Clinic RX Bukit Jalil
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Mon–Fri, 10am–7pm | Sat, 9am–6pm
SKIN LESIONS & SCARRING
Keloid Injection
For raised, thickened or symptomatic keloid scars that need medical management
It is commonly used to gradually flatten and soften raised scar tissue and may also help reduce symptoms such as itching, tenderness or discomfort.
At Clinic RX, Keloid Injection is personalised according to the scar type, size, age, location, symptoms and previous treatment history. Because keloids have a recognised tendency to recur, treatment usually focuses on long-term scar control rather than promising complete permanent removal.
What Is a Keloid?
A keloid is a raised scar caused by an overactive healing response that produces excessive collagen. Unlike a normal scar, a keloid grows beyond the boundary of the original wound and may continue to enlarge over time.
Keloids may develop after acne, piercings, surgery, cuts, burns or other skin injuries. Some are mainly a cosmetic concern, while others may itch, feel tender or become painful.
A hypertrophic scar can also look raised and thickened, but it stays within the boundary of the original wound. Correct assessment is important because treatment planning may differ.
What Is Keloid Injection?
Keloid Injection is an intralesional treatment in which corticosteroid medication is injected directly into the scar tissue.
It is one of the most commonly used medical approaches for keloids and hypertrophic scars. Rather than cutting the scar out, the injection aims to reduce the excessive inflammatory and collagen-producing activity within the scar.
Improvement is gradual, and repeated sessions are commonly required.
How Does Keloid Injection Work?
The corticosteroid is injected directly into the raised scar. It helps suppress the overactive inflammation and collagen production responsible for continued keloid growth.
Across repeated sessions, the scar may gradually become flatter and softer, while symptoms such as itching or tenderness may improve.
Some keloids may require additional treatment approaches depending on their size, redness, location and recurrence history. These may include laser, silicone or pressure therapy, or selected surgical treatment combined with adjunct therapy.
What Can Keloid Injection Help With?
- Raised and thickened keloid scars
- Selected hypertrophic scars
- Scar firmness and thickness
- Itching associated with a keloid
- Tenderness or discomfort
- Progressive keloid growth
- Improving the overall appearance and texture of the scar over a treatment course
The aim is usually to flatten, soften and control the scar rather than guarantee that it disappears completely.
Areas That Can Be Treated with Keloid Injection
- Earlobes - commonly after ear piercing
- Chest - a common keloid-prone area
- Shoulders and upper back
- Jawline - including selected acne-related keloids
- Surgical scar sites
- Previous cuts, burns or other healed wound sites
Treatment suitability depends on the exact scar location, size, age and clinical characteristics.
What Happens During a Keloid Injection?
01Consultation & Scar Assessment
The doctor examines the scar to determine whether it is a keloid or hypertrophic scar and assesses its size, age, location, symptoms and previous treatment history.
02Treatment Planning
The injection approach and treatment interval are planned according to the scar's characteristics and response.
03Skin Preparation
The treatment area is cleansed. Local numbing may be considered for larger or more sensitive scars.
04Keloid Injection
Corticosteroid medication is injected directly into the scar tissue.
05Follow-Up
The scar is reviewed over time to assess flattening, symptom improvement and any signs of recurrence.
What Results Can I Expect from Keloid Injection?
- Flatter-looking scar tissue
- Softer scar texture
- Reduced itching or tenderness
- Improved comfort
- Gradual improvement in scar appearance
Keloid Injection does not usually produce an instant result. Improvement develops progressively over repeated sessions.
The degree of improvement varies according to scar size, age, location, individual scar behaviour and response to treatment. Keloids may recur even after they initially respond well.
Who Is Suitable for Keloid Injection?
- People with an existing keloid scar
- People with selected hypertrophic scars
- People with raised scars that are itchy, tender or uncomfortable
- People wanting to reduce scar thickness or size
- People with recurring keloids who require ongoing medical management
Suitability should be confirmed by a doctor after the scar has been assessed.
Who May Not Be Suitable for Keloid Injection?
