Keloid Removal: Can Keloids Come Back?

You finally decide to do something about the raised scar on your ear.

Maybe it started after a piercing. Maybe it developed after an injury or previous surgery.

And now you’re wondering:

“Can this keloid actually be removed?”

And perhaps the bigger question is:

“If it is removed, will it come back?”

This is an important question because keloids don’t behave like ordinary scars.

A keloid is a type of raised scar that can grow beyond the boundaries of the original wound. It may continue growing for months or even years and can sometimes cause itching, pain or discomfort. nhs.uk

And yes — keloids can come back after treatment.

That doesn’t mean treatment isn’t possible. It means that treating a keloid often requires more thought than simply cutting the visible scar away.

Keloid or Ordinary Scar?
Understanding the difference matters.

What Exactly Is a Keloid?

A keloid is an area of scar tissue that grows beyond the boundaries of the original injury.

Normally, when your skin is injured, your body produces collagen to repair the damaged area.

With a keloid, the healing process produces excessive scar tissue, causing the scar to become raised, firm and sometimes considerably larger than the original wound.

Keloids can develop after:

• Ear piercing
• Cuts
• Burns
• Surgery
• Acne
• Other forms of skin injury

They are particularly common on areas such as the ears, chest, shoulders and neck. nhs.uk

A keloid may also feel itchy, tender or painful while it is growing.

So, Can a Keloid Be Removed?

This is where things become more complicated.

Surgical removal of a keloid is possible in selected cases, but removing the visible scar does not guarantee that the keloid will not return.

In fact, the British Association of Dermatologists notes that surgical excision alone is often unsuccessful because the new wound can itself trigger further keloid formation. Bad

The American Academy of Dermatology similarly explains that keloids can return after treatment and that clinicians may use more than one treatment approach to improve results. AAD

This is why a consultation should not simply focus on:

“Can you cut it off?”

The more important question is:

“What treatment approach is appropriate for this particular keloid?”

Why Can Keloids Come Back?

The reason is connected to the way keloid-prone skin responds to injury.

Surgery creates another wound.

For most people, the wound heals normally.

But if someone is prone to keloid formation, the healing process can produce excessive scar tissue again.

This is why simply removing the existing keloid does not necessarily remove the tendency of the skin to form another one.

The NHS notes that keloids are likely to grow back after surgical removal, while the British Association of Dermatologists explains that additional treatments may be used following excision to reduce the risk of regrowth. nhs.uk

What Treatments Are Used for Keloids?

There isn’t one treatment that works for every keloid.

Depending on the individual case, treatment may include:

Steroid injections

Steroid injections can help soften and flatten some keloids and may reduce symptoms such as itching or discomfort.

They are commonly used as part of keloid treatment. AAD

Silicone therapy

Silicone gels or sheets may be used as part of a treatment plan for raised scars and keloids.

Pressure therapy

Pressure dressings or specialised pressure earrings may sometimes be recommended, particularly for earlobe keloids.

The aim is to apply controlled pressure to the affected area as part of the treatment plan. AAD

Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy uses freezing to reduce the size and hardness of some keloids.

Surgical removal

Surgery may be considered for selected patients, but because keloids can recur, additional treatment or follow-up may be recommended.

The most appropriate approach depends on factors such as the location, size, previous treatment, symptoms and individual history.

EARLOBE KELOIDS
Treatment needs to be individualised.

Why Are Earlobe Keloids Common?

The ear is one of the areas where keloids commonly develop.

Ear piercing can create the initial injury, after which excessive scar tissue may develop around the piercing site.

For someone who has already developed a keloid, it is important to discuss future piercings and skin injuries with an appropriate medical professional because people who form keloids may be more likely to develop them again. nhs.uk

Earlobe keloids can also create practical concerns.

Some people may find them uncomfortable, while others may be concerned about their appearance or their ability to wear earrings.

The treatment plan should therefore consider both the physical characteristics of the keloid and what the patient wants to achieve.

