GMC Registered Doctors
Expert Diagnosis & Care
Personalised Management
Tailored Information & Plans
Evidence-Based Options
Effective Keloid Solutions
CQC Regulated Clinic
Safe & Professional Environment
Understanding Keloids: Definition, Development, and Characteristics
Keloids are distinctive overgrowths of scar tissue that develop following skin injuries such as cuts, burns, acne, or even minor scratches. Unlike normal scars that typically fade and flatten over time, keloids continue to grow beyond the boundaries of the original wound, forming raised, often reddish or purple, smooth growths on the skin. While medically benign, keloids can cause physical discomfort, functional limitations, and significant aesthetic concerns for those affected.
At Revitalise London, our GMC registered doctors provide expert assessment and information about keloids and their management options. Our CQC-regulated Harley Street clinic delivers comprehensive care focused on both physical and psychological aspects of keloid concerns.
The Science Behind Keloids: Formation and Development
Understanding how keloids develop helps comprehend this complex skin condition:
Keloids form due to an abnormal wound healing process involving excessive collagen production:
- Inflammatory Phase Disruption: Initial inflammation persists longer than normal.
- Fibroblast Overactivity: Collagen-producing cells (fibroblasts) become overactive.
- Imbalanced Remodelling: Natural collagen breakdown is disrupted, leading to accumulation.
- Continued Growth: Keloids expand beyond the original wound, sometimes for years.
Several factors contribute to keloid formation:
- Genetic Predisposition: Often runs in families; higher risk in darker skin tones (African, Asian, Hispanic descent).
- Age: More common between ages 10-30.
- Wound Location: Chest, shoulders, upper back, earlobes, jawline are prone areas.
- Wound Tension: Injuries in high-tension areas are higher risk.
- Type of Injury: Burns, acne, piercings, incisions from procedures carry higher risks.
Our doctors can provide personalised information about your risk factors.
Identifying Keloids: Characteristics and Differentiation
Proper identification is important to distinguish keloids from other skin conditions:
Common Characteristics of Keloids
- Raised, smooth growths extending beyond original wound boundaries.
- Firm, rubbery texture.
- Colour varies: pink, red, purple, or brown.
- May continue to grow over time.
- Can cause tenderness, itching, or discomfort.
- Shiny surface, possible hair loss on the keloid.
Differentiating Keloids from Hypertrophic Scars
Key differences:
- Boundaries: Keloids grow *beyond* wound edges; hypertrophic scars stay *within*.
- Timeline: Hypertrophic scars improve over 1-2 years; keloids persist/grow.
- Recurrence: Keloids recur more frequently after management.
- Location: Keloids favour specific areas (chest, shoulders, earlobes).
Our GMC registered doctors at Revitalise London provide accurate diagnosis.
The Impact of Keloids: Physical and Psychological Considerations
Understanding the full impact helps tailor comprehensive management plans:
Physical Effects
- Discomfort: Itching, tenderness, or pain, especially with friction.
- Functional Limitations: Restricted movement if over joints.
- Sensitivity: Increased sensitivity to touch or temperature.
- Secondary Changes: Potential alterations to surrounding skin.
Psychological and Social Impact
- Body Image Concerns: Affects self-image, especially in visible areas.
- Social Anxiety: Concerns about appearance may lead to withdrawal.
- Emotional Distress: Frustration, embarrassment.
- Quality of Life: Combined physical/psychological impacts affect daily functioning.
At Revitalise London, we address both physical symptoms and psychological wellbeing.
Professional Keloid Assessment: What to Expect
Our assessments by GMC registered doctors are thorough and informative:
A comprehensive discussion and examination including:
- Detailed medical history (previous injuries, scar development).
- Family history of keloids.
- Discussion of concerns and impact on daily life.
- Thorough examination of the keloid(s) and surrounding skin.
- Documentation of characteristics (size, location, colour, texture).
- Assessment of symptoms (itch, pain).
- Discussion of management goals.
Evaluation Techniques:
- Visual & Tactile Examination: Identifying key characteristics.
- Dermoscopy: Magnified view of surface and subsurface structures.
- Photography: Standardised photos for documentation/monitoring.
- Measurement: Precise baseline documentation.
- Ultrasound/Biopsy (Rarely): For complex or atypical cases.
Personalised Assessment Findings Discussion:
- Confirmation of keloid diagnosis vs. other scar types.
- Assessment of maturity and activity (growing vs. stable).
- Evaluation of functional/quality of life impact.
- Risk factors for recurrence/expansion.
- Recommendation of appropriate management options.
We prioritise patient education throughout the assessment.
Keloid Management: Comprehensive Information
Various approaches exist, tailored to size, location, symptoms, and individual factors by our GMC registered doctors.
