Keloid Scar Treatment
Understanding Keloid Scarring
A Keloid scar is when a scar keeps growing, they are raised, thickened areas of scar tissue that extend beyond the borders of the original wound. They can be itchy, painful, and cause cosmetic concerns. Keloids often form on the chest, shoulders, earlobes, and back but can present anywhere on the skin.
Keloid scarring can happen if you have too much of a substance called collagen in your skin. It can happen after any sort of injury or damage to your skin such as a cut, burn, surgery, acne or a body piercing.
We offer consultation and treatments services for scarring and keloid scars.
Not every scar is treatable, however we will always offer a clinically appropriate and considered assessment of your scar concern in clinic by a highly experienced clinical expert within Dermoperfection in Birmingham that has undertaken in excess of 800 successful minor surgical procedures, steroid injections and keloid scar treatments to date within both the NHS & private medical field.
Keloid Scarring Steroid InjectionsÂ
This treatment information is intended to guide you with information about using steroid injections for keloid scarring.
Please note that this guide is not a substitute for professional medical advice, and is information to support your consultation will take place in clinic before making any decisions regarding your treatment.
We advise a period of time between consultation and the treatment taking place. This is to ensure that you have time to take on board the information, undertake further research in to your condition and have time to ask any further questions you may have.
Role of Steroid Injections
Steroid injections are a common treatment option for reducing the size, redness, itching, and discomfort associated with keloid scars. The steroid used is usually triamcinolone acetonide. The injections work by reducing inflammation and suppressing the production of collagen, which contributes to keloid formation.
Eligibility for Steroid Injections
As part of your face to face consultation this will determine whether steroid injections are suitable for your keloid scars. Factors considered include scar size, location, medical history, and previous treatments. It’s important to discuss your expectations, concerns, and any existing health conditions during your consultation.
Treatment Procedure
a. A photograph to stay in you medical file will be taken and you will be consented for treatment
b. The area will be cleaned and we may numb it with a local anaesthetic.
c. The steroid solution will be injected directly into the keloid scar. The number of injections needed depends on the scar’s size and response to treatment.
d. Injections are usually spaced a few weeks apart to allow the scar to respond and to monitor any potential side effects.
Benefits
Reduction in scar size and elevation. Improvement in redness and itching. Potential relief from pain or discomfort. Non-surgical option with minimal downtime.
Risks and Side Effects
- Skin thinning at the injection site.
- Hypopigmentation (lightening of the skin) or hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin).
- Temporary swelling or bruising.
- Rarely, infection or an allergic reaction.
- Keloid recurrence after treatment.
Aftercare
We advise that you follow the clinic’s after-treatment instructions after injections. Avoid exposing the treated area to excessive sunlight and UV radiation.
A follow up appointment will be scheduled for you to attend for review
Alternative treatments that can be researched and considered
- Silicone gel sheets.
- Cryotherapy (freezing therapy).
- Laser therapy.
- Surgical removal (with or without adjuvant therapies).
Realistic Expectations
The skin is scarred, we are not able to remove a scar from the skin. No matter how successful treatments are, there will always be a level of scarring that remains on the skin.
Steroid injections may lead to a reduction in keloid size, but complete elimination may not always be achievable. Results vary from person to person, and multiple sessions may be required.
Very importantly is that you will still have a scar. We cannot reverse that the skin is scarred.
Consultation and Questions
Before proceeding with any treatment, take time to consider your consultataion. Ask questions, share your concerns, and make an informed decision.
This information is to provide an overview of steroid injections for keloid scarring. Your treatment plan will be in accordance to your individual needs and circumstances.
