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Wound and Scar Care

Intralesional Steroid Injections

Doctor-led intralesional steroid injections in Manchester, for raised, thickened scars.

Intralesional Steroid Injections

Treating raised and thickened scars

Most scars flatten and fade as they mature, but some heal with an overgrowth of tissue. Hypertrophic scars are raised and red but stay within the original wound, while keloid scars extend beyond it and can continue to grow. Both can be itchy, tender, unsightly and distressing, particularly when they appear on visible areas such as the ear, chest, shoulders or face.

Intralesional steroid injection is a well-established medical treatment for these scars. A corticosteroid is injected directly into the scar, where it helps reduce inflammation and can flatten and soften the tissue over a course of treatments. At Evolve Aesthetics in Manchester, it is carried out by a doctor as part of our wound and scar care service.

At a glance

  • Price: £250
  • Appointment time: Around 30 minutes
  • Downtime: Minimal, with possible tenderness
  • Results: Gradual, over a course of sessions
  • Typical course: Repeat injections several weeks apart
  • Location: Manchester

Why choose it

What steroid injections can do

Flatten raised scars

Treatment can reduce the height and bulk of keloid and hypertrophic scars.

Reduce itching and tenderness

Many people notice that discomfort and itch ease as inflammation settles.

Soften texture

Scars that feel hard and tight can become more supple.

Targeted treatment

The medicine is delivered directly to the scar, rather than spread over a wider area.

Keloid and hypertrophic scars explained

Hypertrophic scars usually appear within weeks of an injury or surgery and may improve over a year or so, although they can persist. Keloids can develop weeks or months later and may continue to grow beyond the wound edges. People with darker skin tones are more likely to develop keloids, and they can run in families, but they can occur in anyone. Common triggers include surgery, piercings, acne, burns and minor injuries.

Because the scar types behave differently, correct diagnosis is important. Your doctor will examine the scar, ask about its history and symptoms and explain what type it is likely to be. They will also discuss whether steroid injection is the best first option, or whether another approach, such as silicone therapy, laser, cryotherapy or surgical revision, should be considered alone or in combination.

What happens during treatment

After your consultation and consent, the skin is cleaned. A small amount of corticosteroid, sometimes mixed with local anaesthetic, is injected into the scar using a fine needle. Firm scars can be quite resistant to injection, and many people feel pressure and a stinging sensation, which settles after a short time. The treatment itself is quick.

You may notice some whitening or mild bruising at the site, and it is normal to feel a little soreness. Injections are usually repeated at intervals of around four to six weeks, with your doctor reviewing the scar each time and adjusting the dose. Most people need more than one session, and some need several. Your doctor will explain a realistic timeline and what outcome to expect.

Aftercare and looking after the scar

Aftercare is straightforward. Our general advice includes the following.

Treatment is often combined with other scar care, such as silicone gel or sheets and pressure where suitable. Your doctor will give specific advice for your scar and its location.

  • Keep the area clean and avoid picking or scratching the scar
  • Protect the scar from the sun with clothing or sunscreen
  • Avoid vigorous pressure or friction on the area for a short while
  • Report any increasing pain, swelling or signs of infection
  • Attend review appointments so the plan can be adjusted

Risks, safety and expectations

Steroid injections can cause side effects, particularly if used repeatedly or in higher doses. These include thinning of the skin, lightening or darkening of the skin, visible small blood vessels, a depressed or indented area and, rarely, effects on blood sugar or other systemic effects. Skin changes can be longer-lasting, so appropriate dosing and spacing are important. Treatment is not suitable in the presence of infection at the site, and it may not be appropriate in pregnancy or with certain medical conditions.

Keloids can recur even after successful treatment, and no treatment guarantees a permanent cure. We are open about this and discuss prevention, as well as treatment. If steroid injections alone are unlikely to be enough, we may recommend combination treatment or referral to a specialist.

Your appointment

What happens at your appointment

01Consultation and scar assessment
02Treatment plan and consent
03Skin cleansing
04Injection into the scar
05Aftercare and review schedule

Ready to talk about Intralesional Steroid Injections? Book a consultation at our Cheetham Hill clinic.

Book a consultation

Related treatments: Scar Treatment CO2 Laser · Scar Treatment Excision and Resuturing · Scar Treatment Exosomes

FAQ

Intralesional Steroid Injections FAQs

Firm scars can be sensitive, so you may feel pressure and stinging. Local anaesthetic may be used, and the injection is brief.

Most people need several sessions spaced around four to six weeks apart. Your doctor will review the scar at each visit.

Treatment aims to flatten and soften the scar, but it may not remove it entirely. A scar can remain visible, and keloids can recur.

Possible effects include skin thinning, colour change and visible blood vessels, mostly with repeated or high doses. Your doctor uses the lowest effective amount.

They are mainly used for keloid and hypertrophic scars. Flat or atrophic scars generally need different treatments, and we will advise accordingly.

Yes, and keloids are more common in darker skin. Pigment lightening can occur, so we plan treatment carefully and discuss the risk.

Intralesional steroid injection is £250. We confirm whether this applies per session or per course when you book.

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