Keloid scars aren't easy to treat, even through surgery. This is basically because surgical keloid removal always leads to the formation of scar tissue and recurrence is very high. For this reason, it might be a good idea to search for non surgical options to treat this type of scar tissue.

Fortunately, there are several non surgical options for dealing 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

*Silicone Sheets

*Compression Therapy or Compression Devices

*Laser Therapy

*Cryotherapy

Out of all of these options the most common are corticosteriods. This type of treatment helps flatten keloids so that they are less apparent even though the scar tissue may still feel different than the surrounding skin.

This type of treatment is most often used before and after keloid scar removal to hinder the appearance of a new keloid scar. However, if necessary a doctor will also use it during surgery or treatment. Their use will depend on the individual's predisposition to developing keloids.

Silicone sheets are also used frequently to flatten all types of scars, not just keloids. These sheets should be worn for a few hours every day to keep keloid scars from forming.

Silicone sheets are sold over the counter and can be cut to fit the size of the scar. Although this type of treatment has a high success rate, they are slightly less effective than another type of treatment - compression therapy.

Compression therapy has been around for many decades. It is not only used to treat keloids, but is also used on hypertrophic or raised scars. Compression devices are usually custom fitted and must be worn for 24 hours or up to a year.

Laser therapy is another effective keloid scar treatment that uses a pulsed dye laser to flatten the scar. This procedure can also help eliminate the redness that is common with keloid scars.

Carbon dioxide lasers can also be used to treat keloids. This treatment is highly successful and can also 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 flatten the affected tissue. However, it can cause a darkening of the treated area.