Thoughtful Management of Raised, Persistent Scars

Keloid scars form when the body’s healing response becomes overactive, producing excess collagen that extends beyond the original wound. These scars can feel firm, itchy, tender, or continue to grow over time, even long after the skin has healed. 

At Worcester Plastic Surgery, keloid treatment is approached with medical precision and patience, recognizing that successful management often requires a measured, step-by-step plan rather than a single intervention. Led by Dr. Joanna Ng-Glazier, a double board-certified plastic surgeon, the practice offers keloid injections in Worcester & Concord, MA, as part of a comprehensive approach to scar care. Treatment is personalized based on scar behavior, location, and symptoms, with realistic expectations set from the outset.

What Are Keloid Injections?

Keloid injections typically involve the use of a corticosteroid medication, most commonly Kenalog, delivered directly into the scar tissue. The medication works by reducing inflammation and slowing excessive collagen production within the keloid.

Keloid injections in Worcester, MA are not intended to erase scars completely, but to help flatten, soften, and calm the scar over time. When used appropriately, injections can significantly improve both the physical symptoms and appearance of keloid scars.

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How Keloid Injections Work

Keloid scars differ from normal scars in that they continue to grow and thicken beyond the original injury. Injections help regulate this abnormal healing response.

Keloid injections may:

  • Reduce inflammation within the scar
  • Slow ongoing collagen overproduction
  • Gradually flatten and soften raised tissue
  • Improve scar flexibility
  • Decrease symptoms such as itching or tenderness

Because keloids develop over time, treatment also works gradually. Multiple injections spaced several weeks apart are often needed to achieve optimal results.

Common Areas Treated With Keloid Injections

Keloids can develop anywhere on the body but are more common in certain areas.

Frequently treated locations include:

  • Earlobes (often following piercings)
  • Chest and upper torso
  • Shoulders and upper back
  • Jawline or neck
  • Surgical incision sites

Dr. Ng-Glazier carefully evaluates the location and behavior of each keloid to tailor treatment and minimize recurrence risk.

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Benefits of Keloid Injections

When performed thoughtfully, keloid injections offer meaningful improvement without surgery. Potential benefits include:

  • Reduction in scar thickness and firmness
  • Decreased itching, tenderness, or discomfort
  • Improved flexibility of the scarred area
  • Non-surgical treatment option
  • Can be repeated and adjusted over time
  • May reduce the risk of further scar growth

Dr. Ng-Glazier emphasizes conservative dosing and close follow-up to protect surrounding skin and tissue health.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Keloid Injections in Worcester, MA?

Good candidates for keloid injections are individuals in good overall health with raised, thickened scars that continue to grow or cause symptoms. Many patients seek treatment because a keloid is uncomfortable, visible, or emotionally distressing.

You may be a strong candidate if a scar feels firm, itchy, painful, or continues to enlarge beyond the original wound. During consultation for keloid injections in Worcester & Concord, MA, Dr. Ng-Glazier assesses scar type, age, prior treatments, and overall skin response to determine whether injections are appropriate.

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Keloid Injections vs. Other Scar Treatments

Not all scars respond to injections, and not all keloids are treated the same way. Flat or depressed scars require different approaches, while some keloids benefit from combination treatment.

Keloid injections may be used alone or alongside other therapies such as surgical excision, laser treatment, or pressure therapy. Dr. Ng-Glazier explains how injections fit into a broader scar management plan and why staged treatment is often necessary for long-term control.

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Schedule A Consultation

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Your Consultation

The consultation is a key step in planning keloid treatment.

Dr. Ng-Glazier takes time to review how the scar formed, how it has changed, and what symptoms are present. You will receive a clear explanation of what keloid injections can realistically achieve, how many sessions may be needed, and what risks or limitations exist. If injections are not recommended, that guidance is shared openly. The focus is always on education, transparency, and informed decision-making.

“I had a great experience with Dr. Glazier. She is very professional, kind, and explains things in great detail. She makes me feel very comfortable.”

Lynne Lanchester

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What to Expect During Your Treatment

Keloid injections in Worcester, MA are performed in-office and typically take only a short amount of time. Injections are placed directly into the scar using precise technique.

Some patients experience brief discomfort during the injection, but the procedure is generally well tolerated. After treatment, patients can return to normal activities the same day, with specific aftercare instructions provided depending on the scar location.

Recovery & Results

Recovery after keloid injections is usually minimal. Mild soreness, swelling, or redness at the injection site may occur and typically resolves within a few days. Patients are advised to avoid unnecessary pressure or friction on the treated area while the medication takes effect.

Improvement develops gradually over several weeks as the scar softens and flattens. Most patients require a series of treatments spaced weeks apart. Dr. Ng-Glazier monitors response carefully to adjust dosing and timing, ensuring treatment remains safe and effective over time.

Alternatives to Keloid Injections

Depending on the scar, alternatives may include observation, laser therapy, surgical removal, or combined treatment approaches. Because keloids have a tendency to recur, treatment planning focuses on control rather than immediate elimination.

During consultation, Dr. Ng-Glazier will discuss whether keloid injections, another option, or a combination strategy best aligns with your goals and long-term skin health.

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Meet Your Provider: Dr. Joanna Ng-Glazier

Dr. Joanna Ng-Glazier is a double board-certified plastic surgeon and Fellow of the American College of Surgeons with extensive experience in scar management and soft tissue treatments. Her careful, anatomy-informed approach ensures keloid injections are used appropriately, conservatively, and with close attention to tissue response.

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Why Choose Worcester Plastic Surgery for Keloid Injections?

Worcester Plastic Surgery offers keloid injections in a boutique, concierge environment where patients receive individualized care and unhurried attention. Dr. Ng-Glazier emphasizes honest expectations, precise technique, and long-term scar control rather than quick fixes. Patients value the transparency, follow-through, and thoughtful planning that define every stage of care.

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Keloid Injections

If you are considering keloid injections in Worcester, MA and want a careful, medically grounded approach to managing raised scars, Worcester Plastic Surgery offers treatment rooted in precision, honesty, and long-term skin well-being.

Can keloid injections completely remove a scar?

Keloid injections do not remove scars entirely, but they can significantly flatten and soften keloids while reducing symptoms over time.

How many injections will I need?

Most patients require multiple treatments spaced several weeks apart. The exact number depends on scar size, location, and response.

Are keloid injections painful?

Some brief discomfort is common during injection, but most patients tolerate the procedure well.

Can keloids come back after treatment?

Keloids have a tendency to recur. Ongoing monitoring and maintenance treatment may be recommended to help control growth.

Are there risks with keloid injections?

When used appropriately, risks are low. Dr. Ng-Glazier carefully manages dosing to minimize side effects such as skin thinning or discoloration.

Schedule a Consultation

Schedule a consultation with Dr. Ng-Glazier to explore personalized options and take the next step toward confident, natural-looking results.

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