Failure of carbon dioxide laser excision of keloids.

Seven patients with nine keloids have been treated by excision with the carbon dioxide laser. Eight of the nine keloids have recurred to their original or close to original size as early as 10 months following treatment and as late as 22 months. Keloids included in this study were located on the trunk, nuchal region, back, and earlobe. Only one patient (who underwent earlobe keloid excision) has greatly improved keloids after only 9 months follow-up, but this patient needs to wear pressure earrings continuously. The long-term benefits of keloid excision with the carbon dioxide laser is not demonstrated in this case study series.