for smaller scars.
  • Medicated Injections: Corticosteroid or other medication injections help shrink the keloid and relieve itchiness or discomfort.
  • Silicone Gel Bandages: Applying silicone sheets or gel bandages to gradually flatten and soften the scar.

Our board-certified plastic surgeons tailor each approach to your unique condition, ensuring safe, precise care to maximize results and minimize discomfort.

Picture of Keloid Scar Treatment and Removal

Permanent Keloid Removal

While keloids can be persistent, TMSC is committed to providing comprehensive care to achieve long-lasting improvement. By combining advanced surgical techniques with vigilant post-operative care—such as consistent use of compression dressings, injections, or topical gels—we work to minimize recurrence. Though it’s challenging to guarantee that a keloid will never return, our experienced surgeons utilize the latest methods to improve your chances of permanent removal.

How Much Does Keloid Scar Removal Cost?

The cost of keloid removal varies depending on factors like:

  • Size and Complexity: Larger or more complex keloids may require a more involved surgical approach.
  • Treatment Method: The combination of surgical and non-surgical interventions can influence overall costs.
  • Aftercare Needs: Post-operative treatments like steroid injections or compression therapy can add to the final cost.

We invite you to visit our Toronto or Oakville clinics for a free consultation. During this visit, we’ll assess your keloid and provide a detailed, personalized cost estimate. With over 15,000 successful surgeries performed at TMSC, our team focuses on delivering safe, aesthetically pleasing results for every patient.

Keloid Treatment Injection

Corticosteroid injections are a highly effective approach for managing keloids. These injections help to:

  • Reduce inflammation
  • Shrink excessive scar tissue
  • Soothe itchiness or discomfort

Depending on your unique situation, our surgeons may recommend a series of injections, combined with other therapies like silicone bandages or surgical excision, to optimize results.

Keloids vs. Other Skin Conditions

While keloids are benign, it’s essential to distinguish them from other, more serious skin issues. Rapid changes in size, shape, color, or the presence of chronic pain could indicate a different condition. If you observe any unusual or sudden changes in your scar, consult a healthcare professional to rule out malignant or infectious processes.

Keloid Cancer Symptoms

Keloids themselves aren’t cancerous, but it’s important to tell them apart from other skin conditions that might look similar. If you notice rapid changes in a scar or other unusual symptoms, see a doctor to rule out any serious issues. Symptoms like quick growth, major color changes, or ongoing pain should be checked by a professional.

FAQs

How can you prevent keloids?

To prevent keloids, avoid unnecessary skin trauma like piercings, tattoos and surgeries. If you’re prone to keloids, use pressure earrings for piercings and treat minor skin injuries immediately with petroleum jelly and nonstick bandages.

Can you permanently remove a keloid?

While there’s always a chance keloids might recur, surgical removal combined with post-op treatments (like steroid injections or compression therapy) can significantly lower that risk. Our surgeons will evaluate your keloid and recommend the best plan for long-lasting improvement.

Can I remove a keloid myself?

Self-removal is dangerous and can lead to infection, scarring, and further complications. Always seek the help of a licensed plastic surgeon or dermatologist for keloid treatment.

Are keloids cancerous?

No. Keloids are benign scar formations and do not transform into cancer. However, any sudden changes or unusual symptoms should be evaluated by a professional to rule out serious conditions.

Are keloids permanent?

Keloids can be stubborn and may continue to grow if untreated. Multiple treatments might be necessary to achieve optimal results, and even then, regular monitoring is important to catch any early signs of recurrence.

What are keloid treatment injections?

Keloid treatment injections typically involve corticosteroids, which reduce inflammation, soften scar tissue, and often diminish the size of the keloid. Depending on your case, our surgeons may recommend a series of injections for best results.

Contact Us for Keloid Scar Removal in Toronto, Oakville, and Southern Ontario

Ready to restore smoother, healthier skin? At The Minor Surgery Center (TMSC), our clinics in Toronto, Oakville, and Vaughan are staffed with skilled, board-certified plastic surgeons who excel in keloid scar removal. We prioritize personalized treatment plans, focusing on the most effective, minimally invasive techniques to help you achieve your aesthetic and comfort goals.

Call us at (647) 614-1611 or fill out our online form to schedule a free consultation. Our expert team will thoroughly assess your keloid, discuss your treatment options, and guide you every step of the way—so you can feel confident, empowered, and ready to move forward.

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