Keloid & Hypertrophic Scars
Keloid and hypertrophic scars can have a profound emotional and physical impact on individuals. These raised, thickened scars often develop after trauma, surgery, acne, or burns and can become itchy, painful, or aesthetically concerning. At Canada Scar Clinic, we offer a comprehensive, physician-supervised treatment protocol for patients seeking long-term solutions for keloid and hypertrophic scar removal in Toronto and Richmond Hill.Patients looking for comprehensive scar treatment options can also visit our Scar Treatment in Richmond Hill page to learn about combined treatment approaches and personalized care plans.
Treatment Options
We build an individualized plan based on scar type, location, skin tone, and your goals. Options may include:
TCA CROSS for Deep or Textured Scars
stimulates collagen to smooth uneven, pit-like scar surfaces.
HIFU for Deeper Scar Remodeling
uses ultrasound energy to remodel deep scar tissue safely.
Laser Therapy for Keloid and Hypertrophic Scars
flattens raised scars, reduces redness, and improves texture.
Intralesional Corticosteroid Injections
soften thick scars, reduce itching, and help prevent regrowth.
Cryotherapy
freezes scar tissue to shrink keloids, especially smaller lesions.
Silicone Gel/Sheeting
hydrates scars, reduces redness, and relieves itching.
Best For:
Burn-related hypertrophic scars
Raised surgical scars
Post-trauma keloids
Plan:
3–6 sessions on average
Spaced 4–8 weeks apart
Occasional maintenance sessions to manage recurrence
Advanced Keloid and Hypertrophic Scar Treatments in Toronto
Canada Scar Clinic is a leader in the aesthetic and therapeutic treatment of abnormal scars. Our strategy involves individualized assessments, combination therapies, and physician-led interventions tailored to each patient’s scar type, skin tone, and healing response.
Understanding Keloid and Hypertrophic Scars
Though similar in appearance, keloid and hypertrophic scars are distinct in nature. Hypertrophic scars remain within the boundary of the original wound and may fade with time. Keloids, on the other hand, grow beyond the wound edges and rarely regress without treatment. Common causes include:
Genetic predisposition (especially in darker skin types)
Without expert care, these scars can persist or worsen. Our specialized approach integrates medical and non-invasive technologies to achieve visible, lasting results.
Targeted Treatments for Keloid & Hypertrophic Scars
We use a range of strategies—injections, lasers, ultrasound, cryotherapy, and silicone care to flatten raised scars, ease symptoms, and reduce recurrence with minimal downtime.
TCA CROSS for Deep or Textured Scars
Applies a high concentration of trichloroacetic acid into small scar areas. This stimulates collagen, gradually smoothing uneven or pit-like scar surfaces.
HIFU for Deeper Scar Remodeling
Uses focused ultrasound waves to penetrate beneath the skin, encouraging collagen restructuring. Safe and non-invasive, it smooths thicker scars from within.
Laser Therapy for Raised Scars
Fractional and vascular lasers reduce redness, thickness, and surface irregularities. Treatments are staged for gradual improvement with short recovery periods.
Intralesional Corticosteroid Injections
Medication is injected directly into the scar to soften and flatten raised tissue. These treatments also relieve itching and slow keloid regrowth.
Cryotherapy
Freezes scar tissue to shrink keloids, particularly smaller ones such as on the ear. Often paired with injections for improved long-term control.
Silicone Gel/Sheeting
Provides constant hydration and light pressure to raised scars. With regular use, silicone reduces redness, relieves discomfort, and helps scars blend in.
Additional Options: Chemical Peels and Combination Therapy
For post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) or surface-level acne scars, our chemical peels can help brighten and refine skin appearance. These are often integrated with microneedling or subcision in a phased protocol.
Keloids grow beyond the original wound edges and often recur; hypertrophic scars stay within the wound and may soften over time. Both can be itchy, tender, or cosmetically noticeable.
We map your scar type, location, skin tone, and goals, then build a plan. Options may include intralesional corticosteroid injections (± 5-fluorouracil for resistant keloids), vascular/fractional lasers for redness/texture, RF fractional microneedling in selected cases, cryotherapy, silicone or pressure therapy, and surgical revision with adjuvant therapy when appropriate.
Most plans are staged. Injections are commonly every 4–6 weeks for 2–6 sessions; lasers are often 2–5 sessions spaced 4–8 weeks apart. Improvements build gradually over weeks to months—we review progress and adjust as needed.
Our goal is improvement and blending—to flatten or soften tissue, calm redness, and reduce symptoms—not a promise of “scar-free.” Keloids can regrow, so some patients benefit from maintenance touch-ups if changes reappear.
Yes. We customize settings to your complexion and can do a test spot first. Typical downtime: Laser/RF causes mild redness/heat for 1–3 days; injections may leave brief tenderness; HIFU has minimal downtime with possible 24–72h tenderness or swelling. Most people resume normal activities quickly.
Avoid sun/tanning for 2 weeks, pause retinoids/acids 3–5 days before treatment, and arrive with clean skin. Aftercare is simple: gentle cleanse, moisturize/barrier ointment, SPF, and no picking. Treatments are usually not covered by provincial insurance; we offer flexible payment options and can stage care to fit your budget.
Recurrence is possible, especially in keloids. We reduce risk with a phased plan—e.g., a series of injections/laser or cryotherapy, silicone gel/sheets at home, and occasional maintenance visits. We’ll also review triggers (friction, piercings, sun) and give you a simple after-care routine to help keep results stable.
Most patients describe mild discomfort. We use topical numbing, cooling, and when needed a small amount of local anesthetic for injections or cryotherapy. You may feel tenderness or tightness for 24–48 hours; over-the-counter pain relief and our post-care instructions are usually enough.
Earlier is better once the skin has fully healed (usually 6–8 weeks after injury or surgery). That’s when raised, itchy scars often respond fastest to injections or laser. Older, thicker scars can still improve—treatment plans may simply require more sessions or combination therapy.
Temporary redness, swelling, or sensitivity are common. Cryotherapy can cause shortterm blistering; steroid injections may rarely thin or lighten the skin if overused. Postinflammatory pigmentation is possible, especially after sun exposure—we minimize this with conservative settings, test spots when appropriate, strict sun protection, and tailored after-care.
Yes. We individualize technique by location: ear-lobe keloids often respond well to cryotherapy plus injections; chest lesions need cautious, staged therapy due to higher recurrence; facial scars are treated with conservative energy settings and protective measures. Your plan is customized to the area, skin tone, and healing response.
What to Expect During Your Treatment Journey
Your scar treatment journey begins with an in-depth consultation. We’ll evaluate:
Your scar’s depth, color, and history
Your skin type and healing response
Prior treatments or reactions
Timeline for improvement:
Initial relief and flattening often within 3–6 weeks
Long-term fading and remodeling over 2–3 months
Full results usually after multiple sessions
Why Choose Canada Scar Clinic for Keloid & Hypertrophic Scar Treatment?
We focus exclusively on scars. Canada Scar Clinic in Toronto and Richmond Hill is physician-led and dedicated to improving both the appearance and comfort of keloid and hypertrophic scars. Using advanced, evidence-based techniques and personalized care, we aim for results that address not only aesthetics but also symptoms like itching, pain, and recurrence.
What makes us different:
Physician-led treatments backed by clinical research
Latest FDA-cleared technology including HIFU and fractional lasers
Experience in treating diverse skin tones and scar types
Aesthetic and therapeutic integration
Related Conditions and Services
Keloid and hypertrophic scars may overlap with other scar concerns. Patients can also benefit from related treatments we provide, including:
Combining Treatments for Better Outcomes
