Keloid Scar Treatment for Menopausal Skin: Evidence-Based Management Options
Quick Summary: Keloid Scar
A Keloid scar - a raised, thick scars that grow beyond the original wound - becomes more challenging during perimenopause and menopause due to hormonal changes affecting collagen production and wound healing. This comprehensive guide examines why menopausal skin forms keloids differently, evidence-based treatment options from topical silicone therapy to professional interventions, and realistic expectations for managing these persistent scars. Most keloids require multimodal treatment, and recurrence rates remain high even with aggressive intervention.
Understanding Keloid Scars in Menopausal Women
Keloid scars form when your body produces excessive collagen during wound healing, creating raised, often itchy or tender tissue that extends well beyond the original injury site. Unlike hypertrophic scars, which remain within the wound boundary and may flatten over time, keloids continue to grow and rarely improve without intervention.
For many women, especially during menopause, keloids are not just a cosmetic issue—they can be painful, embarrassing, and emotionally draining when hormonal changes seem to make scarring more unpredictable.
Research in Dermatologic Surgery indicates that keloids can develop from seemingly minor trauma - surgical incisions, ear piercings, vaccination sites, acne lesions, or even minor scratches. For women in perimenopause and menopause, hormonal fluctuations appear to influence both keloid formation and behaviour, though individual variation remains significant.
Why Menopausal Skin Heals Differently
The hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause fundamentally alter how your skin heals wounds. Here’s what happens at the cellular level:
Collagen Production Changes: Declining estrogen levels affect fibroblast activity - the cells responsible for producing collagen. Studies in Wound Repair and Regeneration show that estrogen deficiency can lead to dysregulated collagen synthesis, which can result in excessive deposition characteristic of keloid formation.
Impaired Wound Healing Signalling: Estrogen receptors throughout the skin help regulate the inflammatory response and collagen remodelling phases of wound healing. When estrogen levels fluctuate or decline, this signalling pathway becomes less efficient, potentially triggering abnormal scar formation.
Slower Cellular Turnover: Menopausal skin has reduced cell turnover, making the scar remodelling phase less effective. This slower remodelling allows keloids to persist and expand rather than gradually flattening over time.
Barrier Function Impairment: The skin’s protective barrier weakens during menopause, increasing vulnerability to inflammation and infection during wound healing. Prolonged inflammation represents a known risk factor for keloid development.
Increased Pigmentation Tendency: Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation becomes more common and persistent in menopausal skin, often making keloid scars appear darker and more prominent than they would in younger skin.
These biological mechanisms help explain why some women notice changed scarring patterns during hormonal transitions, though genetics, ethnicity, and wound location remain the primary keloid risk factors.
Evidence-Based Keloid Treatment Options: What Actually Works
Professional Medical Interventions
Dermatologists and plastic surgeons offer several approaches for established keloids:
Corticosteroid Injections: The first-line medical treatment involves injecting triamcinolone directly into keloid tissue every 4-6 weeks. Research in JAMA Dermatology shows this approach can help flatten keloids in some cases, with studies reporting varying degrees of improvement. However, recurrence rates are often reported in the 50-80% range within two years, even with treatment. Multiple treatment cycles are typically necessary.
Laser Therapy: Pulsed-dye lasers and fractional CO2 lasers may help flatten keloids and reduce redness. Studies suggest combining laser treatment with steroid injections improves outcomes, but standalone laser therapy shows limited long-term success.
Surgical Excision with Adjunct Therapy: Removing keloid tissue surgically alone carries a high recurrence rate. Current protocols combine Excision with immediate post-operative radiation therapy, steroid injections, or pressure therapy to reduce recurrence risk.
Cryotherapy: Freezing keloid tissue with liquid nitrogen can reduce size but often requires multiple sessions and may cause permanent pigmentation changes in darker skin tones.
Radiation Therapy: Low-dose radiation following surgical removal shows promising results in preventing recurrence in some studies, though concerns about long-term cancer risk limit its use to severe cases.
Pressure Therapy: Compression garments or pressure earrings for ear keloids may help prevent growth but require consistent 23-hour daily wear for 6-12 months.
