Keloid Treatment in Korea 2025: Complete Guide to Scar Removal Options

Keloid scars can be frustrating, painful, and emotionally distressing. These raised, often itchy scars that grow beyond the original wound boundary are notoriously difficult to treat—but Korean dermatology clinics have developed comprehensive approaches that offer real hope for improvement. This guide covers everything you need to know about keloid treatment in Korea, from treatment options to pricing and finding the right specialist.

Understanding Keloids

What Are Keloids?

Keloids are a type of raised scar that occurs when the body's wound healing process goes into overdrive. Unlike normal scars that flatten over time, keloids continue to grow and can extend well beyond the original injury site.

Keloid vs. Hypertrophic Scars

Common Causes

• Surgical incisions
• Piercings (especially ear keloids)
• Acne
• Burns
• Vaccination sites
• Cuts or abrasions
• Tattoos

Risk Factors

• Ethnicity: Higher prevalence in Asian, African, and Hispanic populations
• Age: Most common between 10-30 years old
• Genetics: Family history increases risk
• Location: Chest, shoulders, earlobes, and upper back are prone areas

Keloid Treatment Options in Korea

Korean dermatologists use a multi-modal approach to keloid treatment, often combining several methods for best results. Here are the main treatment options:

1. Steroid Injections (Triamcinolone)

The most common first-line treatment for keloids in Korea.

How it works:

• Corticosteroids are injected directly into the keloid
• Reduces inflammation and inhibits collagen production
• Causes the keloid to soften and flatten

Treatment protocol:

• Sessions every 3-4 weeks
• Typically 3-6 sessions needed
• Multiple injections per session for larger keloids

Effectiveness:

• 50-80% improvement in size and symptoms
• Best for smaller, newer keloids
• May require ongoing maintenance

Side effects:

• Pain during injection
• Temporary skin lightening (hypopigmentation)
• Skin thinning around injection site
• Possible skin depression

2. Laser Treatment

Korean clinics use various lasers to treat keloids:

Pulsed Dye Laser (PDL)

• Targets red blood vessels in the keloid
• Reduces redness and itching
• Softens the scar tissue
• Often combined with steroid injections

Fractional CO2 Laser

• Creates micro-channels in scar tissue
• Improves texture and appearance
• Allows better penetration of topical treatments

Nd:YAG Laser

• Deeper penetration for thicker keloids
• Reduces scar volume
• Less suitable for darker skin tones

3. Combined Therapy (Most Effective)

Korean dermatologists often recommend combining treatments:

Popular combinations:

• Steroid injection + PDL laser
• Laser + silicone gel sheets
• Surgery + radiation + steroid injection
• Cryotherapy + steroid injection

4. Cryotherapy

How it works:

• Liquid nitrogen freezes the keloid tissue
• Causes controlled tissue damage
• Keloid gradually shrinks

Best for:

• Small to medium keloids
• Ear keloids
• Multiple small keloids

5. Surgical Excision

Reserved for large or resistant keloids, always combined with adjuvant therapy.

Important considerations:

• Surgery alone has 50-80% recurrence rate
• Must be combined with radiation, steroids, or pressure therapy
• Korean surgeons use specialized closure techniques to minimize tension

6. Pressure Therapy

How it works:

• Continuous pressure reduces blood supply to keloid
• Inhibits new collagen formation
• Requires 12-24 hours daily wear for 6-12 months

Best for:

• Ear keloids (custom earrings/clips)
• Post-surgical prevention
• Large body keloids

Keloid Treatment Prices in Korea (2025)

Steroid Injection Prices

Laser Treatment Prices

Combined Treatment Packages

Korea vs. Western Countries

Prices as of November 2025. Contact clinics directly for current pricing.

Treatment by Keloid Location

Ear Keloids (Most Common)

Often caused by piercings, ear keloids are very common and respond well to treatment.

Recommended approach:

1. Steroid injections (first-line)
2. Surgical excision if resistant
3. Post-surgical pressure earrings (6-12 months)
4. Silicone gel application

Success rate: 70-90% with proper follow-up

Chest and Shoulder Keloids

These areas are prone to keloid formation and recurrence.

Recommended approach:

1. Steroid injections + laser therapy
2. Silicone sheeting (24/7 for months)
3. Surgical excision only as last resort
4. Radiation therapy post-surgery if needed

Success rate: 50-70% (higher recurrence area)

Acne Keloids

Multiple small keloids from severe acne require patience and consistent treatment.

