Keloid scars are the most difficult types of scar tissue to treat. For example, keloid removal through surgery will almost always lead to the recurrence of this type of scar. This is why you need to try all non-surgical options before submitting yourself to surgery.

Luckily, there are several non surgical options to help you deal with keloid scars. Any one of those procedures can be used on its own or in combination with each other as well as with surgery. Non surgical alternatives include:

*Corticosteroid injections, also known as steroid injections

*Compression Devices or Compression Therapy

*Silicone Sheets

*Laser Therapy

*Cryotherapy

One of the most common forms of keloid treatment are corticosteroid injects. These injections will help flatten out the scar tissue, but they will never feel like the healthy surrounding tissue.

Steroid injections can be used before, during and after surgery as well. When injections are used this way in keloid scar removal surgery, it can hinder the development of new keloids. The doctor will evaluate your situation and then determine the best course of action.

Another form of treatment that has been around for decades is compression therapy. It is used to treat burn scars and all types of raised scars. The compression devices and garments used are usually custom fitted and have to be worn for 24 hours a day and sometimes up to a year or more.

Other elements used, such as silicone sheets, are used to help flatten all types of scars, including keloids and other hypertrophic scars. The treatment includes wearing these sheets for a few hours a day for several weeks.

Silicone sheets are usually sold as an OTC treatment and can be cut to fit the size of the scar. Despite their success rate, they aren't as effective as compression therapy.

Laser therapy can also be implemented as an effective keloid scar treatment. In this case, pulsed dye lasers are used to flatten keloids. Laser therapy can also help the redness that is common with most keloid scars.

Carbon dioxide lasers can also be used to treat keloids and to help reduce the recurrence of keloid formation. Consult with your doctor about the right type of laser therapy for you.

Lastly, cryotherapy is a type of treatment used to treat smaller scars and scars that are in hard-to-reach areas. In this case liquid nitrogen is used to help flatten the affected tissue. It is a very effective type of treatment, but it can cause a darkening of the treated area.