Scars & Burns by Mr Ioannis Goutos

Injectable Steroid

At a glance

Treatment time:

15-30 minutes depending on the size of scar and area of skin being treated.

Duration:

Can be repeated every 4-6 weeks depending on individual response.

Return to work:

No time needed off work.

Anaesthetic:

None.

Scarring occurs as part of the natural healing process of skin following an injury such as a laceration, burn, surgery or acne. As the skin heals, collagen is laid down during the ‘remodelling’ phase to repair the broken area and create a scar.

Sometimes there is too much collagen produced within the scar, making it appear bulky and raised above the skin. There are known as hypertrophic or, in their extreme, keloid scars. They are often darker in colour and can also be associated with bothersome symptoms such as pain and itching.

There are a wide variety of agents and procedures that can be performed to improve the appearance and reduce the symptoms of bulky scarring, including the injection of steroid-type medications. Steroid injections aim to reduce the bulk of the scar to make it appear flatter, and also help to improve symptoms such as pain and itching.

Although they can be used in isolation, steroid injections often form part of a wider treatment plan, and can be used in conjunction with other treatments to improve the overall appearance of the scar.

Mr Ioannis Goutos is an expert plastic surgeon in his field, and has a particular interest in the care of patients with scars and burns. He has extensive experience in assessing troublesome scars and advising on the best treatments suited for each individual. This can include a number of procedures, including the injection of steroid medications.

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About this treatment

Steroid injections usually contain the active medicine known as triamcinolone acetonide, a type of steroid. The steroid works by helping to break down the excess, tough collagen fibres within the scar to reduce the total amount of scar tissue within the skin. The steroid also has anti-inflammatory effects and can reduce the blood supply to the scar tissue. This leads to an overall smoother appearance on the skin and can also make the scar look lighter in colour. Sometimes the steroid is used in combination with other medications, including 5-fluorouracil (a chemotherapy drug which is also effective in the treatment of hypertrophic or keloid scarring).

This procedure can be done during an outpatient appointment. The area of scar or skin being treated is cleaned using a sterile solution. The appropriate steroid solution is then drawn up into a syringe and injected directly into the target area using a small needle. A plaster or dressing is placed over the injection site to keep it clean and prevent infection. This process can be repeated at 4-6 weekly intervals until the desired results are seen. Larger, more prominent or darker scars may require more treatments to see significant improvements.

Steroid injections can be used in combination with topical agents, massaging or surgical treatments for scars as an adjunct to achieve the desired results.

FAQ

We know having medical, surgical or cosmetic treatment can seem daunting and it is natural to have questions. We are here to ensure your comfort and safety at all times. If you are unable to find the answer to your questions below, then please do not hesitate to contact us so we can help.

What are the risks associated with this treatment?

The main side effect associated with injectable steroid treatments is mild pain and soreness for the first day or two after the injection. Occasionally there can be changes in the colour of the scar, known as hyper- (darkening) or hypo- (lightening) pigmentation. As the injections are targeted in the scar areas only, this should not affect the pigment of the skin surrounding the scar if performed correctly by a skilled practitioner. The overall dose of steroid being injected is very small and only in a targeted area, so there is a very low risk of having side effects related to taking tablet or systemic steroids.

How many treatments will I need?

Injections can be repeated every 4-6 weeks. The number of treatments will depend on your skin type, scar characteristics, treatment goals and adjunct therapies. This is different for each individual, however an experienced specialist should be able to guide the number of treatments you need depending on your response.

When can I expect to see results from steroid injections?

Most people can see significant improvements after 2-3 treatments, however results will differ between individuals.

How can I look after my skin when having steroid injections?

It is important to ensure good skin care when receiving any injections or invasive skin treatments. Avoiding harsh chemicals or products containing fragrances on the skin is essential to avoid any additional irritation and reduce the risk of infection. Using non-fragranced emollients or moisturisers and staying well hydrated ensures optimum conditions for your skin to regenerate and heal. Massaging techniques can also be helpful. Finally, it is important to avoid direct sunlight on recently treated areas of skin, either by use of appropriate clothing and/or applying sun screen of at least 30 SPF.

Prices from

Starting from £200

At Goutos London, we aim to deliver a premium service with no compromise on quality in order to deliver the best results possible for your needs.

Related conditions

Whatever your condition, and whatever your health goals are, we will ensure you get a holistic, focused and bespoke service that offers you the safest options for treatment aiming for the best possible outcome.

Acne Scarring

Keloid Scars

Hypertrophic Scars

Testimonials

Mr Goutos is delighted to share some of his patient and peer feedback on their experiences of his services.

