Keloid Injection
Keloid injections use intralesional corticosteroid to flatten, soften and reduce keloid scars over a structured course of treatment. Available from MOH-licensed doctors at IVI Medical Clinic Singapore, Orchard and Tampines.
What a keloid is.
A keloid is a raised, overgrown scar that spreads beyond the original wound — the result of an abnormal healing response that keeps producing collagen after the wound has closed. They’re firm and shiny, often on the earlobes, chest, shoulders or jawline. Unlike hypertrophic scars, which stay within the wound and may settle on their own, keloids tend to persist or keep growing.
A keloid injection delivers intralesional corticosteroid straight into the scar, calming the overactive fibroblasts and inflammatory signalling that drive its growth. Over successive sessions the keloid becomes progressively softer, flatter and less red.
What to expect from a course.
A small volume of corticosteroid is injected into the keloid with a fine needle; each session takes ten to twenty minutes, with mild stinging during injection.
Many people notice softening after the first session, with more visible flattening across the course — typically three to six sessions spaced four to six weeks apart. Keloids are not a one-injection problem.
Keloid Injection FAQ
What causes a keloid scar to form?
Keloids form when the skin's wound-healing process becomes overactive — the body continues to produce collagen even after the wound has closed, resulting in a scar that grows beyond the original injury site. Genetic susceptibility plays a significant role; people with a family history of keloids are more likely to develop them. Asian and darker skin types have a higher predisposition. Common triggers include surgery, ear piercings, acne and burns.
How is a keloid injection different from a standard cortisone injection?
The drug used is the same — typically triamcinolone acetonide — but the approach differs. For acute inflammatory lesions such as acne cysts, one or two injections are usually sufficient. For keloids, a structured course of three to six sessions is needed because the goal is to remodel established scar tissue rather than simply suppress an acute inflammatory response.
How many sessions do I need to see results?
Most patients notice the keloid becoming softer after the first session. More visible flattening typically occurs by the second or third session. A standard course consists of three to six sessions spaced four to six weeks apart. Older, thicker or larger keloids may require additional sessions.
Will the keloid come back after treatment?
Keloids have a tendency to recur, particularly after surgical removal without adjunctive treatment. Intralesional injections significantly reduce the risk of regrowth compared with excision alone. Some patients require occasional maintenance injections if the keloid shows signs of returning. Avoiding new trauma to the treated area is also important.
Does the keloid injection hurt?
Intralesional injections into firm keloid tissue cause more stinging than injections into soft tissue, because of the resistance of the scar and the pressure of injecting into a dense structure. Most patients describe the sensation as a stinging or burning feeling during injection that passes quickly. Ice application before the injection can help reduce discomfort.
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