Keloid Treatment
What Is a Keloid?
A keloid is a raised, firm scar that keeps growing past the edges of the original wound. It can follow an ear piercing, acne, a cut, surgery, a burn or even a minor scrape, and it often itches, aches or feels tight. Keloids are most common on the earlobes, chest, shoulders, upper back and jawline, and they are more likely in people with darker skin tones or a family history of keloids.
Because a keloid is an overgrowth of scar tissue, cutting it out on its own often leads to a new, sometimes larger keloid. That is why treatment is planned in stages. For a deeper look at how each option works, read our guide on how dermatologists treat keloid scars.
Keloids We Treat
Earlobe and Piercing Keloids
Small and large lobe keloids, cartilage piercings, and keloids that returned after an earlier removal.
Chest, Shoulder and Back Keloids
Larger, thicker keloids that often need a combined plan of injections, surgery and laser.
Jawline and Beard Area Keloids
Keloids from shaving irritation, ingrown hairs and acne along the jaw and neck.
Recurrent Keloids
Keloids that were injected or removed elsewhere and grew back. These get a combined plan, not surgery alone.
Acne Keloids
Clusters of keloids on the chest, back or jaw left behind by acne, and keloid-like bumps at the back of the scalp and neck.
Keloids After Surgery or Injury
C-section and other surgical scars, burns, lacerations and work related injuries.
Keloid Treatment Options at PS Dermatology
Dr. Patel matches the plan to the keloid's size, location, age and how it has responded to treatment before. Most patients use more than one of these.
Steroid Injections
Injected directly into the keloid to flatten and soften it and to calm itching. Usually given as a series a few weeks apart.
Surgical Removal
For larger keloids or ones that do not respond to injections. Dr. Patel's reconstructive training guides how the wound is closed, and surgery is paired with follow up injections to lower the chance of regrowth.
Silicone and Pressure
Silicone gel or sheets and pressure earrings after earlobe surgery to keep the scar flat as it heals.
Ongoing Follow Up
Scheduled checks after treatment so any early regrowth is treated while it is small.
Why Patients Choose Dr. Patel for Keloids
- Surgeon and dermatologist. Dr. Patel is fellowship trained in Mohs and reconstructive surgery at Mount Sinai, so the excision and the closure are done by a surgeon who removes and repairs skin every day.
- Every option in one office. Injections, surgery and laser are all offered here, so your plan is not limited to what one type of practice can do.
- A cosmetic eye on the finish. Dr. Patel also practices cosmetic dermatology, and the goal is a flat scar that blends in, not just a keloid that is gone.
- Trusted in Central New Jersey. Castle Connolly Top Doctor, on staff at Penn Medicine Princeton Medical Center, and rated 5.0 on Google by more than 270 patients.
Patients come to us from Bridgewater, Somerville, Hillsborough, Branchburg, Bound Brook, Warren, Basking Ridge, Piscataway and across Somerset, Middlesex and Hunterdon counties.
What to Expect
- Consultation: Dr. Patel examines the keloid, asks how it formed and what has been tried, and confirms it is a keloid and not another type of growth.
- Your plan: a clear sequence, whether injections first, surgery plus injections, or a combination with laser, along with what your insurance is expected to cover.
- Treatment: injections take minutes. Surgical removal is done in the office under local anesthesia, usually in under an hour.
- Follow up: a schedule of visits after treatment to keep the scar flat and catch any regrowth early.
Cost and Insurance for Keloid Removal
When a keloid is painful, itchy, growing or limiting movement, treatment is usually considered medical and many insurance plans cover it, including injections and surgical removal. Treatment for a keloid that only bothers you cosmetically may be self pay. See our accepted insurance plans.
If you have a keloid, or a scar that keeps getting thicker, talk to our dermatologic surgeon, Dr. Parth Patel. Related services: scar revision, acne scar treatment and earlobe repair.