{"id":25451,"date":"2026-06-19T15:48:23","date_gmt":"2026-06-19T15:48:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thenationalskincentre.com\/blog\/?p=25451"},"modified":"2026-06-19T15:56:24","modified_gmt":"2026-06-19T15:56:24","slug":"how-to-prevent-keloid-formation-after-surgery-piercings-and-skin-injuries","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thenationalskincentre.com\/blog\/how-to-prevent-keloid-formation-after-surgery-piercings-and-skin-injuries\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Prevent Keloid Formation After Surgery, Piercings, and Skin Injuries"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Some scars take longer to heal than is normal, and sometimes the scar that remains grows larger than it should. So, if you can know &#8220;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.thenationalskincentre.com\/keloid.html\"><strong>how to prevent keloids<\/strong><\/a>,&#8221; it will help you prevent keloid formation using the right methods. Keloids can form at the site of surgical incisions, piercings, acne scars, burns, or even small scratches on the skin.<\/p>\n<p>While not everyone develops keloids, some people are far more vulnerable than others. You can reduce your risk of getting a raised, thick scar by being aware of your risk factors and taking quick action.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_85 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thenationalskincentre.com\/blog\/how-to-prevent-keloid-formation-after-surgery-piercings-and-skin-injuries\/#What_is_a_Keloid\" >What is a Keloid?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thenationalskincentre.com\/blog\/how-to-prevent-keloid-formation-after-surgery-piercings-and-skin-injuries\/#Why_Do_Some_People_Tend_to_Get_Keloids\" >Why Do Some People Tend to Get Keloids?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thenationalskincentre.com\/blog\/how-to-prevent-keloid-formation-after-surgery-piercings-and-skin-injuries\/#How_to_Avoid_Keloid_After_Surgery\" >How to Avoid Keloid After Surgery?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thenationalskincentre.com\/blog\/how-to-prevent-keloid-formation-after-surgery-piercings-and-skin-injuries\/#Preventing_Keloid_Formation_After_Piercings_in_a_Safe_and_Timely_Way\" >Preventing Keloid Formation After Piercings in a Safe and Timely Way<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thenationalskincentre.com\/blog\/how-to-prevent-keloid-formation-after-surgery-piercings-and-skin-injuries\/#Do_Keloids_Come_from_Acne_Cuts_and_Burns\" >Do Keloids Come from Acne, Cuts and Burns?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thenationalskincentre.com\/blog\/how-to-prevent-keloid-formation-after-surgery-piercings-and-skin-injuries\/#Signs_of_a_Keloid_Starting_to_Form\" >Signs of a Keloid Starting to Form<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thenationalskincentre.com\/blog\/how-to-prevent-keloid-formation-after-surgery-piercings-and-skin-injuries\/#Ways_to_Prevent_a_Keloid_from_Developing\" >Ways to Prevent a Keloid from Developing<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thenationalskincentre.com\/blog\/how-to-prevent-keloid-formation-after-surgery-piercings-and-skin-injuries\/#Conclusion\" >Conclusion<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thenationalskincentre.com\/blog\/how-to-prevent-keloid-formation-after-surgery-piercings-and-skin-injuries\/#FAQs\" >FAQs<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thenationalskincentre.com\/blog\/how-to-prevent-keloid-formation-after-surgery-piercings-and-skin-injuries\/#Q_Can_keloids_be_prevented_completely\" >Q: Can keloids be prevented completely?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thenationalskincentre.com\/blog\/how-to-prevent-keloid-formation-after-surgery-piercings-and-skin-injuries\/#Q_What_is_the_best_treatment_to_prevent_a_keloid_after_surgery\" >Q: What is the best treatment to prevent a keloid after surgery?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thenationalskincentre.com\/blog\/how-to-prevent-keloid-formation-after-surgery-piercings-and-skin-injuries\/#Q_Are_people_with_darker_skin_more_likely_to_develop_keloids\" >Q: Are people with darker skin more likely to develop keloids?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thenationalskincentre.com\/blog\/how-to-prevent-keloid-formation-after-surgery-piercings-and-skin-injuries\/#Q_How_soon_can_a_keloid_start_forming_after_an_injury\" >Q: How soon can a keloid start forming after an injury?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thenationalskincentre.com\/blog\/how-to-prevent-keloid-formation-after-surgery-piercings-and-skin-injuries\/#Q_Should_I_avoid_piercings_if_I_have_had_a_keloid_before\" >Q: Should I avoid piercings if I have had a keloid before?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_a_Keloid\"><\/span>What is a Keloid?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>A scar that extends beyond the boundaries of the original wound is called a keloid. Keloids differ from regular scars; they do not just grow during the healing process of the skin. These usually look hard, waxy, or scab-like, and slightly elevated from the skin surrounding it.<\/p>\n<p>New tissue growth can occur anywhere on the body; however, keloids are often found in places such as the ears, chest, shoulders, or upper back and jawline.