What Is a Keloid Scar?

A keloid forms when cell production continues even after the healing process has ended following skin damage such as wounds, inflammation, acne, surgical incisions, vaccination scars, burns, chickenpox, or insect bites. Under normal conditions, cell production should stop once the scar has healed. If it does not, excess tissue accumulates in the affected area, resulting in a keloid scar.

In short, a keloid is a skin deformity that occurs as a result of excessive wound healing. Keloid scars are most commonly seen on the chest, back, shoulders, lower legs, chin, under the chin, and ears. They typically occur between the ages of 10 and 30 and are rare after the age of 30. Keloid scars are more common in individuals with darker skin tones.

Although keloids do not pose a health risk, they can be aesthetically disturbing due to their red and swollen appearance. Fractional laser therapy and cortisone-based treatments are commonly used in keloid management.

What Does a Keloid Scar Look Like?

A keloid scar may appear pink, red, or skin-colored. Its texture is elastic and firm, similar to plastic, with an irregular and shapeless surface.

Keloid Scar Treatment Methods

• Medical Treatment: The most commonly used approach in keloid management. Cortisone-containing creams, retinoid creams, imiquimod, and silicone-based creams and gels are applied.
• Surgical Intervention: Rarely preferred, as keloids may recur in 50–100% of cases after surgery. Silicone sheets and gels are used postoperatively to help prevent recurrence.
• Intralesional Steroid Therapy: One of the most widely used treatment methods. Cortisone is injected directly into the scar tissue. More successful results can be achieved when combined with cryotherapy and fractional laser treatments.
• Cryotherapy (Cold Therapy): Mostly used as a supportive treatment alongside cortisone therapy.
• Fractional Laser Therapy: Considered the most effective treatment for keloid scars and often applied in combination with intralesional steroid therapy.

Fraxel Dual fractional laser therapy aims to regulate the amorphous structure of the skin by stimulating elastin and collagen production. For effective results, treatments are performed at 3-week intervals, with an average of 5 sessions. After each session, a visible reduction in keloid scars is observed. Fraxel Dual laser therapy provides excellent outcomes when used as a complement to intralesional steroid treatment.