Keloid ScarA raised scar that extends beyond the boundaries of the original wound.
SKIN CONDITION
Keloid
Doctor-Led Care
Learn what causes keloids, why some raised scars continue growing or return after treatment, and which doctor-led options may help flatten, soften and manage keloid scars.
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What Is a Keloid?
A keloid is a raised scar that develops when the skin produces excess collagen during healing. Unlike a typical scar, a keloid grows beyond the boundaries of the original wound.
Keloids can develop after piercings, acne, cuts, burns or surgery and may continue to enlarge over time. Some also cause itching, tenderness or discomfort.
Early assessment can help distinguish a true keloid from other raised scars and guide treatment before the scar becomes more extensive.
Keloids commonly develop on:
Ear lobes, especially after piercingChest and shouldersJawlineAreas affected by previous injury, surgery, burns or acne
Ear lobes, especially after piercingChest and shouldersJawlineAreas affected by previous injury, surgery, burns or acne
Keloids are more than a surface scar. Because the skin’s healing response continues to produce excess collagen, treatment often focuses on controlling thickness, symptoms and recurrence rather than expecting a one-time removal to solve the problem.
Who Keloid Treatment Is (and Isn't) For
Keloid treatment may be suitable if you
- Have a raised scar that extends beyond the original wound
- Notice a keloid becoming thicker or larger over time
- Experience itching, tenderness or discomfort from the scar
- Have a recurrent keloid after previous treatment
- Want a doctor-led plan to flatten, soften or improve the appearance of a keloid
You may need additional assessment if you
- Are unsure whether the scar is a keloid or hypertrophic scar
- Have an active infection, open wound or significant inflammation at the treatment site
- Have a medical condition or medication that may affect healing or the proposed treatment
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding, where relevant to the proposed treatment
A consultation and physical assessment is required to confirm suitability — this page is general education, not a diagnosis.
What Causes Keloids?
Keloids develop because of an overactive wound-healing response. Contributing factors may include:
- Genetic predisposition to keloid formation
- Skin injury from piercings, cuts, surgery, acne or burns
- Overactive collagen production during healing
- Tension or repeated irritation at the wound site
- Skin type and individual predisposition
Because keloid formation is strongly influenced by individual healing response, people who have developed keloids previously may be more prone to developing them again.
Why Keloids Keep Growing or Coming Back
- The underlying overactive healing response remains active
- Removal without appropriate adjunct treatment may allow regrowth
- Ongoing skin tension or irritation can continue at the site
- Genetic predisposition remains even after treatment
Clinic RX describes keloid treatment as an ongoing management process rather than a single-session fix, and recurrence risk should be discussed before treatment.
Types of Keloid
Hypertrophic ScarA raised scar that remains within the boundaries of the original wound.
Recurrent KeloidA keloid that regrows after previous treatment.
Keloid Treatments in Malaysia
Clinic RX currently lists Keloid Removal Injection as the main keloid-reduction treatment, with Botanical Peel and Exosome Therapy as supporting skin-recovery options. Treatments may be combined according to doctor assessment, suitability, response and goals.
01Keloid Reduction
A doctor-led injection treatment used to help flatten and soften keloid scar tissue and manage symptoms and continued scar growth.Keloid Removal Injection
View treatment
02Supporting Skin Recovery & Texture
A controlled exfoliation treatment that may be used as supportive care to improve skin renewal and texture around appropriately treated areas. It is not the primary treatment used to flatten a keloid.Botanical Peel
View treatment
03Supporting Skin Repair & Recovery
Clinic RX lists Exosome Therapy as a supporting option to enhance skin repair and recovery around keloid treatment. It does not replace treatment directed at the keloid itself.Exosome Therapy
View treatmentNot sure which option fits?A Clinic RX doctor can assess whether your scar is a keloid, hypertrophic scar or recurrent keloid and discuss a treatment plan based on its size, location, symptoms and previous treatment history.
Ask on WhatsAppRisks & Safety Considerations
Keloid treatment carries potential risks, and recurrence remains possible even after improvement.
- Temporary redness, tenderness, swelling or irritation may occur depending on the treatment
- Injection-based keloid treatment has treatment-specific risks that should be discussed before consent
- Peels or supportive skin treatments may cause temporary sensitivity or irritation
- Multiple treatment sessions may be required
- Keloids can recur after treatment
- Complete or permanent removal cannot be guaranteed
This is general information, not medical advice. A full risk disclosure will be discussed during your in-person consultation before consent is obtained.
Keloid Treatment Results: What to Expect
With appropriate treatment and consistency, Clinic RX states that patients may experience:
- Flatter, softer scar tissue
- Reduced itching or tenderness
- Improved scar colour and texture
- Lower risk of further growth
- Better long-term scar control
Results vary according to keloid size, location, treatment consistency and individual healing response. Recurrence risk should be discussed upfront.
Keloid FAQs
What causes keloids?
Keloids develop when the healing process produces excess collagen after skin injury. Genetics, piercings, cuts, surgery, acne, burns, wound tension and individual skin predisposition can contribute.
What is the difference between a keloid and a normal scar?
A keloid grows beyond the boundaries of the original wound. A typical scar stays within the injured area and generally becomes flatter with time.
What is the difference between a keloid and a hypertrophic scar?
A keloid extends beyond the original wound, while a hypertrophic scar is raised but remains within the wound boundary.
Why does my piercing have a raised bump?
A raised bump after piercing can have several causes, including irritation or scar formation. If the scar continues to grow beyond the original piercing site, a keloid may be possible and should be assessed.
Can acne cause keloids?
Yes. Clinic RX lists acne as one of the skin injuries that can trigger keloid formation in people who are predisposed.
Do keloids keep growing?
They can. Clinic RX notes that untreated keloids may continue to enlarge and may cause itching, tenderness or discomfort.
Can keloids go away on their own?
Keloids generally do not behave like ordinary scars that gradually flatten. Persistent or enlarging keloids may require doctor assessment and treatment.
What is the best treatment for keloids?
There is no single treatment plan for every keloid. Clinic RX lists Keloid Removal Injection as the main reduction treatment, with Botanical Peel and Exosome Therapy as supporting recovery options. Final recommendations depend on doctor assessment.
Do keloid injections flatten the scar?
Clinic RX describes Keloid Removal Injection as a doctor-led treatment intended to flatten, soften and manage keloid scars. Response and the number of sessions required vary.
Can a keloid come back after treatment?
Yes. Recurrence is an important part of keloid management because the underlying healing tendency remains. Clinic RX specifically notes that keloids can regrow after previous treatment.
Can I cut or remove a keloid completely?
Simply removing a keloid does not guarantee that it will not return. Clinic RX notes that removal without adjunct therapy can allow regrowth, so treatment planning should consider recurrence.
How many keloid treatment sessions will I need?
There is no fixed number for everyone. Treatment depends on the keloid's size, thickness, location, previous treatment history and individual response.
How much does keloid treatment cost at Clinic RX?
Pricing depends on the keloid's size, location, treatment plan and number of sessions required. Final pricing is confirmed after doctor assessment.
Keloid Assessment at Clinic RX Malaysia
If you have a raised, growing or recurrent scar, a Clinic RX doctor can assess whether it is a keloid or another type of raised scar and discuss which treatment approach may be suitable.
Treatment suitability, expected results, risks, number of sessions and recurrence vary between individuals and will be discussed during consultation.
Personalised treatment plansDoctor-led assessmentTreatment combinations