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_Do_Some_People_Tend_to_Get_Keloids\"><\/span>Why Do Some People Tend to Get Keloids?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Genetic predisposition is a significant contributor to keloid formation. You may be at higher risk if a family member closest to you developed keloids.<\/p>\n<p>Individuals with darker skin types are more likely to vary with keloids. Moreover, those who have previously developed a keloid are predisposed to recurrent keloid formation after trauma-associated skin lesions in the future.<\/p>\n<p>You can also use your risk factors to prevent complications, like making surgical or cosmetic decisions.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Avoid_Keloid_After_Surgery\"><\/span>How to Avoid Keloid After Surgery?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>If you are wondering <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thenationalskincentre.com\/keloid.html\">how to <strong>prevent keloid after surgery<\/strong><\/a>, this is very common question asked by many patients. Since the healing process starts as soon as a procedure is performed, early care is very important.<\/p>\n<p>Clean the surgical site and adhere to your healthcare provider&#8217;s postoperative to-do list. Stretching can increase scar formation, so do not put any extra tension on the healing skin.<\/p>\n<p>Dermatologists frequently prescribe silicone gel sheets or scar gels that are based on silicone. In addition to retaining moisture, they can lessen aberrant scarring during healing.<\/p>\n<p>If you have a history of keloids, tell your surgeon before surgery so that preventive measures can be taken. Preventive treatments like corticosteroid injection might be another option in some cases.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Preventing_Keloid_Formation_After_Piercings_in_a_Safe_and_Timely_Way\"><\/span>Preventing Keloid Formation After Piercings in a Safe and Timely Way<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Ear piercings are the most frequent cause of keloids. It all starts with learning how to <a href=\"https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/diseases\/24047-keloid-on-ear\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\"><strong>prevent keloid after piercing<\/strong><br \/>\n<\/a>properly from a certified professional who practices good hygiene when doing piercings so you do not have keloid after piercing.<\/p>\n<p>It&#8217;s important to stay clean and do not touch it as much. Increased friction and repeated trauma can increase a risk of abnormal scarring.<\/p>\n<p>If you have a history of keloid formation, it may be best to skip cosmetic piercings altogether. Which makes this extra-important for ear cartilage piercings which have a relatively high complication rate.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_Keloids_Come_from_Acne_Cuts_and_Burns\"><\/span>Do Keloids Come from Acne, Cuts and Burns?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Yes. These scars can develop following acne lesions, burns, scratches, insect bites, and other injuries.<\/p>\n<p>We can promote wound healing by treating wounds as they occurred and letting them heal properly. Do not squeeze acne, scratch fresh skin scars, and do not rip off a scab. They run the danger of developing scars since these behaviors can reduce inflammation.<\/p>\n<p>This is why proper wound care is the most effective of <strong>keloid prevention tips<\/strong> in case of everyday skin injuries.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Signs_of_a_Keloid_Starting_to_Form\"><\/span>Signs of a Keloid Starting to Form<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Understanding early signs can expedite your pursuit of treatment.<\/p>\n<p>Some common signs include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Redness that persists after the wound has healed<\/li>\n<li>Thickening skin around the injury<\/li>\n<li>Hypertrophic scar tissue that continues to grow<\/li>\n<li>Itching, tenderness, or pain at the surgical site<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>If you exhibit these symptoms, consult a dermatologist. Treating it early may prevent it from growing bigger.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Ways_to_Prevent_a_Keloid_from_Developing\"><\/span>Ways to Prevent a Keloid from Developing<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Many people look for techniques on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions\/keloid-scar\/diagnosis-treatment\/drc-20520902\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\"> <strong>how to stop a keloid from forming<\/strong><\/a> once a wound begins to heal. Some might work, prevention is not always guaranteed.<\/p>\n<p>Shielding healing skin from excessive sun exposure is also important, because UV rays can darken scars and make them stand out. After the wound closes, use SPF.<\/p>\n<p>Continued excellent care of wounds and not creating friction on healing skin. However, silicone therapy, pressure therapy, or even preventive steroid treatment may be recommended by dermatologists to those that are at particularly high risk.