How Long Does It Take for Keloid Treatment to Work?

Keloid treatments vary in their effectiveness and timeline, depending on the type of treatment used and the individual’s healing response. Keloids are stubborn scars that can take time to improve, and patience is often required to see visible results. Below, we’ll explore the expected timeline for various Keloid Treatment in Dubai.

Steroid Injections

Steroid injections are one of the most commonly used treatments for keloids. The time it takes for this treatment to work varies, but it typically shows results within a few weeks to months.

• Expected Timeline: The keloid may begin to flatten and soften after the first few injections. However, significant improvement usually takes around 2 to 3 months. Multiple sessions (usually 3-6) may be required, spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart, to achieve optimal results.
• Factors Affecting Timeline: Larger keloids or those that have been present for a long time may take longer to respond. The number of injections and the severity of the keloid can affect how quickly it improves.
• Visible Results: Some patients report a noticeable reduction in size and redness after one or two treatments, but the full effect is typically seen after completing the entire series.

Cryotherapy (Freezing)

Cryotherapy, which involves freezing the keloid with liquid nitrogen, can show results relatively quickly, although multiple sessions are often necessary for optimal results.

• Expected Timeline: After a cryotherapy session, the keloid typically begins to shrink within a few weeks. Improvement is gradual, and visible results can often be seen after 4 to 6 weeks.
• Factors Affecting Timeline: The size and age of the keloid play a role in the treatment’s effectiveness. Older or more established keloids may require more treatment sessions (usually 3-4) to show noticeable improvement.
• Visible Results: Significant reduction in size may take 2 to 3 months of consistent treatment. In some cases, cryotherapy needs to be combined with other treatments like steroid injections for best results.

Laser Therapy

Laser therapy can improve the appearance of keloids by reducing redness, flattening the scar, and promoting collagen remodeling.

• Expected Timeline: Some improvement can be noticed after the first laser session, but the full effect typically takes several weeks to months. Most patients require multiple sessions (usually 3-5) spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart.
• Factors Affecting Timeline: The type of laser used and the severity of the keloid will impact how long it takes to see results. For example, fractional CO2 lasers can address deeper layers of the scar, while pulsed dye lasers focus more on reducing redness.
• Visible Results: Full improvement may take 3 to 6 months after completing the series of laser treatments. Keloids may not be completely eliminated, but they are usually visibly smaller and less pronounced.

Pressure Therapy

Pressure therapy, which involves using silicone sheets or compression garments, is an effective long-term treatment for keloids, particularly when used early in the healing process.

• Expected Timeline: The effects of pressure therapy can be slow to show, and visible improvement may take several weeks to months. Most people wear pressure garments for 3 to 6 months to see significant results.
• Factors Affecting Timeline: The longer the keloid has been present, the longer it may take to see improvements. Pressure therapy is more effective when started early, preferably in the early stages of scar formation.
• Visible Results: With consistent use, pressure therapy can help flatten the keloid over time, although it typically requires months of continuous wear for noticeable results.

Surgical Removal

Surgical removal of keloids is often recommended for larger, more established scars. While this treatment can provide immediate relief by removing the bulk of the keloid, the healing process and risk of recurrence must be considered.

• Expected Timeline: Healing after surgery typically takes 1 to 3 weeks for the skin to close up, but it may take several months for the final appearance to become apparent. The new scar formed after surgery may still take time to mature and flatten.
• Factors Affecting Timeline: The individual’s healing rate and the size of the keloid play a role. Post-surgical treatments, such as steroid injections or pressure therapy, can influence how quickly the scar flattens.
• Visible Results: The keloid removal itself may provide immediate relief in terms of size reduction, but for complete healing and a flatter scar, it could take up to 6 months or more. Additionally, recurrence is a risk, which may require further treatment.

Silicone Gel Sheets and Creams

Silicone gel sheets and creams are a non-invasive, over-the-counter option to help flatten keloids and improve their appearance. These are typically used for smaller scars or as a supplementary treatment after other procedures.

• Expected Timeline: Improvement is gradual and can take anywhere from 1 to 3 months with consistent use. The recommended time for wearing silicone sheets or applying silicone gel is usually 12-24 hours a day for several months.
• Factors Affecting Timeline: The size and age of the keloid affect how quickly silicone treatments will work. Newer scars tend to respond better than older, thicker keloids.
• Visible Results: Full effects may not be visible until after 2 to 3 months of regular use, and patients may need to continue treatment for several months for lasting results.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy is typically reserved for severe keloids that have not responded to other treatments. This method is effective in preventing recurrence after surgical excision.

• Expected Timeline: Radiation therapy usually requires several sessions, spaced over a few weeks. The full effects can be seen in about 3 to 6 months after the completion of treatment.
• Factors Affecting Timeline: Radiation therapy is often combined with other treatments, such as surgical removal or steroid injections, to maximize its effectiveness and prevent the keloid from returning.
• Visible Results: The recurrence rate of the keloid after radiation is low, and the treated area may appear significantly flatter and less noticeable after 6 months to a year.

Natural Remedies

Natural remedies, such as Vitamin E, onion extract, or tea tree oil, are popular for keloid treatment, although scientific evidence supporting their effectiveness is limited.

• Expected Timeline: Results from natural treatments tend to be slow and vary from person to person. It may take several months of consistent use to see any noticeable changes, and in many cases, natural remedies may only help with improving the appearance slightly.
• Factors Affecting Timeline: The individual’s skin type and the size and age of the keloid will impact the effectiveness of these treatments.
• Visible Results: Natural remedies can help to soften keloids and reduce redness, but they are unlikely to completely eliminate a keloid or produce dramatic changes.

Conclusion

The timeline for keloid treatment to show results can range from a few weeks to several months, depending on the treatment method, the severity of the keloid, and the individual’s healing process. While some treatments, such as steroid injections and cryotherapy, may show results within a few weeks, others, like pressure therapy or surgical removal, can take several months to achieve optimal results. Patience and consistency are key when treating keloids, and often a combination of treatments is required for the best outcome. It’s important to follow the advice of a healthcare professional to choose the right treatment and understand the expected timeline for your specific case.