Steroid Injections for Keloid
Corticosteroid injections are widely regarded as a first-line treatment for raised scars, including keloids and hypertrophic scars. This method is both preventative and therapeutic, targeting inflammation and excessive collagen production to reduce the appearance and symptoms of scars effectively.
Steroid Injections for Keloid From £150
The London Keloid Scar Clinic 4 Harley Street, London W1G 9PB, United Kingdom
- World renowned Harley street medical district London
- Free Bespoke Consultation with Keloid specialist Doctor
- Same day Consultation and Treatment / removal available
- No NHS referral required
- We treat patients from ages 11+
- Private Keloid Steroid and 5fu Injection From £150
- Surgical Removal from £500
- 0% Interest Free Finance
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Steroid Injection Pricing
How Do Steroid Injections Work?
Corticosteroids, such as Triamcinolone acetonide (Kenalog), work by:
- Suppressing Inflammation: Reducing swelling and redness in the scar tissue.
- Inhibiting Mitosis: Slowing down cell division in fibroblasts, which produce collagen.
- Promoting Vasoconstriction: Reducing blood supply to the scar, aiding in flattening and softening.
- Alleviating Symptoms: Relieving pain, tenderness, and itchiness commonly associated with keloids and hypertrophic scars.
- Vbeam® Laser for Red Scars
- For patients with skin types I–III, we may also incorporate the Vbeam Candela pulsed dye laser to target redness and inflammation in keloid scars. This advanced treatment is used selectively on red scars to improve colour and vascular activity, and is typically used in combination with steroid injections for optimal results.
Effectiveness:
Steroid injections can flatten 50–100% of keloids, with newer or smaller scars showing higher response rates. However, recurrence rates range from 9–50%, depending on the scar’s age, size, and location.
The Procedure: What to Expect
- A detailed medical history and examination by our specialist doctor to determine the suitability of steroid injections for your scar.
- Discussion of alternative or complementary treatments based on your scar type and individual needs.
A topical or local anaesthetic may be applied to the scar to reduce discomfort. Alternatively, Lidocaine (Xylocaine) can be combined with the steroid injection for added pain relief.
- Triamcinolone acetonide (10–40 mg/mL) is injected directly into the scar tissue.
- The number of injection sites depends on the scar’s size and thickness.
- The treated area will be covered with a plaster or dressing for at least one hour.
- Patients are advised to follow specific aftercare instructions to reduce potential side effects and optimise results.
A review is typically scheduled after one month to assess progress and determine the need for additional injections.
GET IN TOUCH
If you have any concerns about Steroid Injections or would like to discuss treatment options, please get in touch with us. Our friendly team is here to answer your questions and guide you through the next steps.
How Many Injections Will I Need?
- Treatment frequency: Steroid injections are usually administered every 2–6 weeks.
- Duration: The total number of sessions varies based on the scar’s response. Most patients require a series of 3–6 injections for significant results.
- Maintenance: Some scars may require periodic top-up injections to prevent recurrence.
While corticosteroids are effective as a standalone treatment, combining them with other therapies often delivers superior results. Options include:
- Verapamil Injections: Inhibits collagen synthesis and works synergistically with corticosteroids.
- Fluorouracil (5-FU): Targets keloid cells, particularly effective when combined with steroids.
- Bleomycin or Interferon Alfa-2b: Emerging treatments with promising results, though less commonly used.
- Silicone Sheeting: Enhances the flattening and softening effects when used alongside injections.
Steroid injections are a cornerstone of keloid management due to their effectiveness in flattening raised scars and alleviating symptoms such as itching and pain. By targeting the underlying processes of scar formation, they serve both therapeutic and preventive roles.
Why Triamcinolone Acetonide?
Triamcinolone acetonide, a synthetic corticosteroid, is preferred for intralesional injection due to its long-lasting anti-inflammatory properties. The concentration (10–40 mg/mL) is customised based on the keloid’s size, thickness, and response to previous treatments.
