Skin Issues

Scarring Treatments and Keloid Scar Care in Leeds

Skin Issues

Hypertrophic Scar & Keloid Treatment in Leeds

Skin injury always results in fibrotic, non-functional scars in adults. A hundred million individuals worldwide each year acquire scars on their skin due to surgery or trauma, with 15% of these eventually progressing into hypertrophic scars or keloids. Scars with a large surface area not only affect the aesthetics but are also accompanied by pain, itching, sclerosis and scar contracture. Scars can also cause significant physiological distress, including higher rates of anxiety, depression and low self-esteem in individuals.Sources: Updated scar management practical guidelines: non-invasive and invasive measures – PubMed (opens in a new tab); Biopsychosocial impact of keloids on quality of life – PubMed (opens in a new tab)

Scars can be categorised into four distinct types: mature scars, immature scars, hypertrophic scars and keloids. Mature scars exhibit a flat appearance and share the same resemblance as healthy tissue, while immature scars manifest during the tissue repair phase of wound healing with redness and swelling with a slight bulge at the injury site. With time, these immature scars can either progress into normal mature scars or develop into hypertrophic scars or keloids. Hypertrophic scars are categorised by a bulging appearance accompanied by persisting redness and swelling. When a scar extends beyond the original wound location and continues to enlarge, it is called a keloid.Source: International clinical recommendations on scar management – PubMed (opens in a new tab)

Keloid scars are widely considered one of the most challenging and severe forms of scarring. Their formation is due to a disorganised and fibroproliferative collagen response. There are a number of risk factors influencing natural healing. These include:Source: Keloids: a review of therapeutic management – PubMed (opens in a new tab)

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There is a familial aggregation with an increased prevalence in dark-skinned individuals of African, Asian and Hispanic populations compared to Caucasians. Certain genes have been linked to the increased risk of developing keloid scars.Source: Genetics of Keloid Scarring – Textbook on Scar Management – NCBI Bookshelf (opens in a new tab)
Most keloid scars are found between the ages of 11 and 30 with a peak incidence during puberty and early childhood. They can occur at any age but are rare in the extremes of life (young children and old adults). This is thought to be due to the skin being more active, having a higher collagen production and experiencing greater tension during the healing process.Source: Keloid – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf (opens in a new tab)
Females have a higher risk for the development of keloid scars. This increased risk is thought to be driven by physiological factors, particularly the role of hormones like oestrogen in wound inflammation and collagen production.Source: Genetics of Keloid Scarring – Textbook on Scar Management – NCBI Bookshelf (opens in a new tab)
Locations: Keloids are more likely to develop in the scapular area, the shoulder and the anterior chest. These regions are subjected to constant or frequent skin stretching due to body movements.Source: The relationship between skin stretching/contraction and pathologic scarring: the important role of mechanical forces in keloid generation – PubMed (opens in a new tab)

Keloids are primarily diagnosed clinically based on their shape, colour and patients’ history of trauma or surgery. Rarely they can manifest in the absence of injury or trauma, termed ‘spontaneous keloids’, while hypertrophic scars only develop following injury. The location of the lesion is helpful in confirming a diagnosis; keloids typically manifest on the earlobes, face, chest and back, while hypertrophic scars are more commonly found on the extensor surfaces. Hypertrophic scars remain contained within the area of injury, while keloids grow beyond the borders of the initial injury. If the diagnosis is in question, a biopsy is diagnostic but is rarely needed.Sources: Management of Spontaneous and Pruritic Keloids: A Case Report – PMC (opens in a new tab); Up-to-date approach to manage keloids and hypertrophic scars: a useful guide – PubMed (opens in a new tab)

Treatment of hypertrophic scars and keloids can be challenging, often requiring a multimodal approach, as no single therapy is universally effective. Treatment in both cases aims to reduce the size, itching and pain; however, complete resolution is rarely achieved. Treatment options include:

