Keloid Removal Kent

Scarring is a natural part of the body’s healing process. When the skin is injured—whether from surgery, trauma, burns, or piercings—the body repairs the damage by producing collagen. Most scars fade and soften over time, but in some people, the healing process becomes overactive, producing excess collagen and leading to raised, firm scars known as keloid or hypertrophic scars. While both result from collagen overproduction, they differ in behavior. Hypertrophic scars stay within the wound's boundaries and may shrink over time, while keloid scars grow beyond the original injury and can continue to expand well after healing. Both types can be itchy, painful, and cosmetically distressing.

The formation of any scar begins with the body’s natural repair process. The skin, our largest organ, quickly works to restore function and prevent infection. Collagen formed during healing (mainly types III and IV) is less organized and elastic than normal skin, which is why scars often feel and look different. Most scars mature over 6 to 18 months, flattening and fading, but some don’t follow this typical pattern.

Certain individuals are more prone to abnormal scarring due to genetics and environmental factors. Risk factors include a family history of keloids, darker or very fair skin, repeatedly irritated wounds (like acne or surgical sites), trauma in high-risk areas (such as the chest, shoulders, jawline, or earlobes), and past adverse reactions to piercings or tattoos. These factors don’t guarantee scarring but do increase the likelihood.