Topical Silicone Therapy for Keloid Management
Silicone-based products represent the primary evidence-supported topical option. Research published in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal indicates medical-grade silicone gel may help flatten and soften raised scars through sustained hydration and occlusive effects that appear to modulate collagen production.
However, realistic expectations remain crucial: silicone is most effective as an adjunctive therapy for newer keloids (under 2 years) and typically shows modest improvement rather than complete resolution. Some studies have shown improvements in scar height and texture in the 30-60% range with 8-12 weeks of consistent use, but individual results vary significantly.
Genova Scar Gel: Medical-Grade Silicone for Early Keloid Intervention
Genova’s Scar Gel delivers medical-grade silicone in a lightweight gel formulation specifically designed for Australian skin conditions. The product combines 100% medical-grade silicone with additional moisturising ingredients that support the healing environment of scars without greasy residue.
What Makes Genova Scar Gel Different
Advanced Silicone Technology: Uses cross-linked silicone polymers that create a semi-occlusive barrier, maintaining optimal hydration levels in scar tissue while allowing skin to breathe—essential for preventing complications in menopausal skin with compromised barrier function.
Designed for Consistency: The quick-drying gel formulation encourages compliance with the twice-daily application required for results. Many silicone sheets cause discomfort or slip during wear, reducing long-term adherence.
Suitable for Sensitive Menopausal Skin: Formulated without fragrances or common irritants that can trigger reactions in hormonally sensitive skin.
Evidence-Based Approach: Positioned honestly as a supportive adjunct therapy rather than a standalone keloid solution- appropriate for newer scars and as maintenance therapy following professional treatment.
What Genova Scar Gel May Help With
- Softening raised keloid tissue in scars under 2 years old
- Reducing redness and discolouration in newer keloids
- Improving scar texture and flexibility over 8-12 weeks
- Maintaining results following steroid injection therapy
- Providing consistent hydration to the scar tissue
- Supporting the natural scar remodelling process
Realistic Limitations and Expectations
Cannot completely remove established keloids. Topical silicone may improve appearance and texture, but cannot eliminate keloid tissue. Most keloids require professional medical intervention for significant reduction.
Less effective on keloids older than 2 years. Once keloid tissue becomes fully established, topical therapy shows limited impact. Earlier intervention yields better results.
Requires consistent twice-daily application for at least 8-12 weeks. Results depend entirely on compliance. Missing applications reduces effectiveness significantly.
Individual results vary substantially. Genetic factors, keloid location, and size influence outcomes. Some users experience noticeable softening; others see minimal change.
Not suitable for active wounds, infections, or broken skin. Apply only to fully healed scar tissue. Discontinue if irritation develops.
Works best as adjunct therapy. Consider silicone gel as one component of comprehensive keloid management, not a replacement for dermatological care.
Who Genova Scar Gel Is For / Who It’s Not For
Appropriate for:
- Women with newer keloid scars (under 2 years old)
- Those seeking a topical adjunct to professional treatment
- Individuals with mild to moderate raised scarring
- People willing to commit to twice-daily application for 12+ weeks
- Maintenance therapy following steroid injections or other medical treatment
- May be used as part of a preventive strategy in keloid-prone individuals after surgery, under medical guidance
Not appropriate for:
- Large, established keloids over 2 years old (requires professional treatment)
- Active wounds, infections, or non-healed tissue
- Those expecting complete scar removal without medical intervention
- Anyone with documented silicone allergies
- Replacement for dermatological consultation on significant keloids
- Keloids causing pain, rapid growth, or functional impairment
How to Use Silicone Gel for Keloid Scars: Step-by-Step Protocol
Step 1: Gently cleanse the keloid area with mild, fragrance-free soap and lukewarm water. Pat completely dry with a clean towel. Ensure no moisture remains.
Step 2: Apply a thin, even layer of silicone gel directly to the keloid tissue, covering the entire raised area. Use fingertips to spread gently without rubbing aggressively.
