A keloid is a raised area of scar tissue that can form after an injury, surgery, acne or a piercing, often extending beyond the original wound. Keloids are usually harmless but can feel itchy, tight or tender, and commonly appear on the chest, shoulders, jawline, earlobes or upper back.
Scar treatment for a suitable keloid at Advanced Skin Doctors can include radiofrequency electrosurgery using an Ellman Pellevé device, performed under local anaesthetic and generally taking only minutes. Compared with scalpel removal, this method may involve less bleeding and swelling, with no sutures required. The area may remain reddened and require dressing for 7 to 10 days, and tissue can still be sent for pathology testing, though this method isn’t generally used where skin cancer is suspected.
Local anaesthetic, with removal generally taking minutes
May involve less bleeding, swelling and scarring than scalpel removal
No sutures required for this method
Area may require dressing for up to 7 to 10 days
A keloid that is painful, changing or growing should be assessed before deciding on treatment. Contact Advanced Skin Doctors to arrange an assessment.