SCARS

Keloid scars, also known as keloids, are abnormal hypertrophic scars that can be a serious aesthetic and functional problem. Although keloids are not life-threatening, they often cause discomfort, restrict mobility, and negatively affect the patient's self-esteem. Learn what keloids are, what types there are, and how they are treated.

What are keloids?

A keloid is an overgrown, hard, often bumpy skin lesion that forms at the site of a previous injury, wound, burn, or surgical procedure. Unlike a normal hypertrophic scar, a keloid forms beyond the boundaries of the original skin damage and tends to recur.

Keloids are the result of excessive collagen synthesis by fibroblasts, leading to pathological growth of connective tissue. They are often accompanied by symptoms such as itching, tenderness, or a feeling of skin tightness.

Types of keloids

There are two main types:

It is worth noting that keloids can appear anywhere on the body, although they most commonly occur on the chest, back, ears, and arms.

Keloids – causes

The causes of keloid formation are not fully understood, but the following factors play a significant role:

Mechanical injuries, e.g., after surgical excision or cuts,
Burns and serious wounds,
Wound infections or improper healing,
Genetic factors – keloids are more common in people with darker skin types.
Impaired wound healing and excessive fibroblast activity,
Cosmetic procedures and invasive skin treatments.

Keloids – recognition and diagnosis

The diagnosis and treatment of keloids begins with a detailed interview and examination of the lesion by a specialist. A dermatological consultation allows for the differentiation between hypertrophic scars and keloids and an assessment of whether the keloid is likely to develop further.

In some cases, a biopsy or additional tests are necessary to rule out cancerous changes and confirm the benign nature of the lesion.

Keloids – how to treat them?

The treatment of scars and keloids is difficult and often requires an individual approach. Depending on the degree of growth, location, and patient predisposition, various methods of keloid treatment can be used:

The most commonly used methods of treating keloids:

Glucocorticosteroid injections – reduce inflammation and limit tissue growth.
Compression therapy/compression dressings – used especially for burn scars.
Silicone preparations/silicone dressings – soothe irritation and improve the appearance of scars.
Radiotherapy – in severe cases as a supplement to surgical treatment.
Laser therapy – especially fractional laser therapy, which stimulates tissue remodeling and regeneration.
Cryosurgery – freezing scar tissue with liquid nitrogen, leading to its gradual necrosis.
Surgery – used for large keloids, but surgical treatment carries a risk of recurrence, so it is often combined with other methods (e.g., steroid injections).

Learn about the treatments we offer

In the case of keloids, a combination of dermatological, surgical, and aesthetic medicine treatments is recommended. At our clinic, we offer:

Laser therapy (fractional CO₂ laser)

An effective method for removingkeloids that stimulates regeneration and reduces scar volume.

Price from 400 zł

Cryosurgery

Removing keloid scars with liquid nitrogen – an excellent solution for smaller lesions. It causes them to die off and fall away.

Price from 250 zł

Surgical procedure

Surgical excision of keloids is performed under local anesthesia. The procedure often needs to be combined with other therapies to minimize the risk of recurrence.

Price from 800 zł

Dermatological consultation

The first step in treatment is to identify the type of lesion and select an appropriate course of action.