A keloid is an overgrowth of scar tissue that forms at the site of a skin injury, such as a belly button piercing. While these growths are medically benign, they can be cosmetically challenging and difficult to treat due to their tendency to regrow. The skin around a piercing is vulnerable to this reaction because the site experiences constant movement, friction from clothing, and irritation. Successfully addressing a keloid requires a clear understanding of the scar type and a commitment to professional, multi-step treatment.
Understanding Keloids and Hypertrophic Scars
Tackling abnormal scarring begins with correctly identifying the type of growth, as keloids and hypertrophic scars have different appearances and responses to treatment. A hypertrophic scar is a raised, thickened scar that remains confined within the boundaries of the original piercing wound. These scars often appear within weeks of the injury and may flatten and improve naturally over a year or two.
A keloid is an aggressive overgrowth of dense, fibrous tissue that extends beyond the initial wound margins, invading the surrounding healthy skin. Keloids rarely regress on their own and can continue to grow for months or years after the piercing has healed. This distinction is important because a keloid requires more aggressive medical intervention compared to a hypertrophic scar. The navel area is susceptible to these issues due to high skin tension and continuous movement, which can trigger the skin’s healing response.
Non-Invasive Home and Over-the-Counter Methods
For mild, early-stage scarring, several non-invasive methods can be attempted before seeking professional help. Silicone sheeting and gels are considered the first-line, non-prescription treatment for both keloids and hypertrophic scars. Their mechanism involves occlusion and hydration of the stratum corneum, which helps normalize collagen production by preventing excessive water loss.
These silicone products, which come as adhesive sheets or topical gels, must be applied directly to the scar and worn for at least 12 hours per day to be effective. Consistent application over several months creates a protective barrier that reduces fibroblast activity, the cells responsible for producing excess collagen. Over-the-counter scar creams containing ingredients like onion extract or vitamin E are also available, but their effectiveness on keloids is often limited compared to silicone products. Applying constant, gentle pressure to the area with specialized compression devices can also help flatten the tissue.
Clinical Treatments Administered by Professionals
When a keloid does not respond to home care, professional clinical treatments become necessary and must be administered by a dermatologist or plastic surgeon. Intralesional corticosteroid injections are the most common first-line treatment for reducing the size and symptoms of a keloid. These injections, typically using a solution like triamcinolone acetonide, are delivered directly into the scar tissue every four to six weeks. The steroid works by reducing inflammation, breaking down collagen bonds, and suppressing the overactive fibroblast cells.
Another common intervention is cryotherapy, which involves freezing the keloid tissue using liquid nitrogen. This method causes cell death and is often used in combination with corticosteroid injections to enhance effectiveness. For large or persistent keloids, surgical removal (excision) may be performed, but this option carries a high risk of recurrence unless combined with post-operative therapy. To combat recurrence, surgery is frequently followed immediately by treatments like steroid injections or superficial radiation therapy, which inhibits further scar growth. Laser treatments, such as pulsed dye laser, are generally used as supplemental therapy to reduce redness and flatten the scar, rather than as a primary removal method.
Strategies to Prevent Keloid Recurrence
Because keloids are a manifestation of an overactive healing response, they possess a strong tendency to return, often larger than before, even after successful removal. Therefore, long-term management and prevention strategies are a mandatory part of the treatment plan. Following any medical procedure, consistent use of compression therapy or silicone products is recommended to stabilize the treated tissue. This management should continue for several months to maintain the outcome achieved by the clinical treatment.
Protecting the area from physical trauma is a significant preventative measure, including avoiding friction from clothing and minimizing tension on the skin around the navel. Individuals prone to keloids should avoid any further elective procedures that break the skin, such as additional piercings or tattoos. Seeking immediate medical advice at the first sign of new scar tissue formation is advised, as early intervention with a corticosteroid injection can prevent a small recurrence from developing into a full keloid.