No single therapeutic modality is best for all keloids. The location, size, and depth of the lesion; the age of the patient; and the past response to treatment determine the type of therapy used.

Prevention is a key, but the therapeutic treatment of an existing hypertrophic scar or keloid includes occlusive dressings, compression therapy, intralesional corticosteroid injections, cryosurgery, excision, radiation therapy, laser therapy, interferon therapy, 5-fluorouracil, doxorubicin, bleomycin, verapamil, imiquimod cream, tamoxifen, botulinum toxin, hydrogel scaffold, and over-the-counter treatments.

It is important to note that surgical removal is not a permanent solution and nearly 100% of keloids that are surgically removed will recur. Thus, consultation with the dermatologist is very important to determine the appropriate therapy and set expectations for treatment.