Keloid Treatments in Seoul

🔍 What Are Keloids

A keloid is a type of raised scar that grows beyond the boundary of the original wound. It occurs due to overproduction of collagen during healing, leading to thick, often irregular scar tissue. Keloids may be raised, firm, pigmented or reddish, sometimes itchy or sensitive, and may cause cosmetic or functional concerns if located on visible or mobile areas of the body.

Because keloids behave differently from regular scars — with a tendency to overgrow or recur — treatment requires careful evaluation and often a multi-step approach.

⚠️ Why Treating Keloids Requires Special Care

• Keloids have a high risk of recurrence or regrowth if not treated properly.
• Aggressive skin-remodeling treatments (deep laser, deep ablation, rough peels) may trigger further scarring or worsen keloids.
• The outcome can vary greatly depending on skin type, keloid age, location, and how well the wound was originally healed.
• Treatment often aims for reduction or smoothing rather than guaranteed complete removal.

🔧 Common Keloid Treatment Methods Offered in Seoul

1. Conservative Treatments & Monitoring

• Gentle care, pressure therapy, silicone sheets or gels, and scar-management creams — often first-line for early or small keloids.
• Helps soften the scar, reduce pigment, and prevent further growth.

2. Intralesional Steroid Injections

• Direct injection of anti-inflammatory/steroid medication into the scar tissue to reduce collagen overgrowth and flatten the keloid.
• Often repeated over months for gradual reduction.

3. Laser or Light-Based Therapy (Gentle, Controlled Settings)

• Use of non-ablative or gentle resurfacing/light therapy to improve texture, flatten raised scar surface, and reduce redness/pigment.
• Avoiding aggressive resurfacing reduces risk of triggering new scar formation.

4. Surgical Excision + Post-Op Scar Management

• For larger, problematic keloids, surgical removal may be considered — combined with cautious post-op care to minimize risk of regrowth.
• Often followed by steroid therapy, silicone treatment, or light therapy to manage healing and reduce recurrence.

5. Combination Therapy (Injection + Light / Laser + Silicone / Pressure Therapy)

• Because keloid behavior is complex, many effective plans combine two or more modalities — for example, excision + steroid + light therapy + silicone sheet — to optimize results and minimize recurrence risk.

🧑‍⚕️ What to Expect: Treatment Course, Recovery & Outcome

• Initial evaluation to assess scar size, location, skin type, keloid maturity — to choose the safest plan.
• Sessions depend on method: steroid injections may need multiple visits spaced weeks apart; light therapy or laser may need several sessions spaced months apart.
• Healing care is essential — gentle wound care, avoiding trauma or tension, using scar-management methods (silicone, pressure, sun protection) for months after treatment.
• Results are often incremental: keloid becomes flatter, thinner, less pigmented, softer — but full “normal skin” appearance is not always achievable.
• Recurrence risk remains; long-term maintenance and scar care is important to minimize regrowth.

✅ What Keloid Treatment Can Achieve (Realistic Goals)

• Flatten raised scar tissue to make it less raised and more level with surrounding skin
• Soften scar texture — making the scar more flexible, less rigid, less itchy or sensitive
• Improve color and pigmentation — reduce redness or dark discoloration, making scar less noticeable
• Improve cosmetic appearance, comfort, and mobility (especially if keloid was in an area prone to friction or movement)
• Provide a long-term maintenance strategy to manage scarring rather than a “one-and-done” fix

⚠️ What Keloid Treatment Cannot Guarantee

• Complete scar-free skin — because keloid formation involves deep skin layers and sometimes genetic predisposition, full “normal skin” restoration is rarely possible.
• Permanent removal — keloids may recur, especially under stress, tension, or if healing not carefully managed.
• Instant results — improvement often occurs gradually over months, with repeated treatments and consistent care.
• Uniform results — outcomes vary depending on skin type, scar age, location, and individual healing response.

🧴 Aftercare & Scar Management: What Helps to Minimize Recurrence

• Keep skin protected from trauma or friction — avoid tight clothing or movement that stresses scar site.
• Use silicone-based scar sheets or gels, pressure therapy (if suitable), and gentle moisturizing to support healing.
• Avoid excessive sun exposure — apply sunscreen to prevent hyperpigmentation of scar tissue.
• Avoid aggressive skincare or harsh treatments on scar — gentle care, gentle cleansing, and minimal exfoliation.
• Follow up with maintenance therapy (light therapy, injections, monitoring) if recommended.
• Maintain healthy skin-healing conditions — hydration, balanced diet, avoid smoking, good overall skin care.

🎯 Who Might Benefit Most from Keloid Treatment (with Caution)

• People with small to medium-sized keloids that are relatively new or not overly thick
• Individuals who want to improve appearance and comfort, not necessarily achieve perfect skin
• Those willing to commit to long-term scar care and follow-up rather than expecting a quick fix
• People whose keloids are in cosmetic or functional areas (face, neck, joints) where scar appearance or mobility matters