Radiation Therapy for Keloids: Preventing Recurrence and Improving HealingWhat Are Keloids?

Keloids are thick, raised scars that form when the body overproduces collagen during the healing process. Unlike normal scars, keloids grow beyond the boundaries of the original wound and can continue to enlarge over time. They may develop after surgeries, burns, piercings, acne, or even minor skin injuries.

Keloids can be uncomfortable, itchy, or painful, and they often pose cosmetic concerns. One of the biggest challenges with keloids is that they have a high rate of recurrence, even after surgical removal.

Why Keloids Keep Coming Back

When a keloid is surgically removed, the body may treat the procedure as a new wound, triggering another cycle of excessive collagen production. Recurrence rates after surgery alone can be as high as 50–80%.

To improve outcomes, medical professionals often combine surgery with postoperative radiation therapy, which has been shown to significantly reduce the chance of keloids returning.

How Radiation Therapy Works for Keloids

Radiation therapy targets the fibroblast cells responsible for overproducing collagen in the treated area. By delivering a low, precise dose of radiation shortly after surgical removal—typically within 24 hours—the therapy helps prevent the keloid from reforming.

Unlike cancer treatments, the doses used for keloids are low and focused only on the scar site, minimizing risk to surrounding healthy tissue.

What to Expect During Treatment

1. Consultation: A radiation oncologist will evaluate the keloid, discuss your medical history, and determine whether radiation is right for you.

2. Treatment Planning: Using imaging and mapping, your care team creates a precise plan to deliver radiation safely.

3. Radiation Sessions: Most patients receive 1–3 quick sessions over a few days. Each session typically lasts only a few minutes.

4. Aftercare: Mild skin redness or irritation may occur, similar to a mild sunburn, but these effects usually resolve quickly.
   

Benefits of Radiation Therapy for Keloids

• Significantly lowers recurrence rates: Studies show success rates of 85–95% when combined with surgery.

• Non-invasive: Radiation is external, with no needles or additional surgery.

• Quick recovery: Patients can usually resume normal activities immediately.

• Improved cosmetic outcome: Helps scars heal flatter, smoother, and less noticeable.

Is Radiation Therapy Safe?

Yes. Radiation therapy for keloids uses very low doses, targeted precisely to the treated area. Modern techniques ensure minimal exposure to surrounding tissue. Decades of research and clinical experience confirm that the therapy is safe and highly effective when performed under medical supervision.

Who Can Benefit?

Radiation therapy may be recommended for patients who:

• Have large or recurrent keloids

• Want to reduce the risk of keloid recurrence after surgical removal

• Have keloids in high-tension areas prone to recurrence, like the chest, shoulders, or earlobes

Final Thoughts

For patients struggling with stubborn or recurrent keloids, combining surgery with targeted radiation therapy offers a safe and effective solution. If you are considering treatment, speak with a radiation oncologist about whether this approach could help improve healing and reduce recurrence.