Am I likely to have keloid scarring after laser treatment? And how can you avoid this?

Question

I've seen pictures of people's laser treatments turning into keloids. I have never had one and I don't scar that easily. Just wondering if this is something I should be concerned about on my first session.

Calvin Jung, MD · Answer

Hi,

This is a great question and it is hard to answer.  Keloids are unpredictable, if a person has had them in the past, they are at a higher likelihood of developing keloids in the future but that does not mean 100% they will develop one at a subsequent treatment.  More importantly, is knowing that your doctor will know how to handle a situation if you do develop them after a procedure.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Keloids cannot be predicted they happen spontaneously even in the best doctors hands.  If you go to an expert the risk is very low.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Sachit Shah, MD · Answer

Keloids can occur. Some questions that need to be asked are:
1. Do you have hx of keloids
2. Darker skin types are predisposed to keloids
3. what kind of laser are you having done and what for?
4. Does your provider have a lot of experience in dealing with laser treatments ?
5. Are you on any medications that can increase risk of keloids?
I hope that helps.

Rebecca Gelber, MD · Answer

If you have had keloid scarring in the past, you need to discuss this with your physician and ablative procedures would pose an unacceptable risk (at least in our clinic).
If you've never keloided, there is no reason that you should scar at all, let alone keloid with a well performed procedure unless you pick or traumatize the healing skin. Make sure your office has a great deal of experience with their lasers to get the best result.

Christine Eros, MD · Answer

Hi. There are several lasers available. Some are very aggressive and have significant down time with more risk. The Syneron/ Candela lasers are very efficient, yet require little down time.  The Sublative works very well on scarring, sun-spots and more. The Skin Rejuvenation IPL also works very well.  They are also mild enough not to cause scarring or burning. People usually require 3 to 5 treatments 1 month apart. I have never seen keloid scarring with this treatment.  I would suggest you speak to a few physicians before deciding on a particular treatment. Good Luck.

Am I likely to have keloid scarring after laser treatment? And how can you avoid this?

Answers (5)

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