From the Research
It is generally recommended to wait at least 2-4 weeks after completing triamcinolone injections before starting laser therapy for keloids. This waiting period allows the anti-inflammatory effects of the steroid to take effect and reduces the risk of adverse reactions when combining treatments. The exact timing may vary depending on several factors including the specific laser treatment planned (such as pulsed dye laser, CO2 laser, or Nd:YAG), the concentration of triamcinolone used (typically 10-40 mg/ml), the size and location of the keloid, and how the tissue has responded to the steroid injections 1.
Some key considerations when deciding on the timing of laser therapy after triamcinolone injections include:
- The potential for adverse reactions, such as atrophy, telangiectasia, or hypopigmentation, which can be mitigated by waiting for the steroid effects to subside 2
- The need to monitor the treated area for signs of steroid effect, and to adjust the timing of laser therapy accordingly 1
- The importance of starting with lower fluences when proceeding with laser therapy, especially if the area still shows signs of steroid effect, in order to minimize the risk of excessive tissue damage 2
Overall, the decision on when to start laser therapy after triamcinolone injections should be made on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the individual patient's response to treatment and the specific characteristics of the keloid scar. However, waiting at least 2-4 weeks is a general guideline that can help minimize the risk of adverse reactions and optimize treatment outcomes.