Cortisone Injection – Synonyms & Principle
synonyms: cortisone injection, scar treatment with cortisone, steroid injection
principle: Introduction of cortisone into firmer tissue such as scar tissue, granulomas (e.g. after hyaluronic injection) to soften and reduce irritation, or also in the case of complaints such as tennis elbow etc. to relieve irritation
is often combined with…
Hylase
efficiency
Cortisone has an anti-irritant effect (in this case mostly in the area of scar tissue). anti-inflammatory and thereby reducing scar growthCortisone is used especially for hypertrophic (= wider and firmer) scars or keloids (= scar growth) and is injected directly into the scar tissue using a thin injection needle.
treatment duration
mostly only a few minutes
repetition of the treatment
possible at any time, usually at least 1 week apart
repetition is often useful for maximum effect
Application in which body region
scar tissue
alternatives
- Hylase (often combined)
- laser removal of scar tissue
- Needling (often preparatory)
decision-making aids
Essentially, these are fundamental decisionsthat make up a cortisone injection.
Should I have a cortisone injection do it at all? – Sometimes it is the better decision not to do something.
Before any treatment with cortisone, the doctor will ask a few questions regarding pregnancy, breastfeeding, taking medication, existing illnesses, etc. In some cases, the use of cortisone is not recommended.
Combinations/Preparation:
Combinations (see above) are often useful in scar treatment. Different methods also often respond differently from patient to patient.
In order to make the tissue more uniform, softer and more receptive to active ingredients, a preparatory treatment with scar massage with softening ingredients or needling has proven effective.
A scar remains a scar
A scar can never be "magically removed". A scar remains a scar. But in most cases, an improvement can be expected through a cortisone injection.
risk calculable
Since the risk of cortisone injections is calculable, the treatment is usually worth a try.
repetitions
The treatment can be repeated. And this often makes sense. On the other hand, overdoses should be avoided.
What should you have heard/read before a cortisone injection?
Cortisone can help to relieve scar tissue and reduce scar growth. The correct dosages at the right intervals are important.
Prejudices
Cortisone produces side effects such as glassy skin, sleep disorders, obesity, osteoporosis, gastric ulcers or diabetes.
facts
When used correctly and carefully, the risks and side effects of cortisone are very easy to calculate. The effect is often achieved through gentle repetition.
possible side effects/complications
- with careful dosing and only temporary use rarely:
- redness/infection at the injection site
- bruises at the injection site
- Details can be found in the package insert for cortisone and our information materials
details Information on possible complications can be found in the information documents
In summary, a correct and careful dosage, usually in combination with other methods, are good conditions for improving scar quality
You should avoid…
- overdoses
- not to think about other possibilities such as scar massage, needling, enzymes, etc.
anesthesia
- ice cooling
- local anesthetic ointment
- To reduce pain, local anesthesia can be added to the cortisone. The treated area becomes less sensitive the longer the treatment lasts
the treatment
some exclusion reasons for cortisone treatment must be clarified
Discussion of a sensible treatment concept including additions or alternatives
the treatment
Rest the treated area for a few days and do not expose it to additional irritation (sun, heat, sweating, ...)
Scar massage can also be useful
our preferred technique/recommendation
- combination treatment with other methods
- Ice + local anesthesia make the treatment well tolerated
- small amounts, possibly repetitions
Cost
depending on the complexity of the treatment and the amount of cortisone used
reasonable budget
A final cost estimate is only possible and meaningful after a detailed on-site inspection and clarification of individual wishes.
downtime
do not irritate the treated area for a few days
Important to know…
- Cortisone can be helpful in treating firmer scar tissue or scar growths. For us, cortisone is usually part of an overall concept.