Keloid Scar Removal in Oakville

At ICLS Plastic Surgery in Oakville, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Julie Khanna, MD, FRCSC, ABPS, specializes in surgical keloid removal for patients across Toronto, Mississauga, and the Greater Toronto Area. For individuals with large, persistent, or uncomfortable keloid scars, surgical excision offers a highly effective treatment option to restore smoother skin and improve long-term scar management.

Keloid scars can continue to grow over time and may cause discomfort, itching, or cosmetic concerns. At ICLS, treatment focuses on precise surgical removal combined with structured follow-up care, helping reduce the risk of recurrence while achieving natural-looking results.

A keloid scar is an abnormal scar that forms when the body produces excess collagen during the healing process. Instead of remaining within the borders of the original wound, a keloid grows beyond the initial injury site, creating a raised area of thickened scar tissue.

Keloids often appear firm, smooth, and rubbery, and may range in color from pink or red to darker than the surrounding skin. While some remain relatively small, others can continue to expand gradually over time.

Unlike hypertrophic scars, which stay confined to the original wound area, keloids extend outward and may become significantly larger than the original injury.

Patients frequently seek keloid treatment because the scars may cause:

• Persistent itching or tenderness
• Cosmetic concerns
• Discomfort when clothing rubs against the area
• Restricted movement when the scar forms over a joint

Although keloids are benign and not harmful to overall health, they can be frustrating and emotionally distressing. At ICLS Surgery, the focus is on safely removing the excess scar tissue while decreasing the risk of future scar formation.

Where Do Keloids Form?

Keloids can develop anywhere the skin has been injured, but some areas of the body are more prone to keloid formation.

Common locations include:

• Ears and earlobes, often following piercings.
• Chest and sternum area
• Shoulders and upper back
• Jawline and neck
• Navel (belly button)

At ICLS Surgery, a significant number of patients seek treatment for ear keloids and navel trauma resulting from piercings. These areas are particularly susceptible because even minor wounds or irritation can trigger excessive scar tissue formation in predisposed individuals.

Because keloids tend to grow gradually, early consultation can help determine the most appropriate treatment approach.

Who Is More Likely to Develop Keloids?

Not everyone develops keloid scars after an injury. Certain individuals have risk factors that increase the likelihood of abnormal scar formation.

These risk factors may include:

• Genetic predisposition or family history of keloids
• Darker skin tones, where keloids occur more frequently
• Age under 30, when scar-forming activity in the skin is higher
• Hormonal changes, including pregnancy
• Previous keloids following injuries, piercings, or surgery

Having one or more risk factors does not guarantee that a keloid will form, but individuals who have experienced keloids before are more likely to develop them again after future skin trauma.

Understanding these factors enables Dr. Khanna to design a personalized treatment strategy focused on long-term scar control.

At ICLS Plastic Surgery, surgical removal is the primary treatment approach for keloids, particularly when scars are large, long-standing, or resistant to conservative treatments.

Surgery directly removes the excess scar tissue and allows the skin to heal under carefully controlled conditions. In many cases, surgical excision is combined with follow-up treatments to reduce the chance of recurrence.

Surgical Excision (Primary Treatment)

Surgical excision is the most effective treatment for large or persistent keloids, especially those that have continued to grow or have not responded to previous treatments.

During the procedure:

• The keloid scar is carefully excised with a margin of surrounding tissue.
• The area is closed using techniques aimed at decreasing tension and reducing re-scarring.
• The procedure is performed under local anesthesia.

Surgical excision is especially effective for:

• Ear or earlobe keloids.
• Long-standing keloids.
• Large lesions that interfere with comfort or appearance.
• Scars that have failed previous treatments.

Following surgery, Dr. Khanna often recommends post-operative Kenalog steroid injections to help reduce the likelihood of the keloid returning.

Patients receive structured follow-up care and monitoring to ensure optimal healing.

Shave Excision

For certain raised keloids, shave excision may be an appropriate option. This technique removes the elevated portion of the scar without requiring full-depth excision.

Shave excision is typically used when the keloid is more superficial and can be safely reduced without deeper surgical removal. In many cases, it is combined with steroid injections to reduce the risk of recurrence.

Examples of shave excision results can be seen in the ICLS before-and-after gallery.

Post-Surgical Kenalog (Steroid) Injections

Corticosteroid injections are a standard component of post-surgical keloid management at ICLS Surgery.

Kenalog injections help reduce inflammation and suppress excessive collagen production, which is responsible for keloid formation.

These injections are typically scheduled after surgical removal and may be performed over multiple visits depending on the patient’s healing response.

Post-operative keloid treatments and Kenalog injections are performed at Oakville Skin.

Keloids form when the body’s natural healing process produces excess collagen and fibrous scar tissue following skin trauma.

Several factors may play a role in their development.

Physical trauma to the skin is the most common trigger. Injuries that may lead to keloid formation include:

• Surgical incisions
• Piercings
• Lacerations or cuts
• Acne scars
• Burns

Even relatively minor injuries can lead to keloid scars in individuals who are predisposed.

Genetics and family history are considered the strongest predictors. Many patients who develop keloids report that close relatives have experienced similar scar patterns.