Silicone gel-based products: These can be an effective topical, non-invasive treatment option. They aim to increase the skin hydration, modulate fibroblast and collagen production, protect the scar from bacterial invasion and reduce the itching and discomfort.Source: The Efficacy of Silicone Gel for the Treatment of Hypertrophic Scars and Keloids – PMC (opens in a new tab)
Intralesional injections: Intralesional corticosteroid (triamcinolone) injections are effective in the treatment of keloids and hypertrophic scars by decreasing local inflammation and reducing collagen synthesis. This in turn reduces the size, thickness and associated symptoms of the scars. Treatment usually consists of two to three injections spread 4–6 weeks apart. Potential side effects are rare but can include skin atrophy (thinning), depigmentation (skin colour changes) and infection.Source: Treatment of Keloids: A Meta-analysis of Intralesional Triamcinolone, Verapamil, and Their Combination – PubMed (opens in a new tab)
Intralesional Verapamil injections: As a calcium channel blocker, verapamil inhibits fibroblast activity and collagen production and has been shown to be an effective and safe treatment option for reducing the size, volume and stiffness of keloids and hypertrophic scars.Source: Role of verapamil in preventing and treating hypertrophic scars and keloids – PMC (opens in a new tab)
Laser Therapy: This is a non-invasive procedure that uses concentrated light energy to minimise the appearance, texture and discomfort of both keloid and hypertrophic scars. There are two main types: ablative light therapy, used to remove the top skin layers for deep textured scars, and non-ablative light therapy, used to stimulate collagen production by heating the underlying tissue. More information regarding the mode of action and potential side effects can be found in the source below.Sources: Laser therapy for treating hypertrophic and keloid scars – PMC (opens in a new tab); Laser Revision of Scars – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf (opens in a new tab)

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5.0from 6 Dermatology Reviews

Dermatology Review
I would like to recommend Dr K Bhatti - Consultant Dermatologist, he left no stone unturned all my 5 months of upset and stress over my skin condition was worth every penny of the consultancy fee so if your worried about a skin complaint, i have a longish wait to go but all my extra worry has gone as Dr Bhatti listens, very helpful cannot thankyou enough
Lisa kincaidClinic 360 patient
Dermatology Review
Dr Bhatti was friendly, professional and gave me the answers I’d of been waiting months for on the NHS. I’ve started on the right treatment and have already started seeing a significant improvement in my skins appearance. Thank you.
D. MorganClinic 360 patient
Dermatology Review
Would highly recommend. I needed a dermatology consultation so contacted Clinic 360 who arranged an appointment quickly and at a time convenient to me. The consultation with Dr Bhatti went well with him carefully explaining each step of the process and what he was doing and why. He took time to clearly answer any questions I had. I then received my notes the same day. All in all a very positive experience.
NickyJTClinic 360 patient
Dermatology Review
My meeting with Dr Bhatti was an absolute pleasure. I had finally found a doctor who understood my situation and how to move forwards and can now educate my own doctors about my condition. Dr Bhatti is one of those doctors that you just know is at the top of his league. His secretary Helen made me feel welcome and her administration of my booking and after care was immediate and accurate. Thanks to you both I highly recommend this service. The prices reflect the excellence of service.
Simon RodgersClinic 360 patient
Dermatology Review
During my visit I felt very well looked after. Dr Bhatti explained everything in detail, presented me with different treatment options and supported me in choosing the best way forward. I am sure I would recommend the clinic to other people in the future.
Mrs Acs-BaliClinic 360 patient
Dermatology Review
My visit to Clinic 360 was absolutely perfect. I was greeted in reception very positively and very welcoming. Dr Bhatti was excellent, the medication, help and advice I was given was first class.
Mrs P. BrownClinic 360 patient

