What is the dose for intralesional (within the lesion) treatment of hypertrophic scars?

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Last updated: February 24, 2025View editorial policy

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From the Research

For intralesional treatment of hypertrophic scars, the recommended dose is triamcinolone acetonide 10-40 mg/mL, injected directly into the scar every 3-4 weeks, as supported by the most recent and highest quality study 1. The dose of triamcinolone acetonide can be adjusted based on the scar's response and location, with a concentration of 10 mg/mL for facial scars or thin skin areas, and up to 40 mg/mL for thicker scars on the body.

  • The total volume injected should not exceed 1 mL per square centimeter of scar tissue.
  • Continue treatments until satisfactory improvement is achieved, typically over 3-6 sessions.
  • Be cautious of potential side effects such as skin atrophy or hypopigmentation, especially with higher concentrations or prolonged use, as reported in 2. This treatment works by suppressing inflammation and collagen synthesis in the scar tissue, leading to flattening and softening of the hypertrophic scar, as demonstrated in 3 and 4.
  • Intralesional triamcinolone acetonide has been shown to be effective in reducing scar height and pliability, with mean zero Vancouver Scar Scale scores achieved with only triamcinolone in respect of scar height and pliability 1.
  • The use of intralesional triamcinolone acetonide in combination with other treatments, such as onion extract gel, may also be effective in improving scar appearance, as reported in 5.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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