<\/p>\n<p>Timely preventive measures significantly increase the chances of avoiding excessive scar growth.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion\"><\/span>Conclusion<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Understanding your risk factors and taking care of your wounds are the first steps in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thenationalskincentre.com\/keloid.html\"><strong>how to prevent keloid formation<\/strong><\/a>. You can be sure to lower the chances of a keloid forming by taking action quickly, whether you are recovering from surgery or simply have an injury to your skin on a pierce.<\/p>\n<p>Look out for signs of not reducing, symptoms like thickening or itching in the area or continuous growth in scar. If you are a person who is susceptible to keloid or anything strange while healing consult dermatologist immediately. Early treatment allows for the manipulation and maintenance of scars before they become extremely difficult to treat.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQs\"><\/span>FAQs<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Q_Can_keloids_be_prevented_completely\"><\/span>Q: Can keloids be prevented completely?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>A: No, not always. Due to a tendency toward elevated scarring, keloids cannot be avoided in every individual. Fortunately, by ensuring proper wound care, silicone therapy, and\/or early treatment can usually reduce the risk.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Q_What_is_the_best_treatment_to_prevent_a_keloid_after_surgery\"><\/span>Q: What is the best treatment to prevent a keloid after surgery?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>A: <\/strong>There are very few silicone gel sheets and silicone scar gels that surgeons continuously recommend. Those with a history of keloids may also receive corticosteroids by the doctor as a preventive measure.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Q_Are_people_with_darker_skin_more_likely_to_develop_keloids\"><\/span>Q: Are people with darker skin more likely to develop keloids?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>A:<\/strong> Yes. Keloid scarring is more common in darker skinned individuals. Keloids are also more likely to form following a skin injury if the patient has a family history of the condition.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Q_How_soon_can_a_keloid_start_forming_after_an_injury\"><\/span>Q: How soon can a keloid start forming after an injury?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>A:<\/strong> It can start forming weeks to months after the skin is healed. At first, it might be red and thickening along with itchiness and gradually growing larger than the original wound.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Q_Should_I_avoid_piercings_if_I_have_had_a_keloid_before\"><\/span>Q: Should I avoid piercings if I have had a keloid before?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>A:<\/strong> Having keloids is very common especially if you have grown one from a previous ear piercing so always consult with a dermatologist before getting any new piercings. If you have other piercings, the more likely new keloids will develop.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Some scars take longer to heal than is normal, and sometimes the scar that remains grows larger than it should. So, if you can know &#8220;how to prevent keloids,&#8221; it will help you prevent keloid formation using the right methods. Keloids can form at the site of surgical incisions, piercings, acne scars, burns, or even [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":25453,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"default","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[22],"tags":[110],"class_list":["post-25451","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-keloid","tag-how-to-prevent-keloid-formation-after-surgery"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thenationalskincentre.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25451","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thenationalskincentre.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thenationalskincentre.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thenationalskincentre.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thenationalskincentre.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=25451"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.thenationalskincentre.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25451\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":25452,"href":"https:\/\/www.thenationalskincentre.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25451\/revisions\/25452"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thenationalskincentre.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/25453"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thenationalskincentre.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=25451"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thenationalskincentre.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=25451"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thenationalskincentre.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=25451"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}