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 most doctors will insist that you exhaust all non-surgical options before trying surgery.

Luckily, there are several non surgical options to help you deal with keloid scars. Any one of these can be used on their 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 cortisone or steroid injections

*Compression Devices or Compression Therapy

*Silicone Sheets

*Laser Therapy

*Cryotherapy

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

Steroid injections can be used at any time before, during, or after surgery. Injections are used in this manner during keloid scar removal, to hinder the development of new keloid scars. 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. Compression garments or devices are often custom fitted and should be worn for 24 hours a day and up to a year or more.

Silicone sheets are another alternative used to help flatten all types of scars, including most keloid scars and hypertrophic scars. Silicone sheets should be worn for a few hours a day for several weeks.

Silicone sheets are sold OTC and can be cut down to size so that they fit the size of the scar being treated. Despite their success rate, they are slightly less effective than compression therapy, which is an older type of treatment that is still used to deal with keloid scars.

Another effective keloid scar treatment procedure is the application of laser therapy. Pulsed dye lasers are used to flatten keloids. Laser therapy has also been known to help reduce redness that is common with most 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. If you are still uncertain about which treatment is right for you, consult with your doctor about the right type of laser therapy for you.

Finally, cryotherapy is another option that can be used to treat smaller scars and scars that are in areas that are difficult to compress. In this case liquid nitrogen is used to flatten the affected tissue but not without side effects such as a darkening of the treated area.