Keloid Removal & Treatment

Keloids are protruding scars that rise above the skin. They are irregularly shaped and are a purple or pink color. They're usually dome-shaped and gradually get larger over time. Some of the methods of removal and treatment are cryotherapy and cortisone injection.

Compression Therapy

• Compression therapy involves the use of compression wraps or bandages to flatten a keloid. This is most commonly used on ear keloids.

Cortisone Injections

• Injecting a cortisone steroid into a keloid can cause the keloid to flatten. These injections are not very painful typically and are given once a month. This method of treatment still leaves a mark where a keloid was.

Laser

• Pulse lasers are used to reduce redness and flatten a keloid. The pain level is low, but several sessions are usually needed. Laser treatments are usually not covered under most insurance plans and can end up being quite costly.

Cryotherapy

• Cryotherapy involves using liquid nitrogen to freeze a keloid, causing it to flatten in most cases. However, this treatment may cause permanent darkening where the keloid used to be.

Surgical Removal

• Some doctors treat the area with steroids and compression therapy after surgically removing a keloid to prevent another keloid from forming. Surgery is usually not recommended because it can trigger the skin to form an even larger keloid.