Louise Steel

2023-08-16

Mr Goutos performed keloidectomy surgery on both my earlobes, and I am so grateful to have been referred to him. From the first consultation, through surgery, and now my 3-month follow-up, I have nothing but good words to say.

Luke Ward

2023-07-10

This man is an extremely intelligent, professional gentleman. He will set realistic expectations from the beginning and will not ‘beat around the bush’ so-to speak. From the initial consultation to post-surgery, it has been a rollercoaster ride. However the high level of expertise & professionalism Mr Goutos maintained has been impeccable. All I can say to any other individual considering treatment with Mr Goutos, is that you are in incredibly safe hands. And on top of this, he has a great sense of humour. I wish nothing but the best for this man, and the best results for his future patients.

Mauricio Lucas

2023-07-06

Outstanding Doctor - Exceptional Expertise I recently had the pleasure of consulting and also going through surgery. Dr. Goutos removed a large class of keloids from my back and chest, and without a doubt, I can confidently say that he is the best doctor I have ever had the privilege of seeing. From the moment I entered his practice, I was immediately struck by his professionalism, knowledge, and exceptional bedside manner. Dr. Goutos possesses an extraordinary level of expertise in his field, and his technical skills are truly remarkable. His ability to diagnose and treat medical conditions is unparalleled, and I have personally witnessed his remarkable success in improving the health and well-being of countless patients. What sets Dr. Goutos apart is his genuine care and concern for his patients. He takes the time to listen attentively, ensuring that he understands every aspect of the medical issue at hand. He communicates clearly and effectively, explaining complex medical concepts in a way that is easy to comprehend, which greatly helps in alleviating any concerns or fears. One aspect that impressed me greatly was Dr. Goutos' commitment to staying updated with the latest advancements in his field. He incorporates cutting-edge techniques and treatments into his practice, ensuring that his patients receive the highest standard of care available. This dedication to continuous learning and improvement is a testament to his unwavering dedication to his profession. Additionally, the support staff at Dr.Goutos' practice deserves recognition for their exceptional service. They are friendly, compassionate, and highly efficient, ensuring that appointments run smoothly and patients feel comfortable throughout the entire process. Overall, I cannot emphasize enough how fortunate I feel to have found Dr.Goutos' exceptional skills, genuine care, and unwavering commitment to his patients make him a truly outstanding specialist. I wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone seeking top-notch medical care.

Kashmala Khan

2023-01-26

Mr. Goutos and his team did an amazing job reversing a scar I had on my forehead. This was a very old scar and had bothered for many years. The laser treatment and fat transfer procedure has changed my life and given me so much confidence. I would definitely recommend him, he is a fantastic and very skilled surgeon. Thank you so much!

Javier

2023-01-14

Mr Goutos and his team removed some lipomas from my arms. The initial consultation right through to the aftercare was professional, sensitive and genuine. Mr Goutos put me at ease right from the start, discussing my history and background and then discussing the various options for the incisions and sutures. The incisions were quick, efficient and professional. I felt completely at ease knowing I was in expert hands. The incisions were extremely neat and have closed and scared really well. I had a number of questions after the operation and one of the sutures became infected. Mr Goutos was quick to make an appointment for me, see me and deal with the infection and offered for me to see him again if the infection didn’t calm down. He was genuinely empathetic to my needs and took time to check each scare, explain things and assure me along the way. He didn’t at any point, make me feel I was asking silly questions or too many. I highly recommend Mr Goutos for his exceptional incisions and suturing as well as his professional conduct, caring approach and after care. The whole experience was smooth and easy and I am very grateful for what he has done for me.

Ieva Lihovida-Yarlett

2022-12-07

We came to see Dr Goutos a few month ago to remove invasive spider nevus on my 9 year old sons nose . After a lovely consultation with Dr Goutos , he suggested to do several laser treatment sessions. After a few sessions we already noticed a massive improvement. On the final laser treatment session the spider nevus was completely gone. Thank you to the Dr Goutos for tackling the problem so rapidly and with great results!

Amy Munson

2022-10-27

We took our 4yr old daughter to Mr Goutos following an accident which resulted in a small burn scar on her cheek. Mr Goutos gave us various options and we went for laser treatment. After 4 appointments the scar has gone! The care that Mr Goutos gave us was exceptional and so good with children. He made us feel very comfortable and confident in his ability. I would recommend him to anyone if they were looking for a doctor in that particular field. Can't thank him enough.

Injectable Steroid

About this treatment

FAQ

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