Scar Injections
Steroid injections are a popular treatment to fade scars and reduce their appearance. Through the use of a corticosteroid (Kenalog) injection whose potency is customized to your type of scarring, Dr. Sherber is able to target thickened scar tissue by injecting directly into the scar tissue or keloid. Intralesional steroid injections provide anti-inflammatory effects to reduce scar tissue beneath the surface, as well as to diminish tenderness or itching associated with the scar. These injections can also reduce excess scar tissue by softening and flattening the scar.
Another type of scar injection that is supported by a growing body of literature is Botox or botulinumtoxinA injection. At least 2 weeks prior to certain surgeries in which facial scars will be created (such as skin cancer removal or some cosmetic surgeries) Dr. Sherber will treat the area with Botox to weaken muscles that otherwise would exert tension on the healing scar. Since tension is a main driver of prominent scarring, this can greatly minimize the development of scar tissue. There may also be a role for injecting small amounts of Botox, called microinfusion or micro Botox, into existing scars to induce collagen remodeling and fade their appearance.
01Consultation + Preparation
In preparation for the consultation it is important to let us know if you have a history of herpes simplex cold sores, so that we may prescribe an oral antiviral if needed for prophylaxis. If you have had prior steroid injections elsewhere, it will be helpful for us to have records of what injections have already been administered to the scar.
During the consultation, our team will take high resolution photographs for your record so that we can observe the results of your treatment with accuracy. We will then ask you about your medical history, including current medications and any prior procedures. Dr. Sherber will talk with you about your specific goals and customize a treatment plan for you that might include other procedures, laser treatments, and skincare products.
02Procedure
Immediately before scar injections we will clean your skin thoroughly, and Dr. Sherber will carefully assess the area or areas of concern. Treatment is comfortable and typically does not take a great deal of time to perform. We can arrange for topical numbing to be applied pre-treatment for scars that are tender or sensitive.
Scar injections are generally a comfortable treatment – discomfort is minimal as Dr. Sherber uses exceptionally thin needles to inject with precision directly into the scar. Treatment takes about 15-30 minutes.
healing
renewing
effective
efficient
03recovery
Your usual activity can be resumed immediately after treatment and makeup can be applied the following day to the areas treated. Depending on the extent of the injections there may be specific post-procedural care recommended such as barrier ointments like Vaseline or Aquaphor.
04results
After a scar injection, patients will notice immediate and/or gradual improvement over several weeks in the scars that were treated.
Ideally, these treatments needed to be repeated several times to achieve optimal results. In some cases, treatments are performed in a series over the course of several months depending on the area of concern.
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