Keloids & scars
Keloids and scars, managed with the long term in mind.
Keloids are benign, raised overgrowths of scar tissue that develop when the body produces too much collagen during the healing process of a skin injury. Along with other problematic scars, they respond best to early, correctly chosen treatment — and Dr Claudia Moloabi builds each plan around the type of scar and your skin's healing tendency.
Understanding keloids and scars
Why some scars overgrow the injury.
All wounds heal by laying down new collagen, but in keloid scarring this process doesn't switch off when the wound has closed. Collagen continues to be produced, and the scar grows beyond the original boundary of the injury — sometimes years after the initial wound, from something as minor as an ear piercing or acne spot.
Keloids differ from hypertrophic scars, which are also raised and thickened but stay within the boundary of the original wound and often improve over time. Both differ again from atrophic (sunken) scars, such as those left by severe acne, which need an entirely different treatment approach.
Keloids have a strong genetic and, in some populations, ethnic predisposition, and certain body sites — the chest, shoulders, earlobes and jawline — are particularly prone to them. Because keloids can recur after removal, and sometimes grow back larger, treatment strategy matters as much as the treatment itself.
Scar types we manage
- Keloid scars
- Hypertrophic scars
- Atrophic (sunken) scars, including acne scarring
- Post-surgical and post-traumatic scars
- Contracture scars
- Scar prevention in high-risk individuals
What we treat
Scars, matched to their type.
A keloid, a hypertrophic scar and an acne scar all need a different plan — treating them the same rarely works.
01
Keloid scars
Raised scars that extend beyond the original wound, often itchy or tender. Treatment is planned to reduce recurrence, not just shrink the current keloid.
02
Hypertrophic scars
Raised, thickened scars confined to the wound site. Many improve with time and targeted treatment, without the recurrence risk seen in keloids.
03
Atrophic & acne scars
Sunken or pitted scarring, commonly from acne, needing a different set of treatments — often resurfacing-based rather than the anti-inflammatory approach used for keloids.
04
New or high-risk scars
For those with a history of keloid formation, planning around any upcoming surgery or piercing can meaningfully lower the risk of a problem scar developing.
Your treatment plan
The right approach, for the right scar.
Scar treatment is rarely quick — a realistic, staged plan gives the best long-term result.
Classify the scar
Confirming whether a scar is keloid, hypertrophic or atrophic — the single most important step, since it determines everything that follows.
Assess risk of recurrence
For keloids especially, history, site and prior treatment response all inform how aggressively — and how cautiously — to proceed.
Choose the treatment approach
Options include corticosteroid injections, silicone therapy, pressure treatment, laser, and, selectively, surgical revision combined with measures to reduce recurrence.
Treatment course
Most scar treatments — particularly for keloids — require a series of sessions over months rather than a single intervention.
Long-term monitoring
Keloids in particular are monitored for recurrence after treatment, with a plan in place for what to do if early signs of regrowth appear.
Scar questions
Keloids and scars, answered.
Have a question that isn't covered here? Contact the practice directly.
Can keloids be removed permanently?
Keloids can be treated to become flatter, softer and less symptomatic, but they carry a real risk of recurrence — sometimes larger than before — particularly if surgically removed without additional preventive treatment. This is why a strategy that manages recurrence risk matters as much as the initial treatment.
What's the difference between a keloid and a hypertrophic scar?
A hypertrophic scar is raised and thickened but stays within the boundary of the original wound, and often softens over time. A keloid grows beyond the original wound's edges and does not resolve on its own. The distinction matters because keloids need a more cautious, recurrence-aware treatment strategy.
I'm prone to keloids and need surgery or a piercing — what should I do?
If you have a personal or family history of keloid formation, mention this before any planned surgery, piercing or cosmetic procedure. Preventive measures — such as post-procedure silicone therapy or steroid injection at the first sign of overgrowth — can meaningfully reduce the risk of a keloid developing.
How long does scar treatment take to show results?
Most scar treatments work gradually, with visible improvement over several months rather than after a single session. Keloid treatment in particular is a longer process, often involving repeat injections spaced weeks apart to control the scar without triggering further overgrowth.