Management Approaches Overview
Professional keloid management may include:
- Topical Options: Prescription creams or ointments.
- Intralesional Approaches: Injections directly into the keloid (e.g., corticosteroids) to reduce size and inflammation.
- Pressure Therapy: Custom devices applying constant pressure.
- Silicone-Based Products: Sheets or gels applied to the keloid.
- Cryotherapy: Controlled freezing to reduce keloid size/symptoms.
- Advanced Therapies: Specialised approaches like laser therapy or precise cutting procedure (often combined with other methods like post-operative injections or pressure therapy to reduce recurrence) may be considered for specific cases.
The Importance of Combined Approaches & Realistic Expectations
Keloid management often requires combining multiple modalities for best results. Our doctors create personalised plans potentially including primary interventions, secondary enhancements, prevention, symptomatic treatments, and maintenance strategies.
It’s important to understand:
- Complete clearing without any mark is often unrealistic; the goal is improvement.
- Multiple sessions over months are typically needed.
- Recurrence is possible, especially without maintenance.
- Long-term follow-up is often necessary.
Our doctors provide honest, evidence-based guidance on expected outcomes.
Prevention, Risk Reduction & Living Well with Keloids
Strategies for prevention and managing keloids day-to-day:
Primary Prevention (If prone to keloids):
- Avoid unnecessary skin trauma (e.g., elective piercings, tattoos).
- Ensure proper wound care: keep clean, moist, protected.
- Minimise tension on healing wounds.
- Manage acne/burns promptly and effectively.
Secondary Prevention (With existing keloids):
- Inform doctors performing procedures of keloid history before procedures.
- Discuss prophylactic treatments post-injury with your doctor.
- Protect scars from sun exposure (reduces hyperpigmentation).
- Monitor existing keloids and seek early assessment for changes/new lesions.
- Protect keloids from friction.
Daily Management:
- Wear loose clothing over keloids to reduce irritation.
- Use gentle, fragrance-free cleansers.
- Moisturise keloids (may reduce itching/improve flexibility).
- Protect keloids from sun (SPF 30+).
Emotional Wellbeing:
- Utilise support resources (groups, counselling).
- Develop comfortable responses to questions if needed.
- Focus on overall strengths and positive self-image.
Comprehensive care addresses medical, practical, and emotional aspects.
Why Choose Revitalise London for Keloid Assessment and Management?
Providing expert dermatological care for scar management in a professional, regulated environment.
Dedicated Expertise and Patient-Centred Care
Choosing the right clinic for managing keloids requires specialist knowledge for optimal outcomes. At Revitalise London, we prioritise accurate diagnosis, safe, evidence-based treatments, and a supportive patient journey.
Exceptional Medical Expertise
Our GMC registered doctors and board-certified dermatologists specialise in scar assessment and management, using the latest evidence-based practices.
CQC Regulated Clinic (‘Good’ Rating)
We adhere to the highest standards of safety, clinical governance, and patient care, ensuring a professional and trustworthy environment.
Advanced Techniques & Facilities
Our Harley Street clinic utilises advanced diagnostic tools and offers a range of effective management options in state-of-the-art procedure rooms.
Patient-Centred Approach
We provide unhurried consultations, clear explanations, shared decision-making, comprehensive aftercare, and dedicated support.
Frequently Asked Questions About Keloids
Answers to common queries about keloid scars and their management.
Keloids themselves are benign (non-cancerous). They don’t pose serious health risks but can cause discomfort, restrict movement if near a joint, and lead to significant cosmetic concerns and psychological distress.
Keloid formation has a strong genetic predisposition, being more common in individuals with darker skin tones and those with a family history. Age (10-30 years) and injury location (chest, shoulders, earlobes) also increase risk.
Unlike normal scars, keloids rarely resolve spontaneously. Without management, they tend to persist and may even continue to slowly enlarge over time.
Having one keloid indicates a tendency towards keloid formation, increasing your risk of developing more with future skin injuries. However, not every injury will necessarily lead to a keloid.
If prone to keloids, avoid unnecessary skin trauma (e.g., cosmetic piercings). For unavoidable injuries, meticulous wound care (keeping it clean, moist, protected, minimising tension) is crucial. Early management of conditions like acne can also help. Discuss preventive strategies with our doctors.
It’s typically a process requiring multiple sessions over several months. The duration depends on the keloid’s size, location, age, chosen treatment(s), and individual response. Maintenance is often needed to sustain results.
Keloids have a tendency to recur, even after seemingly successful treatment. Recurrence rates vary. Comprehensive management plans often include strategies specifically aimed at minimising this risk, such as combination therapies and maintenance.