Recommended approach:

1. Treat active acne first
2. Multiple steroid injection sessions
3. Laser resurfacing
4. Combination therapy for stubborn cases

What to Expect During Treatment

First Consultation

During your initial visit, the Korean dermatologist will:

1. Assess the keloid: Size, location, age, symptoms
2. Review history: Previous treatments, recurrence, family history
3. Take photos: For progress tracking
4. Discuss options: Recommend personalized treatment plan
5. Set expectations: Realistic timeline and outcomes

During Steroid Injections

• Duration: 5-15 minutes
• Pain level: Moderate to high (keloids are often painful to inject)
• Anesthesia: Sometimes topical numbing or local anesthesia
• Aftercare: Avoid touching, keep clean

During Laser Treatment

• Duration: 15-30 minutes
• Pain level: Mild to moderate (with cooling)
• Recovery: Redness and swelling for 1-3 days
• Aftercare: Sun protection, gentle skincare

Recovery and Aftercare

Post-Treatment Care

First 24-48 hours:

• Keep area clean and dry
• Avoid touching or scratching
• Apply prescribed ointments
• Avoid strenuous activity

Ongoing care:

• Apply silicone gel/sheets as directed
• Strict sun protection (SPF 50+)
• Avoid re-injury to the area
• Attend all follow-up appointments

Timeline for Results

Preventing Keloid Recurrence

Key Prevention Strategies

1. Complete full treatment course: Don't stop early even if improved
2. Use silicone products: Sheets or gels for 3-6 months post-treatment
3. Avoid unnecessary procedures: No piercings, tattoos, or elective surgery in prone areas
4. Treat wounds properly: Immediate, proper wound care for any injury
5. Pressure therapy: Especially important after ear keloid treatment
6. Regular monitoring: Return visits for early intervention if needed

Red Flags for Recurrence

• Increasing redness
• Growing size
• Return of itching or pain
• Firmness returning

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can keloids be completely cured? A: While keloids can be significantly improved and flattened, there's no guaranteed permanent cure. Treatment focuses on reducing size, improving appearance, and preventing recurrence.

Q: How many treatment sessions will I need? A: Most patients need 3-10 sessions depending on keloid size, location, and treatment method. Ear keloids often respond faster than chest keloids.

Q: Are keloid injections painful? A: Yes, steroid injections into keloids can be quite painful because the scar tissue is dense. However, the pain is brief (seconds per injection), and some clinics offer numbing options.

Q: Will my keloid come back after treatment? A: Recurrence rates vary by location and treatment. With proper multi-modal treatment and aftercare, recurrence can be minimized to 10-30% in most cases.

Q: Is laser treatment better than injections? A: Neither is universally better—they work differently and are often most effective when combined. Injections reduce size while lasers improve appearance and texture.

Q: Can I get treatment for old keloids? A: Yes! Even keloids that have been present for years can be treated, though they may require more sessions than newer keloids.

Finding the Right Clinic in Seoul

What to Look For

1. Specialized experience: Dermatologists with keloid expertise
2. Multi-modal approach: Clinics offering various treatment options
3. Long-term follow-up: Commitment to monitoring for recurrence
4. Before/after photos: Evidence of successful outcomes
5. English support: Clear communication for international patients

Questions to Ask

• How many keloid patients do you treat monthly?
• What is your typical treatment protocol?
• What is the expected number of sessions?
• Do you offer combination therapy?
• What is your recurrence rate?
• How long should I stay in Korea for treatment?

Conclusion

Keloid treatment requires patience, consistency, and often multiple modalities working together. Korean dermatology clinics offer comprehensive keloid treatment programs at significantly lower prices than Western countries, making quality care accessible for international patients.

The key to success is starting treatment early, completing the full course, and maintaining diligent aftercare to prevent recurrence. With the right approach, most keloids can be significantly improved, restoring both appearance and comfort.

Ready to address your keloid concerns? Consult with a specialized Korean dermatologist to develop a personalized treatment plan for your unique situation.

⚠️ Medical Disclaimer: This article provides general information about keloid treatment. It is not intended as medical advice. Keloids are complex and treatment should be individualized. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before undergoing any medical procedure.

Last Updated: November 2025 Reading Time: 10 minutes