Is a Keloid the Same as a Normal Raised Scar?

No.

This distinction is important.

A hypertrophic scar can also be raised and firm, but it generally remains within the boundaries of the original wound.

A keloid, on the other hand, can extend beyond the original injury and continue growing. nhs.uk

That’s one reason why a new or unusual raised scar should be properly assessed rather than automatically assumed to be a keloid.

When Should You Have a Keloid Assessed?

Consider seeking professional assessment if you notice a scar that:

• Continues getting larger
• Becomes raised or firm
• Extends beyond the original wound
• Becomes itchy or painful
• Develops after an ear piercing
• Is affecting your comfort or everyday life
• Is causing you concern about its appearance

Early assessment can help determine what you’re dealing with and whether treatment may be appropriate. The NHS advises seeking medical advice if you think you have a keloid that is bothering you. nhs.uk

What Happens During a Keloid Consultation?

A consultation is about more than simply looking at the scar.

Your surgeon may want to understand:

When did it start?

Was there a piercing, injury, operation or other skin trauma before it appeared?

Has it changed?

Has the keloid become larger, harder, painful or itchy?

Have you had treatment before?

Previous surgery, injections or other treatments can be relevant when planning what happens next.

Do you have a history of keloids?

Previous keloid formation can be important when discussing future treatment and the possibility of recurrence.

From there, your surgeon can discuss the available options and whether surgical treatment is appropriate.

 

The Question Isn’t Just “Can You Remove It?”

When people search for keloid removal, they often want a simple answer.

Yes or no.

But keloids don’t always work that way.

The important question is not simply whether the visible scar can be removed.

It’s about understanding:

What type of scar is it?

How large is it?

Where is it located?

Has it been treated before?

How does your skin respond to injury?

What approach may reduce the chance of recurrence?

That is why personalised assessment matters.

Can Keloids Be Prevented?

There is no guaranteed way to prevent every keloid, particularly if you are prone to developing them.

However, if you already know that your skin forms keloids, discussing future piercings, cosmetic procedures and other skin injuries with a healthcare professional is sensible.

The American Academy of Dermatology also recommends paying attention to new piercings and seeking early advice if thickening develops around the piercing site. AAD

Keloid Removal at AustinGraces

At AustinGraces Plastic Surgery in Brentwood, Essex, keloid treatment begins with proper assessment.

Dr Fortune Iwuagwu and the team can assess the affected area, understand your concerns and discuss the treatment options that may be appropriate for your individual situation.

If surgical removal is considered, the discussion should also include the possibility of recurrence and any follow-up treatment that may be appropriate.

Because with keloids, removing the visible scar is only one part of the conversation.

Have a Keloid That Is Bothering You?

Don’t rely on guesswork.

Book a consultation to have the area properly assessed and discuss your options.

📍 AustinGraces Plastic Surgery

🌐 austingraces.com

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a keloid come back after removal?
Yes. Keloids can recur after treatment, including surgical removal. This is why treatment may involve additional measures and follow-up. AAD

Is surgery the only way to treat a keloid?
No. Depending on the individual case, treatment may include steroid injections, silicone therapy, pressure therapy, cryotherapy, laser treatment or surgery. AAD

Can an earlobe keloid be treated?
Yes, earlobe keloids can be assessed and treatment options discussed. The appropriate approach depends on the individual keloid and the patient’s history.

Will removing a keloid permanently cure it?
There is no treatment that can guarantee a keloid will never return. Recurrence is an important consideration when planning treatment. AAD

What should I do if I think I have a keloid?
Arrange an assessment with an appropriate healthcare professional, particularly if the area is growing, painful, itchy or bothering you.

Medical disclaimer

This article is for general educational purposes and does not replace an individual medical assessment or diagnosis. Treatment options and suitability vary from person to person. A consultation with an appropriately qualified healthcare professional is required before deciding on treatment.