Raised or enlarging scar
The scar may remain elevated or continue to extend beyond the area of the original cut, acne spot, piercing, burn or other injury.
Raised scar assessment · OMR
Keloid treatment
in Chennai.
Assess the scar, reduce symptoms and choose a plan that accounts for recurrence risk.
Keloids are raised scars that can continue growing beyond the edges of the original injury. They may itch, feel tender or painful, become cosmetically prominent, and sometimes recur after treatment. At Ram Skin Clinic in Thoraipakkam, OMR, a dermatologist can assess whether a raised scar is a keloid, a hypertrophic scar or another skin growth before discussing treatment.
The condition explained
What is a keloid?
A keloid is an overgrowth of scar tissue that develops after skin injury. Unlike a hypertrophic scar, which generally stays within the boundaries of the original wound, a keloid can extend beyond them.
DermNet notes that keloids are usually firm, raised and smooth, may itch or feel uncomfortable, and commonly occur on areas such as the chest, shoulders, upper arms and earlobes.
Common presentations
Why do people seek treatment?
Keloids can behave differently from one person to another. Treatment goals may include symptom relief, flattening, reducing colour contrast or limiting further growth.
Itching, tenderness or pain
Some keloids are mainly a cosmetic concern, while others cause persistent itch, sensitivity, tightness or discomfort.
Recurrence after treatment
Keloids have a tendency to return. A dermatologist may therefore plan combination or staged treatment rather than relying on a single procedure.
Assessment first
Keloid or hypertrophic scar?
Clinical examination is usually the starting point. The dermatologist looks at the original injury, the time course, the scar margin, symptoms, location, skin type and any previous treatment.
Some skin tumours and other conditions can resemble a keloid. If the appearance is unusual or the diagnosis is uncertain, a skin biopsy may sometimes be considered.
Tell us about previous procedures
Previous steroid injections, surgery, laser, cryotherapy, piercings or scar treatments can influence the next step. If you have photographs showing how the scar changed over time, bring them to the consultation.
If your raised scar followed acne, infection or another inflammatory problem, the underlying skin condition should also be controlled to reduce new injury and additional scarring.
Treatment planning
What treatments may be discussed?
No single method is best for every keloid. Size, location, symptoms, skin tone, age of the scar and recurrence history all matter.
Intralesional injections
Corticosteroid injections are commonly used to soften and flatten keloids and reduce symptoms. They are usually given as a series rather than a single injection.
Silicone & pressure therapy
Silicone gel or sheets and, in selected locations such as the ear, pressure devices may be used as part of prevention or recurrence-control strategies.
Procedure-based options
Depending on suitability, a dermatologist may discuss cryotherapy, laser or surgical approaches. Surgery alone has a significant recurrence risk, so additional treatment may be needed.
The American Academy of Dermatology describes corticosteroid injections, pressure therapy, silicone sheets, cryosurgery, laser and surgery among treatment options, often in combination because keloids can recur.
What to expect
Keloid treatment often takes time.
Many keloids require repeated treatment over weeks or months. Improvement may be gradual and complete flattening is not always possible. The aim is usually to reduce symptoms and prominence while balancing side effects and recurrence risk.
Darker skin tones can be more prone to pigment changes after some procedures, including freezing treatment. The expected benefit and risk should be discussed before treatment.
Do not cut or burn a keloid yourself
Home removal attempts can injure the skin and may trigger more scar formation or infection. If a scar is changing rapidly, bleeding without reason, ulcerating or looks unusual, arrange an in-person assessment rather than self-treating.
Follow-up & cost
Plan treatment around the individual scar.
Cost depends on the number, size and location of keloids and the treatment selected. Some patients need a course of injections or a combination approach, so the total cost can only be estimated after examination.
At your consultation
- The scar and surrounding skin are examined.
- Previous treatments and recurrence are reviewed.
- Options, expected outcomes and side effects are discussed.
- A follow-up interval is planned if repeated treatment is needed.
Frequently asked questions
Keloid treatment FAQs
Can a keloid go away on its own?
Keloids usually persist rather than disappearing completely on their own. Some may become less symptomatic over time, but persistent, growing, itchy or painful scars can be assessed for treatment.
What is the difference between a keloid and a hypertrophic scar?
A hypertrophic scar stays within the boundary of the original wound and may flatten with time. A keloid can grow beyond the original wound edge and is more likely to persist or recur.
Are steroid injections used for keloids?
Yes. Intralesional corticosteroid injections are commonly used to soften and flatten raised keloid tissue and reduce symptoms. Several sessions may be required.
Can keloids come back after surgery?
Yes. Recurrence after surgical removal is a major concern, which is why surgery is often paired with another treatment or a recurrence-prevention strategy.
Can I prevent another keloid?
If you are prone to keloids, tell doctors before elective procedures, piercings or surgery. Depending on the situation, early scar care, silicone, pressure or other preventive measures may be discussed.
Before your appointment
Help us understand the scar history.
- Note when the scar first appeared and what injury or procedure preceded it.
- Bring a list of previous creams, injections, lasers or surgeries.
- Bring photographs of earlier stages if available.
- Mention any tendency to form raised scars after acne, piercings or surgery.
Related care at Ram Skin Clinic
For broader skin assessment, see our dermatology treatments, skin biopsy information and skin care tips.
Book a dermatologist consultation
Have a raised, itchy or painful scar?
Schedule an assessment at Ram Skin Clinic in OMR to confirm whether it is a keloid or another type of scar and discuss suitable treatment options.
Medical information on this page is educational and does not replace an in-person diagnosis. Treatment suitability and availability are determined after clinical assessment.