Step 3: Allow 4-5 minutes for the gel to dry completely before applying clothing, makeup, or sunscreen. The gel should form a transparent, protective layer.
Step 4: Repeat application twice daily - once in the morning and once before bed. Consistency matters more than application thickness.
Step 5: Continue treatment for at least 8-12 weeks before assessing results. Take monthly photographs under consistent lighting to objectively track changes.
Step 6: Clean the area before each application. Remove any product residue with a gentle cleanser to prevent buildup.
Step 7: If using in combination with professional treatments, such as steroid injections, follow your dermatologist’s specific instructions on timing applications around medical procedures.
Should I See a Dermatologist About My Keloid Scars?
Seek professional evaluation if:
- Your keloid is growing rapidly or causing increasing pain
- The scar restricts movement or causes functional limitations
- You notice signs of infection (warmth, pus, increasing redness)
- The keloid appeared after surgery or significant trauma
- You have multiple keloids or a strong family history
- Topical treatment shows no improvement after 12 weeks
- You’re considering surgery or other cosmetic procedures in keloid-prone areas
- The scar causes significant cosmetic concern, affecting the quality of life
Dermatologists can offer:
- Accurate diagnosis (distinguishing keloids from hypertrophic scars)
- Multi-modal treatment plans combining therapies
- Steroid injection therapy with appropriate monitoring
- Laser treatments tailored to your skin type
- Surgical Excision with adjunct therapy to reduce recurrence
- Management strategies for preventing future keloids
Most established keloids require professional medical intervention. Topical silicone therapy works best as part of a comprehensive treatment approach guided by a dermatologist, particularly for menopausal women experiencing altered wound healing.
What Else Matters for Keloid Scar Management in Menopause
Sun Protection Is Critical
UV exposure darkens keloid scars permanently and may stimulate further growth. Apply SPF 30+ broad-spectrum sunscreen to all exposed scars daily, even when using silicone gel. Post-menopausal skin is more photosensitive, making sun protection even more critical.
Avoid Trauma to Affected Areas
Picking, scratching, or applying excessive pressure to keloids can trigger additional growth. Menopausal women may experience increased skin itching due to dryness, which can make this particularly challenging. Use gentle moisturisation to reduce itching rather than scratching affected areas.
Manage Systemic Inflammation
Chronic inflammation appears to influence keloid behaviour. Consider anti-inflammatory dietary approaches rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and adequate protein to support healthy wound healing. Stress management practices such as meditation or yoga may also help modulate inflammatory responses.
Address Underlying Hormonal Factors
Discuss hormone replacement therapy (HRT) with your healthcare provider if you’re experiencing multiple wound-healing issues during menopause. Some research suggests that estrogen supplementation may improve wound-healing outcomes, though the specific effects on existing keloids remain unclear.
Genetic Predisposition
Certain ethnicities show significantly higher keloid rates - particularly those of African, Asian, and Hispanic descent. If you have a family history of keloids, preventive measures become crucial before elective procedures like piercings or cosmetic surgery.
Consider Preventive Strategies
If you’re keloid-prone and require surgery, discuss preventive protocols with your surgeon, including immediate post-operative steroid injections or silicone therapy. Prevention proves far more effective than treating established keloids.
Keloid Treatment Comparison: Your Options at a Glance
Topical Silicone Gel
- Effectiveness: Modest improvements reported in some studies
- Time to Results: 8-12 weeks
- Recurrence Risk: Variable
- Cost: Low
- Best For: Newer scars, adjunct therapy
Steroid Injections
- Effectiveness: Moderate to high in some cases
- Time to Results: 4-6 weeks per cycle
- Recurrence Risk: Often reported at 50-80%
- Cost: Moderate
- Best For: Established keloids, first-line medical treatment
Laser Therapy
- Effectiveness: Moderate, results vary
- Time to Results: 3-6 months
- Recurrence Risk: 40-60% in various studies
- Cost: High
- Best For: Combination therapy, redness reduction
Surgical Excision + Adjunct
- Effectiveness: High initially
- Time to Results: Immediate
- Recurrence Risk: High without adjunct therapy
- Cost: High
- Best For: Large keloids with multi-modal prevention
Cryotherapy
- Effectiveness: Moderate
- Time to Results: 2-4 months
- Recurrence Risk: Variable
- Cost: Moderate
- Best For: Smaller keloids, combination therapy
Pressure Therapy
- Effectiveness: Modest
- Time to Results: 6-12 months
- Recurrence Risk: Variable
- Cost: Low to Moderate
- Best For: Prevention, ear keloids
Frequently Asked Questions About Keloid Scars in Menopause
How long does it take to see results with silicone gel on keloids?
