5-FU Injection VS. Kenalog for keloid scarring? (Photo)

Question

Hello! I have a pretty bad keloid scar from keloid removal above my belly button from an old belly piercing. What do you think about 5-FU injections for keloid treatment? Is 5-FU or Kenalog better for keloids? Is it the same end result?

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Scar revision requires in-depth experience and can improve the visibility of scarred tissue. We use a HIDEF approach that includes Vbeam laser for red and active scars, combination fractional and non-ablative laser for active hypertrophic and keloid scars, and micro fractional laser for surface topography. These can improve PIH, PIE, textural scars, and deeply red or pigmented scars.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Best, 	
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Marc Polacco, MD · Answer

Excellent question! Both are useful for treating scars. There is some evidence that 5-FU may work a bit faster, although some studies show that there really isn't a difference. Furthermore, some doctors may use a combination of the two medications. Most importantly, I always inform patients that it often will take several injections to achieve an effective treatment. Best of luck to you!

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

in office surgical removal and/or fraxel + vbeam are best. start vivatia and cosmelan 2 now with emerageskin aox c and refit face to soften the scar and improve the laser results.

Sometimes the full scar needs to be surgically revised and this just entails surgically/cutting removing and restitching the scar with or without radiation or steroid injections/5fu.  I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a cosmetic dermatologist/plastic surgeon.  Pigmentation can be treated using cosmelan peel or lightening creams such as hydroquinone, kojic acid, retinol.  Non ablative lasers like fraxel combined with vascular lasers such as excel V, yellow laser, v beam/pulsed dye laser, venus versa IPL also help if  you want to try and avoid surgery.  Microneedling/prp can be added to the lasers or skin care to help the color, texture and tone.  Please see an expert.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Johnson C. Lee, MD · Answer

Both actually work well for scars. You do not have to only get one type of injection. Generally speaking, I find 5 FU works better at softening the scars and stopping them from growing. Kenalog IMO is better at flattening the scar.

5-FU Injection VS. Kenalog for keloid scarring? (Photo)

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