Keloid injections: what they are, whether they hurt, how many you need
A keloid is a scar that is raised and spreads beyond the edge of the original wound. It is often itchy, tight or painful. Injecting medicine into the keloid is the main way to help it become flatter and softer. At Sandee Clinic, Ubon Ratchathani, the doctor first checks whether your keloid suits injections, surgery, or a combination of methods.
Thai medical licence no. ว.55040 • reviewed on 10/10/2026
English translation of the Thai page. If the two differ, the Thai version applies.
- A keloid spreads beyond the edge of the original wound and usually does not go down on its own, unlike an ordinary raised scar.
- Injections help the keloid become flatter and softer, and less itchy or painful.
- Most people need several injections, weeks apart.
- Keloids can come back. Even after they flatten, keep coming to your appointments.
What a keloid is and how it differs from a raised scar
After a wound, the body makes new tissue to repair it. In some people it makes too much, and the scar becomes raised.
Raised scars like this fall roughly into 2 types.
Look at the edge of the original wound (dotted line)
Raised scar
- Stays within the edge of the original wound
- Usually appears within a few months of the wound
- In many people it slowly goes down on its own
Keloid
- Spreads beyond the edge of the original wound
- May keep growing and usually does not go down on its own
- Common on the earlobes, chest, shoulders and back
A keloid can come from a small wound, such as an ear piercing, inflamed acne, a surgical wound or a burn. It is more common in people with a family history of keloids.
Common places for keloids
- Earlobes, often after ear piercing
- Chest
- Shoulders
- Back (the back of the body)
What keloid injection is
Medicine is injected directly into the keloid tissue.
Illustration
It is the injection of an anti-inflammatory medicine directly into the keloid tissue.
The medicine helps reduce the excess tissue, so the keloid slowly becomes flatter and softer, and less itchy or painful. The doctor chooses the type and amount of medicine based on the size, thickness and location of the keloid.
It can be used in two ways: as the main treatment for small to medium keloids, and after surgery to lower the chance of the keloid coming back.
Injections combined with Fractional CO₂ laser
In some cases the doctor may use Fractional CO₂ laser together with injections.
The laser helps make the skin over the scar smoother, and is used with injections to manage the raised surface, redness and itching of a keloid. It does not replace injections, and not everyone needs it.
- The doctor first looks at the size, thickness, location and skin tone to see whether laser is suitable.
- After laser, the treated skin may be red, sting or form crusts for a short time. The doctor will tell you how to care for it.
- Avoid strong sun on the treated area to lower the chance of dark marks.
Results vary from person to person.
Who it suits
If you have any of the keloids below, injections are the first option to discuss with the doctor.
- Small to medium keloids or raised scars
- Keloids that are itchy, tight or painful
- You have had a keloid removed by surgery and do not want it to come back
- You do not want surgery yet
Always tell the doctor first if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have a chronic illness or take medicines regularly. For patients under 18, the doctor decides case by case, and a parent or guardian joins in hearing the treatment plan.
Steps at the clinic
From your first visit to follow-up
- History What wound caused the keloid, how long you have had it, and whether it has been treated before.
- Exam and photos The keloid is measured, its thickness and firmness checked, and standard-angle photos taken to compare next time.
- Planning Whether injections alone are enough or surgery should be added, then your next appointment is set.
- Injection The skin is cleaned, then medicine is injected into the keloid tissue.
- Follow-up Photos from the same angle to see how much it has gone down, then the injection plan is adjusted. The clinic sends appointment reminders on LINE.
How many injections you need
Most people need several injections, weeks apart, as the doctor schedules.
Illustration
Most people need several injections, weeks apart, as the doctor schedules.
The number depends on the size, thickness and how each person responds. Newer keloids usually respond better than keloids that have been there for years.
Results vary from person to person.
Side effects to know about
Illustration, left to right
Most side effects stay at the injection site.
- Pain or bruising where you were injected
- The skin there becomes thinner, or sinks too much
- Lighter skin color, or visible small blood vessels
The doctor chooses the dose and the time between injections to lower these risks. If you notice anything unusual, tell the clinic straight away without waiting for your appointment.
Self-care after injections
Use only the scar care products or sheets the doctor recommends.
Illustration
You can go about your life as usual, with just a few precautions.
- Keep the injection site clean.
- Do not pick, scratch or massage it hard.
- Use only the scar care products or sheets the doctor recommends.
- If you will get a new wound, such as an ear piercing or surgery, tell the doctor you have had keloids.
Follow-up photos from the clinic
Examples from clients who agreed to share them. See more on the results page.
Results vary from person to person.
Costs
Costs depend on the size, the number of keloids and the number of injections needed.
Keloid injection promotion, priced by size
Price per spot, by the diameter of the scar
| Size | 1 session | 5 sessions |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 1 cm | 500 | 2,390 |
| 1–2 cm | 630 | 2,990 |
| 3–5 cm | 1,100 | 4,990 |
| 6–10 cm | 1,400 | 6,590 |
Prices in Thai baht (THB)
- Promotion prices until 31/10/2026
- The doctor measures and assesses every scar before injecting. Scars larger than 10 cm or several spots are priced after assessment.
- Not sure of the size? Send a photo on LINE @sandeeclinic.
- Results vary from person to person.
You can ask for a first estimate on LINE or by phone, and send photos of the keloid for our staff to see first.
Frequently asked questions
Do keloid injections hurt?
They can hurt and feel tight during the injection, because a keloid is firm tissue. The doctor injects slowly and may use ways to reduce the pain. Most injections are over quickly.
How many injections do I need?
It depends on the size, thickness and age of the keloid. Most need several injections, weeks apart. The doctor checks the results and adjusts the plan at every visit.
Will the keloid disappear completely after injections?
The goal is to make the keloid flatter, softer, and less itchy or painful. A mark may still show, and it can come back, so keep coming to your appointments. Results vary from person to person.
Can an ear keloid after piercing be injected?
Yes. Earlobe keloids are common. If the lump is large, the doctor may recommend removing it by surgery first, then continuing with injections.
Can I send keloid photos on LINE before I come?
Yes. Our staff will give first advice and help book a day to see the doctor. Diagnosis and treatment planning are done by the doctor after an exam at the clinic.
Let the doctor assess you before choosing a treatment
Sandee Clinic Ubon–Trakan Road, Mueang Ubon Ratchathani • Open 11:00–20:00 · Closed on Tuesdays
This page is general information and does not replace an examination by a doctor • Results vary from person to person
