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SURGical dermatology
Keloid and scar treatment in Richardson, TX
Treatment for keloids and for raised, itchy or painful scars, from a board-certified dermatologist who sees every patient herself.
Dr. Kelsie Riemenschneider
MD, FAAD · Board-certified dermatologist. You will see her at every visit.
Overview
What causes keloids and raised scars
A scar forms whenever the deeper layer of the skin heals after an injury. Sometimes the body makes more scar tissue than it needs. A hypertrophic scar is raised but stays within the edges of the original wound. A keloid grows beyond those edges and can keep enlarging for months or years.
Keloids can follow piercings, acne, surgery, burns, vaccinations or even minor scratches. They are more common in people with darker skin tones and in families with a history of keloids, and they appear most often on the earlobes, chest, shoulders and jawline. They are not dangerous, but they can itch, hurt and affect how you feel about your skin.
When to see a dermatologist
A scar is growing beyond the original injury
A scar itches, hurts or feels tight
A keloid has formed on an earlobe after a piercing
You form keloids and are planning surgery or a piercing
Scars we treat
Keloids. Firm, raised scars that extend past the original wound.
Hypertrophic scars.Raised, red scars that stay within the wound's edges.
Earlobe keloids. Round keloids that form after ear piercing.
Acne scars.Raised or indented scars left by deep breakouts.
Surgical and injury scars. Scars that have healed thick, tight or discolored.
Treatment
How we treat keloids and scars
Keloids are stubborn and can return, so treatment usually combines more than one approach over several visits. The aim is a scar that is flatter, softer and more comfortable.
Steroid injections. A corticosteroid such as triamcinolone (Kenalog) injected into the scar in a series of visits a few weeks apart to flatten it and relieve itching.
Silicone and pressure. Silicone gel or sheets, and pressure earrings after an earlobe keloid is treated.
Freezing and combination treatment. Liquid nitrogen or additional injected medication for thick scars that do not respond to steroids alone.
Surgical removal. For selected keloids, such as those on the earlobe, always combined with injections afterward to lower the chance of regrowth.
Your visit
What to expect at your visit
Tell us the history. What caused the scar, how long it has been there and whether it is still changing.
Dr. Riemenschneider examines the scar. She confirms the type of scar and recommends a treatment plan.
Treatment often starts the same day. An injection takes a few minutes, and follow-up visits are spaced several weeks apart.
In network with most major health plans. See every plan we accept
Questions
Common questions about keloids and scars
Have a question that is not here? Call 214-833-5300.
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Keloids can be flattened and often kept flat, but they have a tendency to return, particularly after surgery alone. Combining treatments and keeping follow-up visits gives the best long-term result.
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They sting for a few seconds. Firm keloids are the most uncomfortable to inject at first and become easier as the scar softens.
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Most keloids need a series of injections, spaced a few weeks apart. Older and larger keloids take longer.
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If you form keloids, tell any doctor before a procedure, treat acne early and care for wounds carefully. Starting silicone or injections soon after an injury can help in people at high risk.
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Both carry a real risk of a new keloid for people who form them. It is safest to avoid piercings and to talk with us before deciding on a tattoo.
Related care Acne Chemical peels Mole removal Hidradenitis suppurativa All surgical dermatology
Reviewed by Dr. Kelsie Riemenschneider, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist. Last reviewed October 2026. Source: American Academy of Dermatology.
Plan your visit
See a dermatologist for keloids and scars in Richardson
Address 702 W Arapaho Rd, Suite 104, Richardson, TX 75080
Hours Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM
Phone 214-833-5300