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.

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. In case you're wondering, non surgical alternatives include:

*Corticosteroid injections, also known as steroid injections

*Compression Devices or Compression Therapy

*Silicone Sheets

*Laser Therapy

*Cryotherapy

The most common form of keloid treatment is corticosteroid injects. These injections can help flatten out the scar tissue. Keloids will become less apparent, but they will still feel different from the surrounding tissue.

Steroid injections can be used at any time before, during, or after surgery. When injections are used this way in keloid scar removal surgery, it can hinder the development of new keloids. Your doctor will evaluate the situation and suggest the best course of action.

Compression therapy is another type of treatment that has been used for decades to treat burn scars and other 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 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.

Laser therapy can also be implemented as an effective keloid scar treatment. This type of treatment used pulsed dye lasers to help flatten keloids. Laser therapy has also been known to help reduce redness that is common with most keloid scars.

Carbon dioxide lasers are highly successful and can also help reduce the recurrence of keloid formation. If you feel uncertain about which type of treatment you need, consult with your doctor.

Finally, cryotherapy can be used to treat smaller scars and scars that are in areas that are difficult to compress. With this type of treatment liquid nitrogen is used to flatten the affected tissue, but be wary because it can make the treated area look darker than the surrounding tissue.