Customised Injection Protocol:
- Tailored Dosage: Adjusted according to scar characteristics to balance efficacy with minimising side effects.
- Combination Therapy: Can be mixed with Lidocaine for pain relief or paired with 5-FU for improved efficacy in resistant scars.
- Targeted Administration: Precision injections ensure uniform delivery across the scar tissue for consistent results.
Ideal Candidates for Steroid Injections:
- Patients with newly formed keloids or hypertrophic scars.
- Individuals seeking a non-surgical treatment option.
- Patients requiring symptom relief (e.g., itching, pain).
Key Advantages:
- Effective for flattening and softening scar tissue.
- Minimally invasive with no downtime.
- Can be combined with other therapies for enhanced outcomes.
While generally safe, corticosteroid injections may cause temporary side effects, including:
- Skin Thinning: At the injection site or surrounding area.
- Discolouration: Hypopigmentation or hyperpigmentation, which typically resolves over time.
- Telangiectasia: Visible small capillaries due to skin thinning.
- Dimpling or Depression: A slight dip in the treated area, which is rare and usually temporary.
Severe complications are uncommon, and any side effects generally subside within months after discontinuing the treatment. Our experienced specialists take every precaution to minimise risks and ensure optimal outcomes.
Have Questions About Steroid Injections?
Frequently Asked Questions
Steroid injections are more effective on new keloids as the collagen fibres are still being actively produced. In older keloids, injections can still flatten and reduce symptoms, but they may require more sessions or be combined with therapies like cryotherapy or laser treatments for optimal results.
Yes, corticosteroids are often used as a preventive measure after surgical excision of keloids to minimise the risk of recurrence. They are typically administered every 4–6 weeks during the healing phase.
Steroid injections are generally effective across all body areas, but scars on high-mobility regions (e.g., shoulders, knees) may require additional treatments due to increased tension and movement that can stimulate regrowth.
Individuals with darker skin tones may experience higher rates of hypopigmentation as a temporary side effect. However, this does not affect the overall efficacy of the treatment, and pigmentation often normalises over time.
If a keloid regrows, a combination therapy approach may be needed. This could include steroid injections paired with 5-FU, cryotherapy, or silicone sheeting to address the recurrence and prevent further growth.
Yes, corticosteroid injections can quickly reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms like pain and itching within days of the procedure.
Yes, prolonged or excessive steroid use can lead to side effects like skin thinning. Treatment plans are carefully monitored to limit the number of injections and may include intervals of alternative therapies to ensure long-term safety.
Yes, most patients can resume normal activities immediately after treatment. However, you should avoid applying pressure or irritation to the treated area for at least 24 hours.
Yes, corticosteroid injections can be used effectively for hypertrophic scars resulting from burns or traumatic injuries, reducing both size and associated symptoms.
Steroid injections target the internal inflammation and excessive collagen production, while laser treatments improve texture and pigmentation. Combining the two therapies often yields the best results for patients with complex scars.
Yes, multiple keloids can be treated during a single session, with the dosage adjusted to target each scar effectively.
Before treatment, avoid applying heavy creams or oils to the scar. After the procedure, refrain from exposing the treated area to sunlight, as it may increase the risk of pigmentation changes. Follow your aftercare instructions diligently to ensure proper healing.
Keloid Removal Head Doctor
Medical Doctor
Dr. Salinda Johnson, MD., FSCD.
Medical Director & Aesthetic Dermatologist
Dr. Salinda Johnson is a renowned specialist in aesthetic dermatology and one of the UK’s leading experts in keloid scar treatment. With over 20 years of experience, she has performed over 5,000 keloid procedures, including more than 2,000 ear keloid removals. A published author and trainer in aesthetic medicine, Dr. Johnson is dedicated to achieving optimal results using advanced, evidence-based techniques.
- About Dr Salinda Johnson
- 020 3581 3391
- [email protected]