Research indicates that 8-12 weeks of consistent twice-daily application are required before measurable changes occur in scar height, texture, or colour. Some users report initial softening within 4-6 weeks, but patience remains essential. Keloids respond more slowly than hypertrophic scars.
Can silicone gel completely remove keloid scars?
No. Medical-grade silicone products may help flatten and soften keloid tissue, but cannot eliminate established keloids. Most keloids require professional medical intervention, such as steroid injections or surgical Excision, for significant reduction. View silicone as a supportive adjunct therapy.
Why do my scars seem worse since menopause started?
Declining estrogen levels affect collagen production and cellular wound-healing processes. Menopausal skin shows altered fibroblast activity, impaired regulation of the inflammatory response, and slower cellular turnover—all factors that can influence keloid formation and behaviour. You’re not imagining it.
Is Genova Scar Gel safe to use with hormone replacement therapy?
Topical silicone gel shouldn’t interact with HRT medications, as it works mechanically rather than systemically. However, consult your healthcare provider about any skin changes during hormonal treatment, as HRT may influence wound healing and scar behaviour in ways that warrant monitoring.
Should I use this instead of seeing a dermatologist for my keloid?
No. Silicone gel can complement professional treatment, but shouldn’t replace dermatological consultation for significant keloids. Dermatologists offer evidence-based interventions like steroid injections that show better efficacy for established keloids. Use topical therapy as one component of comprehensive care.
Will my keloid scars ever completely go away?
Keloids rarely disappear completely without medical intervention, and even with aggressive treatment, recurrence remains a significant challenge. Realistic goals focus on flattening, softening, and reducing discolouration rather than complete elimination. Managing expectations prevents frustration and disappointment.
Can I prevent keloids if I’m prone to them?
Prevention strategies include avoiding unnecessary piercings or cosmetic procedures, using silicone therapy immediately following surgery, discussing preventive steroid injections with your surgeon, protecting healing wounds from sun exposure, and avoiding trauma to vulnerable areas. If you’re keloid-prone, prevention proves far more effective than treatment.
Do keloids hurt or itch more during menopause?
Some women report increased sensitivity in existing keloids during hormonal transitions, though research on this specific phenomenon remains limited. Menopausal skin is generally drier and more prone to irritation, which may affect keloid symptoms. Adequate moisturisation and avoiding irritants may help.
The Bottom Line: Managing Keloid Scars During Menopause
Keloid scars present a frustrating challenge, especially when hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause affect how your skin heals. Understanding that keloids require multi-modal treatment approaches helps set realistic expectations and guides effective decision-making.
Topical silicone therapy, such as Genova Scar Gel, may help with newer keloids as part of comprehensive management, but most established keloids require professional medical intervention. The key is early intervention, consistent treatment, and realistic expectations about outcomes.
If you’re experiencing keloid formation or noticing changes in existing scars during menopause, consult a dermatologist for personalised treatment planning. Combining professional medical care with evidence-based topical therapies offers the best approach for managing these persistent scars.
Medical Disclaimer: This information is educational and not intended as medical advice. Keloid scars vary significantly in behaviour and treatment response. Individual results with any treatment - including topical silicone therapy - cannot be guaranteed. Genova Scar Gel is a cosmetic product and cannot treat, cure, or prevent medical conditions. Always consult a qualified dermatologist or healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment of keloid scars, particularly if experiencing pain, rapid growth, or functional limitations. The information provided reflects current research but does not replace professional medical consultation.
