Raised scars and uneven pigment often overlap, yet they require different strategies. Acting on guesswork can prolong irritation, trigger flare-ups, or delay progress. If you plan keloid scar treatment alongside laser treatment for pigmentation, start with clear definitions, cautious pacing, and simple routines that respect healing. The points below highlight frequent mistakes and practical ways to avoid them, so time, cost, and skin tolerance remain manageable across a full course of care.
1. Treating Without A Specific Diagnosis
Calling every mark a keloid or every patch pigmentation leads to mismatched methods. Ask for confirmation of keloid versus hypertrophic scar, and identify whether pigment is a post-inflammatory change, melasma, or lentigines. Correct labels determine tools, settings, and timelines and reduce frustration from avoidable trial and error.
2. Ignoring Scar Activity
Active keloids itch, feel tight, or expand beyond the original wound. Treating pigment first while a keloid remains active can escalate symptoms. Stabilise scar activity with silicone care and clinic measures before addressing colour. This sequence prevents mixed signals during recovery and keeps aftercare straightforward.
3. Overlapping Strong Procedures
Stacking injections, peels, and broad-field devices in one sitting increases irritation and complicates reviews. Space sessions and treat one concern per visit, where possible. A simple calendar with planned buffers makes progress easier to measure and lowers the chance of redness, swelling, or pigment shift.
4. Skipping Test Spots For Devices
Settings that are comfortable for one skin tone may be harsh for another. Test spots before laser treatment for pigmentation or energy-based resurfacing give early feedback on heat, redness, and darkening risk. Adjusting after a test prevents wider setbacks across cheeks, temples, or jawline.
5. Dropping Sun Protection
Any procedure increases light sensitivity for a period. Neglecting sunscreen raises the chance of new dark patches and delays. Choose broad-spectrum SPF, reapply during outdoor hours, and add hats and shade where practical. Consistency after each session supports a steadier tone and fewer relapses.
6. Changing Products Too Quickly
New acids, fragrances, or scrubs during recovery can prolong redness and dry out the barrier. Keep a short, approved list: gentle cleanser, fragrance-free moisturiser, and sunscreen. If using retinoids or azelaic acid, pause only when advised and restart gradually to avoid rebound irritation.
7. Expecting Erasure Rather Than Improvement
Permanent removal claims can set false expectations. Keloid scar treatment aims to reduce bulk, itch, and tension. Pigment care aims for a lighter, more even pattern. Ask for likely ranges of change, not guarantees. Realistic goals prevent rushed decisions and help you judge progress fairly.
8. Treating Eyelids And Deep Scars Together
Eyelid work for pigment or syringoma requires careful energy control. Pairing this with subcision or aggressive resurfacing elsewhere on the same day complicates aftercare. Separate delicate areas from deeper releases, and review each site before moving to the next step.
9. Forgetting Simple Symptom Tracking
Memory blurs between visits. Record itch scores, tightness, redness duration, and makeup or shaving comfort. Standardised photos under the same light and angle provide objective evidence. Tracking supports choices about repeating a method, changing settings, or extending intervals.
10. Neglecting Relapse Plans
Keloids can recur, and pigment can return with heat and sun. Agree on maintenance early: silicone use, spaced clinic reviews, and topical cycles during brighter months. Clear rules for holidays, sports, and sauna use help protect gains without overcomplicating daily life.
Conclusion
Care for raised scars and uneven colour benefits from steady pacing and modest goals. Start with accurate naming, then stage sessions so inflammation remains predictable and reviews stay clear. Use test spots for devices, keep routines simple, and protect from light every day. Keloid scar treatment focuses on easing symptoms and reducing bulk, while pigment plans adjust energy and spacing to match tone and pattern. With careful tracking and a maintenance plan that accounts for seasons and habits, progress can remain stable and recovery more comfortable.
Get in touch with Veritas Medical Aesthetics to arrange a methodical treatment for pigmentation and keloids.
