Scarring can be challenging—not only for patients living with it, but also for medical professionals working to treat it effectively. If you’re dealing with one or more unwanted scars, especially keloids, you’re not alone. Every scar is different, and so is every patient. The size, thickness, color, and behavior of keloid scars vary widely, which means treatment plans and results also differ from person to person.
At Celibre Medical, we understand how frustrating keloid scars can be. Over the years, we’ve helped many patients improve the appearance of their scars, including dense, thick keloids. Keloid laser treatment, often combined with other therapies, can be a highly effective option for the right candidate.
Real Patient Experience with Keloid Laser Treatment
To demonstrate how effective laser therapy can be, we often share the story of a patient we successfully treated. This gentleman came to us after previously undergoing surgical removal of a keloid scar on his cheek. His keloid had originally developed nearly nine years earlier following a severe acne cyst.
Like many patients, he hoped surgery would permanently eliminate the keloid. While his plastic surgeon was upfront about the risks of recurrence, the unfortunate reality is that keloids frequently return after surgical excision. In his case, the scar reappeared almost immediately—and grew larger than it had been before surgery.
Why Lasers Can Help Treat Keloids
After a thorough consultation and examination, we recommended a customized keloid laser treatment plan. This included a combination of Kenalog (steroid) injections and treatment with the Cynosure V-Star (Candela V-Beam) laser.
This laser is a pulsed-dye laser designed to target the excess blood vessels (vascularity) that feed keloid scars. Because keloids rely heavily on blood supply to continue growing, reducing that vascularity can significantly slow growth. Over time, this process can help flatten, soften, and shrink the scar.
Between laser sessions, we administered steroid injections to further decrease inflammation and promote scar atrophy. For this patient, the combination approach was highly successful. His keloid became smaller and less noticeable, and he was extremely pleased with the outcome—as were we.
Setting Realistic Expectations
It’s important to understand that while keloid laser treatment can dramatically improve the appearance of scars, results are never guaranteed. Everyone responds differently. Before starting treatment, we discussed with the patient that there was a possibility the keloid might not change in size at all.
One of the most important advantages of laser treatment over surgical removal is safety. With laser therapy, there is virtually no risk of the keloid growing larger after treatment, which is a critical consideration when weighing your options. Surgery, while sometimes necessary, carries a much higher risk of recurrence and worsening.
Is Laser Treatment Right for Your Keloid?
If you’ve been asking yourself, “Can my keloid(s) be treated with lasers?”, the answer is often yes—but the best approach depends on your unique scar and medical history. A personalized evaluation is essential to determine whether laser therapy alone or in combination with other treatments is right for you.
If you’re struggling with keloid scars and looking for safe, effective options, laser treatment may offer meaningful improvement without the risks associated with surgery.
