Abnormal Scarring: Identifying Keloids

What Are Keloids?

Keloids are a type of raised scar that form when the body produces an excess of collagen during the healing process after skin injury. Unlike regular or hypertrophic scars, keloids grow far beyond the original wound's boundaries, creating thick, firm, and sometimes shiny growths that can vary in size and shape. They may appear red, purple, or darker than the surrounding skin and can be itchy, tender, or even painful. While keloids are not harmful, they can cause discomfort and significantly affect a person's confidence, especially when located on visible areas like the chest, shoulders, earlobes, or face.

Why Do Keloids Happen?

Keloids are a consequence of an overactive tissue response, producing more collagen than what is expected during regular wound healing. Formation can occur after skin injuries such as piercings, burns, acne scars, surgical incisions or even minor cuts. While anyone can develop keloids, some individuals are more prone due to genetic factors, with a higher prevalence in people with darker skin tones. Hormonal changes, skin tension around the wound, and a family history of keloids also increase the likelihood of their formation.

Why Keloid Treatment Can Be Challenging

Keloids are known for their tendency to reoccur, making their treatment more complex than standard scar management. Even with advanced treatment methods, some keloids may persist over time. Because of this, a comprehensive approach combining multiple therapies is often necessary to achieve the most effective and lasting results. View the rest of this patient’s before and photos in Dr. Nguyen’s procedure gallery.

View Before and after: Keloid Removal

Common Areas Affected by Keloids

Keloids can develop anywhere on the body but are most commonly found in areas where the skin is under tension or has experienced repeated trauma, such as:

Chest
Shoulders/Upper back
Earlobes (commonly from piercings)
Cheeks
Surgical sites
Acne scars
Burn injuries

How Are Keloids Treated?

Surgical removal can be an effective solution for keloids that are uncomfortable or in undesirable areas. Dr. JoAnna Nguyen has a keen interest in keloid removal, providing personalized treatment plans to improve skin appearance and optimize future outcomes. Treatment often involves a combination of keloid excision and adjunctive therapies aimed at minimizing the risk of recurrence. Learn more about keloid removal and see this patient’s transformation here.