- Active infection in or around the treatment area
- An open or incompletely healed wound
- Certain medical conditions that affect wound healing or immune response
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding, depending on medical assessment
- Patients expecting guaranteed complete or permanent scar removal
Tell your doctor about your medical history, medications, allergies and previous scar treatments before proceeding.
Keloid Injection Side Effects & Risks
Keloid injections are widely used in scar management, but side effects can occur.
- Brief pain or stinging during injection
- Mild bruising or tenderness
- Temporary skin thinning at the injection site
- Skin lightening or colour change around the treated area
With repeated corticosteroid injections, less common effects may include more noticeable skin thinning or visible small blood vessels in the treated area.
Incomplete response and recurrence are also possible because keloids can remain biologically active even after they become flatter.
Is There Downtime After Keloid Injection?
Downtime is generally minimal. Mild soreness, swelling or bruising at the injection site may occur and commonly settles within a day or two.
Most patients can return to normal daily activities after treatment unless advised otherwise.
Keloid Injection Aftercare
- Keep the treated area clean
- Avoid scratching, picking or irritating the scar
- Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen when the scar is exposed to sunlight
- Use silicone gel or other scar care only if advised
- Attend follow-up sessions as recommended
- Inform your doctor if the scar begins growing, itching or becoming painful again
How Much Does Keloid Injection Cost?
The cost of Keloid Injection varies according to the size and number of scars and the number of sessions required.
At Clinic RX, the scar is assessed before an appropriate treatment plan and pricing are discussed.
Contact your preferred Clinic RX location for current Keloid Injection consultation, availability and pricing.
Where Can I Get Keloid Injection?
- Kuala Lumpur
- Selangor
- Johor Bahru
- Penang
- Kota Kinabalu
Please contact your preferred Clinic RX branch to confirm current availability and arrange an assessment for a raised, thickened, itchy or recurring scar.
Keloid Injection FAQs
What is Keloid Injection?
Keloid Injection is a medical treatment in which corticosteroid medication is injected directly into a keloid or selected hypertrophic scar to help reduce excessive scar activity and gradually flatten the scar.
What is the difference between a keloid and a hypertrophic scar?
A keloid grows beyond the boundary of the original wound and may continue enlarging. A hypertrophic scar remains within the original wound boundary and may gradually improve over time.
How does Keloid Injection flatten a scar?
The corticosteroid helps suppress excessive inflammation and collagen production within the scar. Across repeated treatments, the scar may gradually become flatter and softer.
Does Keloid Injection remove the scar completely?
Not necessarily. The goal is usually to flatten, soften and control the scar and reduce symptoms. Complete permanent disappearance cannot be guaranteed.
Does Keloid Injection hurt?
The injection can cause brief stinging, pressure or discomfort. Local numbing may be considered for larger or more sensitive scars.
How many Keloid Injection sessions do I need?
Several sessions spaced a few weeks apart are commonly required. The actual number depends on the scar's size, age, thickness, location and response.
How long does it take for a keloid to flatten after injection?
Improvement is gradual rather than immediate. Flattening and softening usually develop over a course of sessions, and response varies between scars.
Can Keloid Injection help with itching?
Yes. As scar activity reduces, symptoms such as itching, tenderness or discomfort may also improve.
Can a keloid grow back after injection?
Yes. Keloids can recur even after responding well to treatment, so follow-up and ongoing monitoring may be recommended.
Can Keloid Injection be used for ear-piercing keloids?
Keloid injections may be used for suitable earlobe keloids caused by piercing. The appropriate approach depends on the size and characteristics of the scar.
Can Keloid Injection treat acne keloids on the jawline?
Selected raised acne-related keloids may be suitable for injection after medical assessment.
What are the side effects of Keloid Injection?
Possible effects include brief pain, bruising, skin thinning and skin lightening at the injection site. Repeated injections can occasionally make these changes more noticeable.
Where to go next
Medical Information
This page provides general information about Keloid Injection and does not replace an individual medical consultation. Treatment suitability, expected results, number of sessions and potential risks vary between individuals. Keloids have a recognised tendency to recur even after treatment.