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Scars & Burns by Mr Ioannis Goutos

Scar Steroid Injection London

Scar Steroid Injection London

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.

Scar Steroid Cost:

Starting from £200

Scarring occurs as part of the natural healing process of skin following an injury such as a laceration, burn, surgery or acne. A scar steroid injection at Goutos London reduces the bulk of scars and can improve symptoms such as pain and itching.

What are steroid scar injections?

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 scar injections involve injecting a corticosteroid solution directly into a hypertrophic scar or keloid to help reduce its size and improve its appearance.

These injections work by breaking down the excess collagen in the scar tissue, which can help reduce the bulk of the scar, making it appear flatter, and also improve symptoms such as pain and itching.

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.

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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How do steroid injections work for scars?

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.

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Goutos London - Injectable steroid
Goutos London - FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about steroid injections for scars

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.

Steroid injections can be effective in treating certain types of scars, particularly hypertrophic scars and keloids. These injections help reduce the size, redness, and hardness of the scars by breaking down excess collagen in the scar tissue. While they can significantly improve the appearance and symptoms of these scars, multiple treatment sessions are often required for optimal results. However, the effectiveness can vary depending on the individual and the specific characteristics of the scar.

Steroids typically take several days to start working on scars, though some people notice benefits after just one day. In many cases, it can take 5 to 10 days post-injection for the effects to become apparent. Mr Ioannis Goutos will provide you with a more tailored answer at your consultation.

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.

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.

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

Only drive after a scar steroid injection if it’s clinically safe for you. Avoid driving if you experience drowsiness, numbness, or weakness post-injection. It’s wise to bring someone with you to your appointment, so you don’t have to drive afterward.

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.

How much do steroid injections cost for scars in London?

Prices start 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.

Goutos London

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

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