We use a combination of a corticosteroid called triamcinolone acetonide and a type of chemotherapy called 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) injections. While corticosteroids suppress inflammation and reduce blood supply that feed a scar, chemotherapy kills tumour cells. When combined them together they are more effective than either of them administered separately.

The mixture of the medications is injected directly into the scars using a fine needle after cleaning the site of injection with antiseptic solution.

Injections are offered every 4 to 6 weeks or until improvements are seen.

After injection, the scar will soften and the uncomfortable symptoms such as pain and itching will gradually subsided few days later. After several injection, the scars usually becomes less noticeable and flattens in three to six months’ time. In some large and resistant lesions, it may take longer.

Pain, bleeding, bruising and infection can happen as early side effects of the treatments. They are rare, mild and tend to be self-limited. Some changes in the skin can occur after a course of steroid injections for scars, such as skin indentation, dilatation of network blood vessels at the site of injection and or pigment changes, however, these are usually temporary and will improve after stopping the treatment.

Allergic reactions are very rare. Other systemic side effects are not likely to follow the intralesional injections of the scars because the does used is very small.

Interval of at least one month in between treatments are generally recommended.

Individuals vary in their ability to form collagen and healing. The number of subcisions required will depend on the type, location and severity of depression and intensity of treatment. Usually, 3-6 visits suffice for the majority of moderate scarring.

Pain, bleeding, bruising and infection can happen as early side effects of the treatments. Some change of skin pigmentation can temporarily occur after healing. Therefore, sun protection or avoidance is advised.