Keloid scars. Why I do not treat them.
I want to be upfront: I do not work with keloid scars. Keloids are a specific type of scar tissue that requires medical management, and ScarWork is not the appropriate treatment for them. This page explains why and points you toward the right resources.
Important: I do not treat keloid scars.
Keloid scars are a distinct condition that involves ongoing, excessive collagen production. They require medical intervention from a dermatologist or plastic surgeon. ScarWork is designed for scars where the healing process has completed but the tissue needs integration. Keloids are a different situation entirely, and applying ScarWork techniques to a keloid could potentially stimulate further growth.
If you have a keloid, please consult a dermatologist. If you are unsure whether your raised scar is a keloid or a hypertrophic scar (which I do treat), I am happy to take a look during a free consultation and help you determine which type you have.
What keloid scars are.
Keloids form when the body produces too much collagen during and after the healing process. Unlike normal scars, where collagen production stops once the wound is repaired, keloids keep producing collagen indefinitely. The result is a raised, firm mass of scar tissue that extends beyond the boundaries of the original wound and can continue growing over time.
Keloid formation is strongly influenced by genetics. They are more common on the chest, shoulders, earlobes, and upper back, and can form after surgery, injury, burns, piercings, or even acne. Some people are predisposed to keloid formation and will develop them after almost any skin injury.
Keloid vs. hypertrophic: what is the difference?
This is the key distinction, and it matters for treatment. Both keloids and hypertrophic scars are raised and firm. But they behave very differently.
Keloid scars.
- Grow beyond the original wound boundary
- Can continue growing indefinitely
- Rarely improve on their own
- Often recur after surgical removal
- Strongly genetic component
- Require medical treatment
Hypertrophic scars.
- Stay within the original wound boundary
- Tend to stabilize and often improve over time
- May flatten naturally over 1 to 2 years
- Respond well to ScarWork
- Less genetic predisposition
- I treat these
If you are not sure which type you have, book a free consultation. I can help you identify whether your scar is a keloid (which needs a dermatologist) or a hypertrophic scar (which I can treat with ScarWork).
Medical options for keloid scars.
While I do not treat keloids, there are established medical treatments available. A dermatologist or plastic surgeon can discuss options including:
- Corticosteroid injections to reduce size and symptoms
- Silicone sheeting or gel to flatten and soften
- Cryotherapy (freezing) to reduce keloid tissue
- Laser therapy to reduce redness and flatten tissue
- Surgical excision (often combined with other treatments to prevent recurrence)
I recommend starting with your primary care physician or a board-certified dermatologist for keloid assessment and treatment planning.