Skin type also plays a role. Keloids occur more frequently in individuals with darker skin tones, although they can develop in anyone.

Age and hormonal factors may also influence scar formation. Keloids are most commonly seen in individuals under the age of 30, and hormonal changes such as pregnancy may increase the likelihood of development.

Finally, location on the body matters. Areas with higher skin tension, such as the chest, shoulders, and earlobes, are more susceptible to abnormal scar formation.

Understanding these risk factors allows surgeons to develop preventive strategies and customized treatment plans.

The keloid removal process at ICLS is designed to be straightforward and carefully managed from start to finish. Treatment begins with a consultation to assess the scar and create a personalized surgical plan. The procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia, followed by personalized aftercare and monitoring to help support healing.

Your Consultation with Dr. Khanna

Every keloid removal procedure at ICLS begins with a personalized consultation with Dr. Julie Khanna.

During the consultation, Dr. Khanna will:

• Perform a visual assessment of the scar.
• Review your medical history.
• Discuss how and when the keloid developed.
• Evaluate previous treatments if applicable.

In rare situations, a biopsy may be discussed as a precaution to confirm the diagnosis.

Patients receive a personalized treatment plan and cost estimate, along with a detailed explanation of the recommended surgical approach and post-treatment care.

This consultation ensures that treatment is tailored to each patient’s skin type, scar characteristics, and long-term goals.

The Keloid Removal Procedure

Most keloid removal procedures are performed under local anesthetic at the accredited ICLS surgical facility in Oakville.

The procedure commonly involves:

• Administering local anesthesia to numb the treatment area.
• Carefully excising or shaving the keloid scar.
• Closing the wound with techniques designed to reduce tension on the skin.

For most patients, the procedure takes approximately 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the size and complexity of the keloid.

General anesthesia is rarely required.

Patients can return home shortly after the procedure, with detailed aftercare instructions.

Aftercare & Preventing Recurrence

Proper aftercare is essential for reducing the risk of keloid recurrence.

Patients may be advised to follow several strategies during the healing process, including:

• Careful wound care and cleaning.
• Protecting the area from sun exposure.
• Using topical scar-management gels.
• Wearing compression dressings or pressure earrings for earlobe cases.
• Attending scheduled Kenalog injection appointments.

Patients are also monitored for early signs of scar thickening to adjust treatment if needed.

With careful follow-up care and monitoring, the risk of recurrence can be significantly reduced.

Surgical excision is considered the most effective long-term treatment for keloid scars, particularly when combined with post-operative therapies.

While no treatment can guarantee that a keloid will never return, combining surgery with steroid injections and structured follow-up care significantly reduces recurrence rates.

Many patients experience:

• Long-lasting improvement in scar appearance
• Reduced itching or discomfort
• Improved skin contour and texture

Results vary depending on the size, location, and duration of the keloid. Regular monitoring helps ensure that any early signs of recurrence are addressed quickly.

Patients can view real examples of surgical outcomes in the ICLS before-and-after gallery.

The cost of keloid removal depends on the size, location, and complexity of the scar.

Typical pricing includes:

• Surgical excision: typically $2,100 – $4,000 depending on size and complexity
• Post-operative Kenalog injections: from $315 per session

In most cases, keloid removal is not covered by OHIP, as it is generally considered a cosmetic procedure. Coverage may occasionally apply if the scar causes functional impairment or medical complications.

A consultation with Dr. Khanna is required to provide a personalized cost estimate and treatment plan.

At ICLS Surgery, treatment is carefully tailored to each patient’s skin type, scar characteristics, and healing patterns.

Many patients notice a smoother skin surface and reduced scar prominence after treatment. Viewing real patient results can help set realistic expectations and demonstrate how a combination of surgical excision and follow-up care contributes to long-term scar improvement.

Why Choose ICLS Surgery for Keloid Removal

ICLS Plastic Surgery is a trusted destination for surgical keloid removal in Oakville and the Greater Toronto Area. Treatment is performed by Dr. Julie Khanna, a board-certified plastic surgeon with over 30 years of surgical experience.

Patients choose ICLS because of:

• Extensive expertise in scar management and surgical dermatology
• An accredited surgical facility in Oakville
• Over 400,000 patients treated
• More than 1,600 five-star reviews on Google and RateMDs

Unlike clinics that focus primarily on laser treatments, ICLS specializes in surgical solutions for complex or treatment-resistant scars.

For patients who may benefit from non-surgical options, ICLS also works closely with Oakville Skin to ensure access to a full spectrum of scar-management treatments.

Scars and skin healing are complex processes influenced by genetics, skin type, and injury patterns. Patients interested in learning more about scar management may also find these topics helpful:

• How scars form and what non-surgical options look like
• Plastic surgery options with minimal scarring 
• Understanding how medical-grade facials work

These resources can provide additional guidance for patients considering surgical treatment.

Patients exploring surgical dermatology services at ICLS may also be interested in:

• Earlobe Repair
• Mole Removal
• Lipoma Removal
• Cyst Removal

These procedures support a comprehensive approach to treating common skin lesions and cosmetic concerns.