Combination of radiofrequency and intralesional steroids in the treatment of keloids: a pilot study.

Abstract

None of therapeutic options for the treatment of keloids has been found completely effective and satisfactory. A combination approach is the best modality. To assess the clinical safety and efficacy of radiofrequency (RF) followed by intralesional (IL) steroid injection in keloids. This pilot study included 18 patients who were suffering from keloids. All patients were subjected to 3 to 4 sessions of RF followed by IL steroid injection. Assessment of the scar volume and both objective and subjective parameters has been performed before and after completion of the sessions. There was a significant reduction of volume of all lesions in all patients after a total of 3 to 4 sessions (p = .001), with a mean volume reduction of 95.4%. There was a significant reduction of keloid pliability, height, and erythema compared with baseline (p < .001). Patients reported a significant reduction of their subjective symptoms compared with baseline (p < .001). No pain, infection, nor bleeding were reported after the RF procedure. Radiofrequency tissue volume reduction combined with IL steroid is an effective treatment modality for keloids. It is an easy procedure with acceptable cosmetic outcome and less rate of recurrence.