Keloid Removal

Keloids are overgrown, raised, discolored scars, most commonly on the earlobes, resulting from skin injuries such as surgery, piercings, or tattoos. Sometimes keloids should be surgically removed if they are extensive. This procedure is done in the office and as an outpatient procedure. This technique may involve a scalpel or electric knife removal. After surgical removal, post-surgical treatments are often utilized to minimize the recurrence of keloids. These additional treatments may include silicone sheet dressings (applied directly to the skin around the incision), compression therapy (to mechanically flatten the scar), or other injectables such as bleomycin, interferon, or 5-fluorouracil. Injectables work at the cellular level to disable the keloid formation process and hinder new growth.