Google Review
What a reassuring experience, from initial consultation to treatment very efficient and very friendly. The ladies at reception always very helpful and pleasant. …
Olive Simmonds2 weeks ago
Google Review
Wonderful service from Clinic 360. Josh was extremely professional, thorough scans with detailed discussions about my condition. Very supportive and helpful after my scans too. Would highly recommend this clinic.
Judith Clarkea month ago
Google Review
Absolutely first class experience from my initial contact with Clinic 360 and right through to meeting Josh who explained everything thoroughly & made me feel very comfortable & reassured. …
Mandy Bostona month ago
Google Review
I attended for an ultrasound of my left shoulder last week. Mr Bryant who did this was very thorough in the consultation prior to doing this. I was in alot of pain whilst undertaking the procedure, very caring and talked me through …
Nicola Newbound3 months ago
Google Review
I had a really positive experience at Clinic 360 and wanted to share. I was dealing with a sports-related knee injury while training for a marathon, …
Gavin Milligan4 months ago
Google Review
I developed severe pain in my shoulder and was recommended to visit Clinic 360 by my physio and also a retired GP friend. I had a thorough ultrasound and was recommended for blood tests via my doctors surgery to rule out a particular …
angela crawshaw5 months ago
Google Review
I was incredibly impressed with my treatment here. I was a little wary at first, not being in a hospital setting but my fears were allayed when first I met the lady on reception and then when I met Dr Lakhera. …
Margaret Stedman8 months ago
Google Review
I began to develop stiffness in my shoulder 14 weeks post rotator cuff surgery, which was limiting my recovery and impacting my exercise regime. My consultant recommended that a Hydro-distension procedure could be beneficial, and after …
Ady Thackray6 months ago
Google Review
Modern clinic with excellent facilities and equipment. Josh Wheatley is knowledgeable, friendly and professional. He immediately diagnosed my shoulder issues, helped to arrange x-rays and made a very helpful referral to my GP which resulted in a prompt appointment with a consultant which has enabled me to move forward in a positive way.
Robert Boothroyd4 months ago
Google Review
I visited Clinic 360 for a scan on my shoulder after suffering constant pain. As a result the findings were a full thickness tear in the superior cuff. I have since booked for surgery to repair the damage with a shoulder surgeon at a …
Neil Brook5 months ago
Google Review
I have been suffering with arm and shoulder pain for over 3 months getting very little sleep in that time. An NHS X Ray showed signs of Calcific Tendonitis and following visits to my Doctors and MSK I was referred to a specialist for …
Dave Spence7 months ago
Google Review
Absolutely first class service every time. All staff are friendly and helpful. I cant rate Dr Rahul Lakhera highly enough..... gives genuine advice not just to get repeat custom...... I will manage another 6 months pain free thanks to him...
Helen s2 months ago

Doctify Review
Friendly staff, nice, clean waiting area and easy to park.
Verified patient30 Oct 2026
Doctify Review
I would thoroughly recommend this doctor. I had been struggling with groin pain, and despite having an MRI, there was no clear explanation for the pain, with the scan showing mainly asymptomatic findings. The doctor took the time to listen carefully to my history, carried out a thorough physical examination and used ultrasound to help establish a clear diagnosis. What really stood out was the ability to look beyond the MRI findings and identify the likely source of my symptoms. I left with a clear understanding of the problem, practical advice and specific guidance on how to safely return to playing sport at a high level. An extremely knowledgeable, thorough and reassuring doctor who genuinely understands the demands of competitive sport. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them, particularly to athletes dealing with persistent injuries or unclear scan findings.
Verified patient28 Oct 2026
Doctify Review
Arrived with the expectation i had a frozen shoulder , however Dr Al -Darwoud reviewed the shoulder after speaking with me on movement of shoulder and proceeded to scan the effected area, diagnosis was not a frozen shoulder but a build up of calcium , the Dr then proceeded to treat new diagnosis, when complete there was an instant improvement in movement. I would highley recommend Dr Al-Darwoud having been treated twice before, his knowledge and approach keeping you informed all through the appointment.
Verified patient23 Oct 2026
Doctify Review
Attended Clinic 360. Suffering with Adhesive Capsulitis.
Verified patient14 Oct 2026
Doctify Review
A small but friendly clinic - easy to find but parking an issue. but there is a public car park across the road and close by. Advice on this car park if finding it difficult to park would have been useful in the appointment info
Verified patient13 Oct 2026
Doctify Review
Diagnosis and treatment, is working.
Verified patient08 Oct 2026
Doctify Review
Lovely, comfortable location.
Verified patient08 Oct 2026
Doctify Review
Clinic 360 was easily accessible, the staff pleasant and the clinic very clean and well equipped
Verified patient03 Oct 2026
Doctify Review
My experience was one of being totally relaxed by his approach. His proffesinalism and that of his Surgery gave rise to my confidence in him and his practice.
Verified patient02 Oct 2026
Doctify Review
Over use rotator cuff injury. Ultrasound guided steroid injection has greatly reduced pain. Proscribed post treatment exercises should help build surrounding muscles and tendons.
Verified patient30 Sep 2026
Doctify Review
Staff were professional and polite. All made the visit great. A lovley feel to the clinic
Verified patient29 Sep 2026
Doctify Review
Had a great experience visiting Clinic 360, I saw Dr Kashif Bhati about a suspect mole. He was very thorough and put my mind at ease with a plan moving forward and all at a great price and great time frame - would definitely recommend.
Verified patient28 Sep 2026

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Scarring Treatments and Keloid Scar Care in Leeds

Hypertrophic Scar & Keloid Treatment in Leeds

01How Is It Diagnosed?

02How Is It Treated?

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