Keloid surgery: who it suits, the steps and aftercare

When to consider keloid surgery

A large keloid or one that hangs like a tag, such as on the earlobe

Illustration

Not every keloid needs surgery. The doctor will consider it when

• the keloid is large or hangs like a tag, such as on the earlobe
• it has shrunk only a little after several injections
• the keloid gets in the way of daily life, for example it rubs on clothing or hurts when pressed

Why treatment continues after surgery

Cut out the keloid tissue

Further treatment, such as injections into the wound

Follow-up visits

Illustration, left to right

Because a surgical wound is a new wound that can turn into a keloid again.

With surgery alone, the keloid is likely to come back. The doctor will plan further treatment, such as injections into the scar at intervals, and wound checks from time to time to catch any new raising early.

Surgery is only the first step

1. Cut out the keloid tissueLocal anesthesia, you go home the same day

→

2. Further treatment, such as injections into the woundAt intervals, as the doctor plans

→

3. Follow-up visitsPhotos from the same angle, watching for new raising

Results vary from person to person.

Steps on the day of surgery

Done under local anesthesia in the clinic’s procedure room

Illustration

You stay awake the whole time. No general anesthesia.

1. Exam and planning The doctor explains how the keloid will be removed, the treatment plan after surgery and the risks, then takes photos before the procedure.
2. Local anesthetic injection
3. Cutting out the keloid tissue and stitching the wound In the clinic’s procedure room.
4. Dressing and advice How to care for the wound, the medicines you need and the date for stitch removal.
5. Ongoing follow-up Stitch removal, injections as planned, and photos from the same angle every time. The clinic sends appointment reminders on LINE.

If the doctor finds that the size or location of the keloid is beyond what the clinic can do, you will be referred to Sappasitprasong Hospital or 50th Anniversary Mahavajiralongkorn Hospital.

Wound care after surgery

Keep the wound clean and dry as the doctor tells you.

Illustration

This period matters as much as the day of surgery.

• Keep the wound clean and dry as the doctor tells you.
• Use your medicines as prescribed, and come for stitch removal on your appointment date.
• Do not pull, rub or knock the wound.
• Come to your appointments even if the wound looks healed.

Risks to know about

A surgical wound is a new wound that can turn into a keloid again.

Illustration

The thing to watch for most is the keloid coming back.

Apart from that, the risks are the same as for any surgery: bleeding, infection or the wound opening. The doctor always explains the risks for your case before you decide on surgery.

Costs

Costs depend on the size, location and number of keloids, as well as the treatment after surgery.

The doctor will give you a rough cost after the exam.

Frequently asked questions