Miami Doctors Explain Why Keloids Keep Growing

Specialists at The Keloid Plastic Surgery Center highlight the biological reasons behind persistent scar growth and the importance of early intervention.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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According to keloid specialists Dr. Roberto Mendez and Dr. Gabriel Salloum at The Keloid Plastic Surgery Center in Miami, keloid scars are the result of an overactive healing response that can progress unpredictably without appropriate treatment. Unlike flat scars that gradually fade, keloids continue generating fibrous tissue, causing the scar to thicken and spread beyond the original injury site. The doctors emphasize that waiting for a keloid to 'settle down' often leads to more aggressive scarring, and that early care can reduce inflammation, slow abnormal collagen production, and in some cases prevent further expansion of the scar.

Why it matters

Keloids can have a significant emotional and physical impact on patients, affecting self-confidence, clothing choices, social interactions, and overall quality of life. Recurrent or painful keloids may also interfere with sleep, movement, and daily comfort. The Keloid Plastic Surgery Center's specialized focus on keloid care allows for consistent monitoring, advanced treatment options, and tailored approaches to address both active scar growth and long-term prevention.

The details

Keloids can arise after surgeries, piercings, acne, burns, or minor cuts, and individuals of African, Hispanic, and Asian descent experience higher risk. Environmental triggers and repeated trauma to the scar can also stimulate further growth. The center's treatment strategies include surgical removal of abnormal scar tissue, superficial radiation therapy to suppress collagen overproduction, and a combined approach of surgery and radiation for complex or recurrent scars. Additional therapies like cryotherapy may also be used for smaller keloids or early-stage scars.

  • The Keloid Plastic Surgery Center was founded in Miami, Florida.

The players

Dr. Roberto Mendez

A specialist at The Keloid Plastic Surgery Center in Miami who focuses on diagnosing and treating keloid scars using evidence-based approaches.

Dr. Gabriel Salloum

A specialist at The Keloid Plastic Surgery Center in Miami who focuses on diagnosing and treating keloid scars using evidence-based approaches.

The Keloid Plastic Surgery Center

A Miami-based specialty practice dedicated exclusively to the treatment of keloid scars.

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What they’re saying

“Keloids are not simply cosmetic scars-they are the result of an overactive healing response that can progress unpredictably without appropriate treatment.”

— Dr. Roberto Mendez, Specialist, The Keloid Plastic Surgery Center (Instagram)

“Active keloids tend to respond better when addressed earlier in their development, before extensive tissue buildup occurs.”

— Dr. Gabriel Salloum, Specialist, The Keloid Plastic Surgery Center (Instagram)

What’s next

Patients experiencing persistent itching, discomfort, thickening, or changes in their keloid scar are encouraged to seek prompt evaluation at The Keloid Plastic Surgery Center to explore personalized treatment options.

The takeaway

Keloids require specialized care to address their unique biological behavior and prevent recurrence. The Keloid Plastic Surgery Center's focus on evidence-based, individualized treatment strategies can help patients manage both the physical and emotional impact of these challenging scars.