Is it effective to inject softening agents into keloid scars?

Keloids, also known as hypertrophic scars, are an overactive healing response of the skin. In most cases, injecting softening agents into keloids is effective, although the specific results may vary from person to person.

Scar softening injections mainly contain corticosteroids, such as triamcinolone acetonide. Injecting these agents directly into the keloid can dissolve some collagen fibers, causing the scar tissue to gradually shrink and flatten, thus achieving the therapeutic goal. These injections are usually performed under local anesthesia, delivering medication directly into the scar tissue to reduce side effects and enhance treatment effectiveness. The treatment regimen typically involves multiple injection sessions spaced weeks to months apart, depending on individual patient characteristics. However, scar softening injections are not effective for all types of scars. For mature or atrophic scars, this treatment may not be effective, and alternative treatments such as surgery or laser resurfacing should be considered.

Furthermore, there are potential side effects associated with scar softening injections, including skin atrophy, uneven pigmentation, infection, possible systemic effects like obesity and osteoporosis, and localized skin depressions. Therefore, when administering scar softening injections, it is essential to strictly control both the dosage and treatment frequency.