Do I Need Cortisone Shots Before Keloid Removal?

Question

I have a Keliod on m upper ear, which is caused from a piercing. I just started with the cortisone shot and have to return monthly. After the keliod softens the doctor told me i could get it removed by a plastic surgeon. Do i need to take this step first of can i go straight to a surgeon?

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

I have tremendous experience with keloids and have felt that pre-treatment cortisone injections are less useful than previously thought.  I would recommend a consultation to discuss options with your surgeon.

Houtan Chaboki, MD · Answer

Hi sp217 in Houston, TX,

	Keloid scars a challenging to remove, as they may recur despite treatment at some point in the future. These types of scars are more common around the ears or chest, especially in darker skinned individuals. The mainstay of keloid scar therapy is both steroid injections and plastic surgery. Commonly, plastic surgeons will inject a keloid scar before, during, and after the plastic surgery. Other treatments for aggressive or extensive scarring include low-dose radiation, silicone, pressure, or skin grafts among other things. Only after a comprehensive evaluation can a plastic surgeon help determine appropriate treatment options for you. Best of luck.

	Dr Chaboki

Benjamin Barankin, MD, FRCPC · Answer

Many patients find that every 4-6 weeks cortisone injections by an experienced Dermatologist or plastic surgeon is sufficient to improve the keloid significantly, and that you may not even need the surgery in the end. In other cases, the keloid is shrunken by the cortisone shot to the point that the surgery is less invasive and/or a smaller scar is made.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Do this regime for 6 months or 6 injections than see a boarded plastic surgeon to discuss removal and the risks of return of the Keloid scar. Be careful Best of Luck.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

If it is a small keloid, than cortisone may reduce it. If it is a large keoid, then surgical removal and a course of cortisone treatment may help minimize the risk of return of the keloid.

Do I Need Cortisone Shots Before Keloid Removal?

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Answer: Cortisone Shots Before Keloid Removal

Answer: Cortisone Shots Before Keloid Removal

Answer: Cortisone and keloids

Answer: Cortisone and keloids

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Do I Need Cortisone Shots Before Keloid Removal?

Answers (6)

Answer: Cortisone Shots Before Keloid Removal

Answer: Cortisone Shots Before Keloid Removal

Answer: Cortisone and keloids

Answer: Cortisone and keloids

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