At A Glance

Price:

From £250

Expected Results:

Dependent on Condition

Length of Surgery:

Up to 60 Minutes

Anaesthesia:

N/A

Recovery:

N/A

What is Steroid Injection

A steroid injection, also known as a ‘corticosteroid injection’, is a medical procedure whereby a corticosteroid is injected directly into a specific area of the body.

Steroid injections are commonly used to treat certain skin conditions such as keloid and hypertrophic scars and hair loss.

Steroids are synthetic drugs that mimic the effects of hormones naturally produced by the body such as cortisol. They help reduce inflammation and promote healing in the affected areas.

Steroid injections are typically used as a short-term treatment and are not intended for long-term use. They are often used in conjunction with other treatments such as lifestyle and dietary modifications, oral medications or topical creams, depending on the specific condition being treated.

The Consultation

Steroid Injection

Before undergoing the procedure you will have a consultation with one of our dermatologists, this may be part of a general dermatology consultation. They will evaluate your condition and review your medical history. The dermatologist will ask about your concerns and symptoms with and determine whether a steroid injection is an appropriate treatment for your condition. Steroid injections are typically one component of a broader treatment plan, such as dietary and lifestyle changes, oral medication or topical creams. During the consultation, the dermatologist will outline their recommended treatment plan and explain why they consider a steroid injection to be appropriate. If a steroid injection is recommended, the dermatologist will go through the benefits, risks and potential outcomes of the treatment.

Steroid injections can be performed as part of a see and treat appointment if appropriate.

The Procedure

Steroid Injection

The procedure will take place in one of our two operating theatres. Before the injection, the area may be numbed to minimise and discomfort during the procedure.

Using a syringe and a fine needle, the dermatologist will inject the steroid into the targeted area.

Aftercare & Results

Steroid Injection Results - The Day Clinic

After the injection the dermatologist will give you tailored instructions on how to look after the treated site and how to manage any potential side effects or complications.

It may be necessary to schedule a follow-up appointment to monitor progress, the dermatologist will advise you if this is considered necessary.

What our clients think

Potential Risks

Steroid injections are generally considered a safe and effective treatment when administered by a specialised expert. However, they carry a small risk and potential side-effects such as:

  • Pain at the injection site
  • Infection
  • Allergic reactions
  • Changes in skin colour and/or texture
  • The dermatologist will discuss these potential risks and side-effects with you prior to the procedure.

Related FAQs

Are steroid injections safe?

Steroid injections are administered by our highly experienced dermatologists and are generally considered a safe treatment. Like any medications they do carry some potential risks and side effects which can include injection site reactions and allergic reactions. It is important to understand all the potential risks and side effects which your consultant can discuss with you prior to treatment.

Will the steroid injection hurt?

Steroid injections are generally well-tolerated by patients. The injection itself may cause some brief pain which is usually temporary and subsides quickly after the procedure. To minimise discomfort, the area may be numbed prior to administering the injection.

Will I need more than one steroid injection?

This can vary depending upon the condition being treated and your individual response to the treatment.  In some cases a single injection may be sufficient to achieve the desired result, in other cases multiple injections may be needed. For certain skin conditions such as keloid or hypertrophic scars you may require a series of steroid injections spaced out over several weeks or months. Similarly, for inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis repeated injections may be necessary to manage symptoms.

Are there any side effects to steroid injections?

Steroid injections are generally well-tolerated when administered appropriately by a qualified dermatologist. However, there are potential side effects including injection site reactions, a temporary flare-up of symptoms, skin discolouration and infection at the injection site. Your consultant will discuss the risks and benefits with you prior to the treatment.

How long before I will see effects of the steroid injection?

This depends on the specific condition being treated and your individual response to the treatment. For conditions like keloid and hypertrophic scars it can take several weeks or months to see a noticeable improvement. When treating hair loss it can also take several weeks to months before the effects become apparent. Some people may start to see regrowth of hair within a few weeks of treatment while others may take longer to notice improvement. Not everyone will respond to steroid injections for hair loss and the degree of regrowth can vary. Your consultant will provide personalised information about the expected timeline for the treatment of your condition.

The Day Clinic - Newsletter

Sign up to our newsletter

The Day Clinic