Keloids and hypertrophic scars: Results with intra-operative and serial postoperative corticosteroid injection therapy

Background: The management of keloids and hypertrophic scars continues to be controversial. Experience of treating 58 such lesions, 58.62% of which were recurrent, is presented. Methods: Each lesion was subjected to surgical excision with intra-operative local injection of triamcinolone acetonide, followed by repeat injection of the same drug at weekly intervals for 2-5 weeks depending on the symptomatic relief, and then monthly injections for 4-6 months. Results: Complete symptomatic relief was achieved in all patients within 5 weeks of surgery. Objective response in terms of no recurrence was noted in 91.9% of patients with keloids, and 95.24% of patients with hypertrophic scars at a mean follow-up of 30.5 months. Local or systemic complications were insignificant. Conclusion: Because of promising results, further use and evaluation of this method of treatment is recommended for large, recurrent and complicated keloids and hypertrophic scars.