Keloid Scar Treatment in Seoul (Hongdae) for Foreign Patients
Keloid scar treatment flattens and softens raised scars that have grown beyond the original wound, most often with steroid injections, often combined with laser, cryotherapy or silicone. Keloids tend to recur, so treatment is usually a series spaced 3 to 6 weeks apart. A doctor consultation in Hongdae decides the safest plan for your scar.
✦ Medically reviewed by the KLEAM Medical Team · Last updated:
Key facts at a glance
- Treatment time
- 10–30 min per visit
- Comfort
- Brief needle sting; numbing or cooling as needed
- Downtime
- Minimal; mild redness or tenderness
- Results visible
- Gradual flattening over several sessions
- Recommended sessions
- A series, typically 3–6 weeks apart
- How long it lasts
- Varies; keloids can recur, so follow-up is common
Who it suits
- Raised, firm scars that extend beyond the original wound
- Ear piercing keloids and chest or shoulder keloids
- Itchy or tender hypertrophic scars
- Red or dark pigmentation on an older scar
- People who want a non-surgical option first
Please consult us first if
- Pregnant or breastfeeding patients (consult first)
- Active infection or open wound at the site
- People with a known steroid allergy
- Rapidly changing or bleeding lesions, which need a diagnosis first
How it works
A keloid forms when the skin keeps producing collagen after a wound has healed, creating a raised, often itchy scar that grows beyond the original injury. The first-line treatment is a corticosteroid injection directly into the scar, which reduces inflammation and slows collagen production so the scar gradually flattens and softens.
Depending on the scar, the doctor may combine injections with laser (such as pulsed dye or fractional CO2 laser) to reduce redness and improve texture, cryotherapy to break down scar tissue, or silicone gel sheets at home. Surgical removal is reserved for selected cases and is usually followed by injections or other therapy, because keloids can return after excision alone.
Injections feel like a short, firm pinch. Mild redness, swelling or tenderness at the site is common but temporary.
How it compares
| Compared with | Difference |
|---|---|
| Surgical excision | Excision removes the scar quickly but keloids often recur unless it is combined with injections or other follow-up therapy. |
| Silicone sheets alone | Silicone is gentle and useful for mild or new scars, while injections act faster on established, raised keloids. |
Your visit, step by step
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Message us on WhatsApp or KakaoTalk
Send a photo of the area and your travel dates. Our English-speaking team will suggest a consultation time and let you know if keloid treatment fits your schedule in Seoul.
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Arrive at Hongik Univ. Station Exit 1
We are on the 3rd floor of L7 Hongdae by LOTTE, 141 Yanghwa-ro, right by Exit 1 (Line 2, AREX airport line, Gyeongui-Jungang Line). Bring your passport and arrive 10 minutes early.
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Consultation in English
A doctor examines your skin, reviews your medical history and medications, and explains which options suit you, how many sessions make sense for your trip, and what results are realistic.
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Your treatment
The doctor injects medication directly into the scar, sometimes combined with laser or cryotherapy. Most visits take 10–30 minutes, and you can usually return to sightseeing the same day.
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Aftercare and flight tips
Keep the area clean, use silicone gel or sheets if advised, and avoid friction. If you are leaving Korea, ask for a written summary so a dermatologist at home can continue the series.
Aftercare & travel tips
- Keep the treated area clean and avoid picking or scratching
- Use silicone gel or sheets daily if the doctor recommends them
- Protect the scar from sun with clothing or SPF 50 to limit darkening
- Avoid tight earrings or clothing rubbing on the area for a few days
- Flying the same day is generally fine; report any spreading redness or pain
- Plan follow-up sessions 3–6 weeks apart, here or with a doctor at home
Frequently asked questions
How much does keloid treatment cost in Seoul?
Cost depends on the size and number of scars, the method used and how many sessions you need. Prices are confirmed after the doctor examines the scar. Message us on WhatsApp or KakaoTalk with a photo and we can give you a clearer idea before your visit.
Does a keloid steroid injection hurt?
Most people feel a short, firm pinch because keloid tissue is dense. The injection itself takes only seconds per spot. Cooling or numbing can be used for sensitive areas such as the ear. Discomfort usually fades within minutes, and you can return to normal activities the same day.
How many sessions will I need?
Keloids usually need a series of treatments spaced 3 to 6 weeks apart, and the number depends on the scar's size, age and location. Many visitors start treatment in Seoul and continue at home. Results vary, and the doctor will explain a realistic plan during your consultation.
