Have you ever experienced a scar where the skin swells up red after an injury heals, and instead of subsiding over time, it gradually grows larger? A keloid is a scar that forms when fibrous tissue is excessively produced during the wound healing process. The first question many people ask is, "Won't it just go away on its own if I leave it?" To answer directly, it is known that keloids rarely disappear on their own once they have formed.
There is a considerable amount of misinformation online suggesting that keloids naturally improve over time or that no special treatment is needed. In this article, based on the treatment policy of Yonsei Star Dermatology Sinchon, we will address common misconceptions surrounding keloids one by one.
Why are keloids different from ordinary scars?
Typical scars gradually fade and flatten as the wound heals. In contrast, keloids grow beyond the original wound site, with fibrous tissue proliferating and swelling up red and firm. This can be understood as an excessive process of skin repair after damage.
In clinical practice, we clearly observe that for wounds of the same depth, some individuals heal without a trace, while others develop keloids. Therefore, keloids should be treated not as simple scars, but as scars requiring separate management.
Active and Stable Phases: The Two Faces of Keloids
Keloids have an active phase, where changes are vigorous, and a relatively stable phase, where they are quiescent. During the active phase, the scar tends to redden and grow larger, while in the stable phase, its color tends to whiten.
Keloids can fluctuate between active and stable phases, and if fortunate, they may enter and remain in a stable state.
However, entering the stable phase and no longer growing does not mean the scar itself disappears. Only the changes in color and size cease; the already formed keloid tissue remains as is.
Will they disappear on their own without laser treatment?
The answer to this question is that once a keloid forms, it is considered to rarely resolve naturally without separate treatment. It is important to keep in mind that while waiting for it to naturally fade, the scar may actually grow larger.
In the worst-case scenario, if the active phase continues, a keloid that was initially the size of a grain of rice could grow to the size of a thumb, and later even to the size of a fist. To prevent such situations, timely treatment is crucial. If you have any questions about keloid management, please use Chat consultation for keloid scar symptoms.
Known treatment methods include Triamcinolone Scar Injection, which directly injects medication into the scar tissue, or Surgical Scar Revision, which may be considered depending on the scar condition. The appropriate approach varies depending on the individual's scar condition.
Are there specific areas where keloids commonly form?
Yes, there are areas where keloids are particularly prone to forming.
Based on clinical experience, they are commonly observed in the following areas:
- Chest area
- Earlobes (piercing marks are a common cause)
- Shoulders and back
- Around the jawline
Conversely, the face is known to be an area where keloids are relatively less likely to form. Therefore, even if one has a keloid predisposition, procedures like double eyelid surgery are relatively less problematic in that regard.
By area, they are summarized as follows:
| Area | Keloid Occurrence Tendency |
|---|---|
| Chest, shoulders, back | Relatively common |
| Earlobes, jawline | Common |
| Face (eyes, double eyelid area) | Relatively rare |
Are keloids hereditary?
The answer to this question is also yes. Most diseases have a genetic predisposition. This is similar to how diabetes or high blood pressure are more likely to appear in children if parents have them.
However, there is a point that should not be misunderstood here. A genetic predisposition does not mean that it will unconditionally appear in offspring.
If parents have a keloid predisposition, their children have a higher than average chance of having keloid scars, but it does not mean they will necessarily develop them. Therefore, there is no need to be overly concerned if there is a family history.
If you want to know more about keloid scars, please refer to the Keloid Scar Symptoms Guide page. If you are curious about managing Cosmetic Surgery Scars that similarly swell or leave marks, please refer to that guide as well.
What to remember about keloid management?
To summarize the content so far:
- Keloids are known to rarely disappear naturally without treatment.
- If left untreated during the active phase, the scar may grow larger, so timely management is important.
- The chest, earlobes, shoulders, back, and jawline are reported as common areas for formation.
- There is a genetic predisposition, but it does not necessarily occur if there is a family history.
Because the pattern and progression of keloids vary from person to person, finding a diagnosis and treatment plan appropriate for the scar condition is paramount. If you are deeply concerned about keloids, we recommend consulting with a dermatologist rather than making a judgment on your own.
If you are concerned about keloids, inquire via chat consultation
Lee Sang-joo, the chief director who wrote this article, is the chief director of Yonsei Star Dermatology Sinchon and a board-certified dermatologist. He concurrently serves as the president of the Korean Dermatological Association in 2026 and an adjunct professor at the Department of Dermatology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, having long specialized in scar and pigment fields. View Chief Director Lee Sang-joo's Profile First published 2024-11-14 / Last reviewed July 23, 2026
This article contains general medical information, and its patterns and course may vary for individuals. For an accurate diagnosis and treatment, please consult with a board-certified dermatologist.