Most keloids need several steroid injections rather than one. At Re:berry Hongdae, injections are typically given every four to six weeks, and many patients need three to six sessions, sometimes more, depending on the keloid's size, age, location and response. The goal is a flatter, softer, less itchy scar, not guaranteed removal.
Re:berry Clinic Hongdae · Information reviewed for accuracy · Results vary by individual.
How do keloid injections work?
A keloid is a raised scar that grows beyond the original wound, caused by excessive collagen production. Corticosteroid injections, most commonly triamcinolone, are placed directly into the keloid. They reduce inflammation and collagen production, which can flatten and soften the scar and relieve itching or tenderness. Each injection produces a partial effect, so treatment is repeated in a series. See keloid and scar injection for details.
Why are four to six weeks left between injections?
The interval gives the steroid time to work and the doctor time to judge the response before deciding the next dose. Injecting too often or too strongly raises the risk of side effects such as skin thinning, indentation or lightening around the scar.
What affects how many injections you need?
- Size and thickness: Larger, thicker keloids usually need more sessions.
- Age of the keloid: Newer keloids often respond faster than older, firm ones.
- Location: Earlobes, chest, shoulders and jawline keloids behave differently.
- Individual response: Some keloids flatten within a few sessions; others respond slowly.
- Combination treatment: Pairing injections with other approaches may reduce the number needed.
What can be combined with injections?
Doctors may pair steroid injections with silicone sheets or gels, pressure therapy for earlobe keloids, or other treatments to improve redness and texture once the scar has flattened. For keloids that follow acne, treating active breakouts helps reduce new scars. Our acne scars page explains related options.
Possible side effects
- Discomfort during injection
- Skin thinning or a slight dip if the scar over-flattens
- Lighter skin around the site
- Small visible blood vessels
Your doctor adjusts dose and spacing to reduce these risks. Pricing depends on the size and number of keloids and is confirmed in writing at consultation; book via our Booking page.
Can keloids come back?
Yes. Keloids have a tendency to recur, especially after surgical removal or new skin injury. Avoiding new piercings or trauma in prone areas, using silicone sheets or gels where advised, and attending follow-ups help. Results vary by individual. Visitors can begin treatment in Hongdae, but because sessions are weeks apart, discuss how follow-up will work before starting.
At a glance
- Interval: Typically every 4–6 weeks
- Typical number: Often 3–6 sessions, varies widely
- Goal: Flatten, soften and relieve itch or pain
- Better response: Newer, smaller keloids
- Recurrence: Common; ongoing monitoring helps
Related questions
Do keloid injections hurt?
Keloid tissue is firm, so injections can feel uncomfortable or briefly sharp. Discomfort often lessens in later sessions as the scar softens. Numbing options and fine needles help, and the procedure itself usually takes only a few minutes. Tell your doctor if you are anxious about pain.
Can keloid injections remove the scar completely?
Injections usually make keloids flatter, softer and less symptomatic rather than removing them completely. Some scars become very discreet, while others remain visible. Combination approaches may improve results. Your doctor will set realistic expectations based on the scar's size, location and age.
Can I continue keloid injections in my home country?
Often, yes. Steroid injections for keloids are widely available. Ask Re:berry Hongdae for a written record of the product, dose and dates of each injection, so a doctor at home can continue treatment safely and adjust it to your response.
Keep reading
Before you book
This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Suitability, dose, number of sessions and expected results are decided by a doctor at consultation, and results vary by individual. Possible side effects include redness, swelling and bruising. Pricing is confirmed in writing before any treatment. See our medical disclaimer.
Still have a question?
A doctor at Re:berry Clinic Hongdae can answer it for your skin specifically. Multilingual consultation support is available.