Keloid scars are raised, thickened scars that form due to excessive collagen production during the wound-healing process. Unlike normal scars, keloids can continue to grow beyond the original injury and are often resistant to treatment.
With the rising popularity of non-invasive skin therapies, many people ask:
can red light therapy help with keloid scars?
The answer requires a clear understanding of how keloids form and what red light therapy can—and cannot—do.
What Are Keloid Scars?
Keloids develop when the body produces too much collagen in response to skin trauma such as:
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Surgery or incisions
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Piercings
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Acne lesions
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Burns
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Minor skin injuries
They are more common in certain genetic populations and tend to be firm, shiny, itchy, or painful.
How Red Light Therapy Works
Red light therapy (typically 630–660 nm) and near-infrared light (810–880 nm) work by stimulating mitochondrial activity, which can:
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Increase cellular energy (ATP production)
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Improve blood circulation
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Reduce inflammation
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Support tissue repair and remodeling
This mechanism makes red light therapy popular for wound healing, scar management, and skin rejuvenation.
Can Red Light Therapy Remove Keloid Scars?
No. Red light therapy cannot remove or cure keloid scars.
Keloids are caused by abnormal collagen overproduction, and current evidence does not support red light therapy as a standalone treatment capable of:
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Flattening large keloids
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Reversing established scar tissue
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Preventing keloid recurrence on its own
Medical treatments such as corticosteroid injections, silicone sheets, laser therapy, or surgery remain the primary clinical options.
Potential Supportive Benefits for Keloid Management
While red light therapy does not eliminate keloids, it may offer supportive benefits when used alongside medical care:
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Helping reduce surrounding inflammation
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Supporting healthier tissue metabolism
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Improving skin comfort (itching or tightness)
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Aiding recovery after medical scar treatments
Some clinicians explore red light therapy as a post-procedure recovery tool, rather than a primary keloid treatment.
Best Use Cases for Red Light Therapy
Red light therapy may be more appropriate for:
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Early-stage scars, before keloids fully develop
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Post-surgical healing, under medical guidance
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Non-keloid hypertrophic scars
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Supporting overall skin health and recovery
For individuals with a known tendency to develop keloids, early intervention and professional monitoring are essential.
Safety and Expectations
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Red light therapy is non-invasive and generally well tolerated
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Results, if any, are gradual and subtle
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Overpromising outcomes for keloids should be avoided
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Always consult a dermatologist for growing or painful scars
Key Takeaways
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Red light therapy does not cure or remove keloid scars
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It may offer supportive benefits for skin recovery and comfort
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Keloids require medical evaluation and targeted treatment
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Red light therapy works best as a complementary, not primary, approach
FAQ
Can red light therapy flatten keloid scars?
There is no strong clinical evidence that red light therapy alone can flatten keloids.
Is red light therapy safe on keloid scars?
Generally yes, but it should not replace dermatologist-recommended treatments.
Can red light therapy prevent keloids from forming?
It may support healthy healing in early stages, but it cannot guarantee prevention.