Keloid Surgery in Singapore
What Are Keloids
Keloids are a form of pathological scarring that occurs when the body produces an excess of collagen during wound healing. Unlike hypertrophic scars, which remain within the boundary of the original wound, keloids extend beyond it – growing into surrounding skin and continuing to enlarge over time.
They can develop after surgery, piercings, acne, burns, or even minor skin trauma, and are more prevalent in individuals with darker skin tones. Keloids can cause itching, tenderness, and significant cosmetic distress. For many patients, they are not merely a cosmetic issue – they are a source of ongoing physical discomfort.
When Surgery Is Indicated
Surgery is one option among several for keloid management. Small or early keloids are often managed effectively with steroid injections alone. Surgery is considered when a keloid is large, symptomatic, unresponsive to non-surgical treatment, or in a location where excision is functionally or cosmetically warranted.
Dr Ang will assess your keloid thoroughly and discuss all appropriate management options with you before recommending surgery.
Surgical Approach and Combination Therapy
Keloid surgery at Skincodes involves the careful excision of the keloid, followed by a structured post-operative treatment plan to reduce the risk of recurrence. Excision alone carries a meaningful risk of the keloid returning – often larger than before. This is why surgical treatment is almost always combined with adjunct therapy.
At Skincodes, surgery is typically followed by a course of intralesional corticosteroid injections, administered into the excision site at defined intervals during the healing phase. This combination approach – excision together with steroid injections – significantly improves the likelihood of a favourable long-term outcome.
Depending on the site and the patient’s scar history, Dr Ang may also discuss the use of pressure therapy or silicone products as part of the post-operative regimen.
Managing Recurrence Risk
Keloid recurrence is a real and important consideration in surgical planning. Dr Ang will discuss your personal risk factors – including skin type, the site of the keloid, and the history of the scar – and design a follow-up plan accordingly.
Long-term surveillance is a standard part of keloid management at Skincodes. Patients are reviewed at regular intervals after treatment so that any early signs of recurrence can be addressed promptly.
Why Choose Specialist Surgical Care
Dermatological surgery performed by a specialist offers distinct advantages:
- Accurate pre-surgical diagnosis with dermoscopy. Lesions are assessed carefully as appearances can be misleading without specialist evaluation
- Appropriate margin assessment for cancer excisions based on lesion type and guidelines
- Histological analysis of all removed tissue to confirm diagnosis and clear margins
- Minimally invasive techniques selected to optimise cosmetic outcomes
- Structured follow-up and surveillance for ongoing skin health