Not all thickened scars are keloid scars.

 

A normal, matured scar is flat with its surrounding skin. It may be linear or widened, it may be of a colour different to the surrounding skin, but it is flat.

Flat like a pancake.

 

A thickened scar that nonetheless remains within its otherwise normal boundaries is said to be hypertrophied or hypertrophic.

Raised like a cupcake.

Hypertrophic scars can be treated with cortisone injections combined with IPL, and they will generally flatten, soften and improve in colour.

 

A true keloid scar is thickened and raised and the scar tissue spills over the edge of the otherwise normal boundary of the scar.

Spilling over the edge, like a muffin-top.

Keloids are hard to treat. If they are cut out, they often return worse than ever. Their management often requires the help of surgeons specialized in reconstructive work, although if they are small and not severe then cortisone injections and IPL or laser can help.