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Scar treatment depends on the scar’s shape, location, symptoms and how your skin heals. We consider your skin tone, the risk of pigment changes and the chance that a raised scar may return after treatment.
Raised hypertrophic scars and keloids may need injections, laser or other procedures, or a selected surgical approach. For widened, depressed, tethered or otherwise structurally altered scars, see our Scar Revision page.
Scar and Keloid Treatment Options
How are keloids and raised scars treated?
Options may include corticosteroid or other intralesional injections, laser treatment, cryotherapy in selected cases, silicone-based care, pressure strategies or surgical excision. Treatment is individualized because keloids can recur after removal.
Why does recurrence matter?
Keloids extend beyond the original wound and can regrow after treatment. When excision is appropriate, postoperative strategies may be recommended to reduce recurrence risk, including selected use of radiation therapy in appropriate cases.
What about acne scars or depressed scars?
Depressed or textural scars may require a different approach, such as microneedling, laser treatment, subcision, resurfacing, filler or surgical revision depending on the scar.
What is a realistic goal?
The goal is improvement rather than complete erasure. Treatment planning balances appearance, symptoms, recurrence risk, skin tone and the chance of pigment change or creating a new scar.
Related Care and Reading
- Scar Revision — for widened, depressed, tethered or structurally altered scars
- Scar revision options