Keloid Removal
People often come to Westover Hills Dermatology in San Antonio, TX, looking to remove or reduce the appearance of keloids — the raised pink or red scars that are often larger than the original injury and tend to grow over time. Many people have keloids but may not realize that they can be treated.
Keloids can form on any part of the body from a cut, burn, or even acne, but are most commonly found on the chest, ears, shoulders, and back. If you have keloids you would like removed, call Westover Hills Dermatology today to schedule a consultation at our San Antonio office.
Why Do Keloids Form?
Doctors are not entirely sure what causes keloids, other than the idea that cell signals get confused during healing causing an abnormal formation of the scar. Instead of stopping once the wound has closed, the body continues to produce excess collagen, which causes the scar tissue to grow beyond the original injury.
People with darker skin pigmentation are most at risk for keloids, but they can occur in all skin types. Keloids also tend to run in families, suggesting a possible genetic component, and they may develop after surgery, piercings, burns, acne, or even minor cuts or scratches. Although they are benign and not contagious, keloids can continue to grow over time, sometimes becoming uncomfortable or restricting movement depending on their location.
How Do I Get Rid of Them?
Treatment of keloid scars is a delicate process since we do not want to cause more keloids to form after removal. Our experienced doctors will talk with you at your appointment about which treatment will be best for your particular case depending on your age, the size of the keloid, and its location. Depending on these factors we may suggest one or several treatments, including injections, surgery, and laser treatments.
What Are the Benefits of Keloid Removal?
Removing or reducing the appearance of keloids isn’t just about aesthetics — it’s about feeling more comfortable in your skin. At Westover Hills Dermatology, our treatment options offer several benefits, including:
Smoother, Flatter Skin
Treatments help reduce the raised appearance of keloids, making your skin look more even and natural. This can improve how the scar feels and looks over time.
Relief from Discomfort
Many people experience itching, tenderness, or even pain with keloids. Treatment can ease these symptoms and improve your daily comfort.
Prevention of Further Growth
If left untreated, keloids can grow larger and become more challenging to manage. Early intervention can help stop progression and minimize long-term changes to the skin.
Personalized Care
We take a tailored approach to each case, using proven methods for your skin and goals. This helps ensure the treatment is as effective and safe as possible.
Our Keloid Removal Options
At Westover Hills Dermatology, we offer multiple treatment options for reducing or removing keloid scars. Each treatment is selected based on your skin type, keloid size, location, and overall health to ensure the best possible outcome.
Corticosteroid Injections
These are often the first line of treatment for keloids. Corticosteroids help reduce inflammation, flatten the raised scar, and relieve symptoms like itching or tenderness. Most patients require injections spaced a few weeks apart for optimal results.
Surgery
Surgical removal may be recommended for larger or more persistent keloids. This procedure is performed in the office under local anesthesia. To reduce the risk of recurrence, surgery is often paired with follow-up treatments such as steroid injections or laser therapy.
Laser Resurfacing
Laser treatment can help improve the color, texture, and size of keloid scars. It works by gently resurfacing the skin and breaking down excess scar tissue over a series of sessions. Laser therapy is non-invasive, requires minimal downtime, and is especially effective for cosmetic improvement.
What to Expect With Keloid Removal
Here are some of the treatments we use, and what you can expect for each:
- Injection: An injection with corticosteroid is often the first line of treatment for keloids. You can expect to come into the office for three or four treatments, spaced about a month apart. The goal for these injections is to flatten the keloid scar and reduce any itching or burning you may be experiencing.
- Surgery: If our doctors determine that surgical removal would best treat your keloid, you can expect to be given a local anesthetic as our staff removes the keloid in the office with traditional or laser techniques. We will watch it closely and treat with post-surgical options as needed in an effort to help it heal without developing another keloid.
- Laser: Laser resurfacing can be used over the course of several treatments to reduce the appearance of keloid scarring. This procedure has little to no downtime, and you can expect full results within a few months.
Keloid Aftercare and Prevention Tips
Proper care after keloid treatment plays a key role in achieving long-lasting results and reducing the chance of recurrence. At Westover Hills Dermatology, we’ll provide you with detailed post-treatment instructions tailored to your specific procedure, but here are some general guidelines to keep in mind:
Protect the Area From Sun Exposure
UV rays can darken scar tissue and make keloids more noticeable. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, or keep the area covered with clothing or a bandage while healing.
Avoid Friction and Irritation
Tight clothing, heavy accessories, or repeated rubbing can aggravate the treated area and trigger regrowth. Choose breathable, loose-fitting clothing and avoid applying harsh products directly on the site.
Follow All Aftercare Instructions
Whether you received injections, surgery, or laser therapy, following our care plan is essential. This may include applying prescribed creams, keeping the area clean and dry, and attending any recommended follow-up visits.
Monitor for Changes
Contact our office immediately if you notice unusual swelling, redness, or tenderness after treatment. Early action can help prevent complications or keloid recurrence.
Frequently Asked Questions About Keloid Removal
Will the keloid come back after treatment?
There is always a risk that a keloid may return, even after successful treatment. However, our providers use the most effective methods available and often combine treatments to minimize the chance of recurrence. We also monitor healing closely and may recommend follow-up care to help prevent regrowth.
Is keloid removal treatment painful?
Most patients tolerate treatment well. Injections may cause mild discomfort during the procedure, and surgical removal is performed with a local anesthetic to ensure you’re comfortable. Any post-treatment discomfort is usually minimal and manageable with over-the-counter pain relief.
How long does each keloid treatment take?
Treatment times vary depending on the method used. Injections typically take just a few minutes per session. Laser treatments and surgical procedures can take 30 minutes or more. Based on your treatment plan, we will tell you what to expect.
Can I treat multiple keloids at once?
Yes, in many cases, multiple keloids can be treated during the same visit. This depends on the size, number, and location of the keloids and your overall health and treatment goals. We’ll work with you to create a plan that meets your needs safely and effectively.
Why Choose Westover Hills Dermatology for Your Keloid Removal?
When it comes to treating keloids, precision and experience matter. At Westover Hills Dermatology, we offer expert-led care using advanced techniques designed to reduce the appearance of keloid scars safely and effectively.
Our practice is led by Dr. Mobolaji Opeola, a Board-Certified Dermatologist with specialized experience in scar revision, cosmetic procedures, and medical dermatology. She understands the complexities of keloid formation and takes a personalized approach to every treatment, considering factors like skin type, scar history, and long-term outcomes.
Whether you’re seeking relief from discomfort or looking to minimize the appearance of a keloid, our team is here to guide you with thoughtful, patient-centered care in a professional and supportive environment.
Say Goodbye to Keloids — Personalized Treatment Starts Here in San Antonio, TX
If you’re struggling with keloids and are looking for safe, effective treatment options, Westover Hills Dermatology is here to help. We proudly serve patients throughout San Antonio, Helotes, Live Oak, Alamo Ranch, the Medical Center, Stone Oak, and surrounding areas with expert dermatologic care tailored to your needs.
If you would like to discuss your specific case and questions, do not hesitate to contact us at Westover Hills Dermatology in San Antonio. Our friendly staff looks forward to working with you to address your concerns and pick the best treatment for you. Call us today at (830) 261-3212 or request an appointment online to take the first step toward healthier, smoother skin.