Can keloids come back after treatment?
Yes, keloids have a known tendency to recur, especially after surgical removal alone. Combining methods, such as injections with laser or silicone, and keeping up follow-up visits helps lower the chance of regrowth. Avoiding new trauma, piercings or tight pressure on the area also helps.
Can I fly after keloid treatment?
Yes, flying is generally fine after injections or laser for keloids, as downtime is minimal. Keep the area clean, avoid rubbing from bags or straps, and protect it from sun at your destination. Ask us for a treatment summary to share with your doctor at home.
Is it safe to treat an ear piercing keloid?
Ear keloids are among the most common types treated, and injections, sometimes combined with other methods, are a standard approach. The doctor will check the scar first, since some lesions need a diagnosis before treatment. Avoid re-piercing the same spot unless your doctor advises it.
Related treatments
Last updated: 2026-10-01. This page is for general information and is not a diagnosis. Suitability, dosage and results vary by person and are decided with a doctor at your consultation.
Why international patients choose KLEAM
Visit us
KLEAM Clinic Hongdae
3F, L7 Hongdae by LOTTE, 141 Yanghwa-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul
Right by Hongik Univ. Station Exit 1 (Line 2 · AREX · Gyeongui-Jungang)
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+82-10-7368-4441
Weekdays 10:30–20:30 · Weekends 10:30–17:00 · No lunch break
Explore popular treatments
Keloid Scar in Hongdae – Flatten & Fade Raised Scars
Dealing with thick, raised scars that won’t go away on their own? Keloids are a type of overgrown scar tissue that can be itchy, painful, or cosmetically bothersome. At our clinic in Hongdae, we offer expert keloid scar treatments using advanced techniques to reduce scar size, relieve discomfort, and improve the appearance of your skin.
What is a Keloid Scar?
Keloids are firm, raised scars that form when the body produces too much collagen during the healing process. Unlike typical scars, keloids grow beyond the boundaries of the original wound and don’t fade over time.
They commonly occur after:
- Acne or chickenpox
- Piercings or tattoos
- Surgery or skin injuries
- Burns or cuts
Keloids can form on any part of the body but are most common on the chest, shoulders, earlobes, and jawline.
Why Treat Keloid Scars?
Key Benefits of Treatment:
✅ Reduces scar height, size, and hardness
✅ Relieves itching, tenderness, or discomfort
✅ Improves cosmetic appearance and confidence
✅ Prevents further growth or spreading
✅ Minimizes risk of recurrence with combination therapy
Keloid Treatment Options Offered
We provide a range of clinically proven treatments that can be used alone or in combination:
- Steroid Injections (Corticosteroids)
Helps flatten the scar and reduce inflammation. Often used as first-line treatment. - Laser Therapy (e.g., Pulsed Dye Laser or CO2 Laser)
Targets pigmentation and improves skin texture. Can also reduce vascularity in red or inflamed keloids. - Cryotherapy
Freezes the scar tissue to break it down over time—especially effective for small keloids. - Silicone Gel Sheets or Ointments
Helps soften and flatten the scar when used consistently. - Surgical Removal (if necessary)
For severe keloids, excision may be performed—but always combined with follow-up therapy to prevent recurrence. - Radiotherapy (in rare or severe cases)
Low-dose radiation may be used after surgical excision to reduce recurrence risk.
What to Expect During Treatment
Treatment will depend on the scar’s size, location, and age. Most procedures are outpatient, quick, and require minimal discomfort. Steroid injections or laser treatments are typically done in a series, spaced 3 to 6 weeks apart.
Mild redness, swelling, or tenderness at the treatment site is common but temporary.
Who is a Good Candidate?
You may benefit from keloid treatment if:
- You have raised, firm, or itchy scars
- Your keloid is growing or changing
- The scar is affecting your appearance or causing discomfort
- You want to prevent a new keloid from forming after surgery or injury
A personalized treatment plan will be developed to ensure both safety and effectiveness—especially for patients with a tendency to develop keloids.
Will the Keloid Come Back?
Keloids can recur after treatment, especially if only removed surgically. That’s why combination therapy is essential—such as steroid injections after excision, or laser therapy paired with silicone care. Our clinic specializes in relapse prevention protocols to help keep keloids from returning.
Restore Smooth, Comfortable Skin in Hongdae
At our clinic in Hongdae, we understand how keloid scars can affect both your skin and your confidence. With expert dermatologists and state-of-the-art technology, we provide comprehensive, results-driven care in a safe and supportive setting.
