Can Keloids Be Softened, Flattened, or Removed with Glycolic Acid?

Question

Would a strong glycolic acid work on keloids?

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Keloids are caused by fibroblast bioactivity and cannot be modulated with Glycolic acid.  However, there are other non surgical treatments that have worked very well in patients, including IIT and laser treatment. Surgery90210

Scott Trimas, MD · Answer

Typically keloids do not respond favorably to chemical peels and may actually get worse and grow larger due to the irritation from the chemical. I would stay away from trying to treat them with chemical peels. You might want to inquire about vascular laser treatments as they are more effective. I hope this information helps.

Chad L. Prather, MD · Answer

Unfortunately, keloids do not respond to or improve with chemical peeling.  Rather, I would recommend that you consult with a dermatologist to speak about other treatment options, including shave excision, dermabrasion, laser therapy, or surgical revision for keloid improvement.  
This can be followed by steroid injection or radiation to help minimize risk for recurrence, depending on the location and type of keloid.  This can be a challenging problem to treat, but there are treatments available... I would not expect improvement with glycolic acid, however.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

VERY very very doubtful to achieve any improvement in your keloids by this method. But you can certainly try it. Read other blogs answering this question here on REALSELF. 
From MIAMI

Can Keloids Be Softened, Flattened, or Removed with Glycolic Acid?

Answers (4)

Answer: Doubtful to achieve improvements with keloids and glycolic acid

Answer: Doubtful to achieve improvements with keloids and glycolic acid

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Can Keloids Be Softened, Flattened, or Removed with Glycolic Acid?

Answers (4)

Answer: Doubtful to achieve improvements with keloids and glycolic acid

Answer: Doubtful to achieve improvements with keloids and glycolic acid

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Scar Removal

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.