Steroids, Anti-Metabolites, Sonophoresis & Advanced Laser Combination Therapy

Steroids and anti-metabolites are used to treat inflammatory, fibrotic, and proliferative skin conditions, particularly where excessive collagen production or inflammation is driving the disease process. Common indications include:

• Keloid scars
• Hypertrophic scars
• Symptomatic or rapidly evolving scars
• Active deep cystic acne
• Inflammatory nodules resistant to standard therapy
• Scar-associated redness and vascularity

These treatments are often used in combination with laser and energy-based devices to improve outcomes.

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Intralesional corticosteroids (commonly triamcinolone) reduce:

• Excess collagen production
• Fibroblast activity
• Inflammation and pruritus
• Scar thickness and firmness

They are particularly effective for keloid and hypertrophic scars, where abnormal wound-healing responses persist. Treatment is delivered directly into the scar tissue, allowing targeted therapy with minimal systemic exposure.

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Anti-metabolites such as 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) may be used:

• In refractory keloids
• In scars that respond poorly to steroids alone
• To reduce recurrence after surgical excision
• In combination with corticosteroids to improve efficacy and reduce steroid-related side effects

Anti-metabolites inhibit fibroblast proliferation and abnormal collagen synthesis, addressing the biological drivers of aggressive scar formation.

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Painful cysts and nodules are treated using targeted intralesional steroid therapy to:

• Rapidly reduce inflammation
• Relieve discomfort
• Accelerate lesion resolution
• Reduce the likelihood of permanent scarring

This approach is particularly valuable when combined with broader acne management plans overseen by our dermatology team.

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Sonophoresis is an advanced ultrasound-based drug delivery technique that enhances penetration of topical medications into the skin.

At Scars & Lasers, sonophoresis is used to:

• Deliver anti-inflammatory agents without needles
• Improve patient comfort
• Achieve uniform drug distribution
• Treat broader or sensitive areas

It is especially useful for early scars, post-laser treatments, and patients who are not ideal candidates for injections.

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Yes. At Scars & Lasers, combination protocols using:

• Fractionated laser treatment
• Vascular laser therapy
• Steroids
• Anti-metabolites

are specifically designed to address multiple drivers of scar recurrence, leading to improved long-term control and reduced regrowth risk.

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All treatments at Scars & Lasers are:

• Individually planned by experienced clinicians
• Evidence-based and medically supervised
• Carefully staged to minimise risk
• Adjusted according to scar type, location, skin type, and response

Safety and long-term outcomes are central to every treatment plan.

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Scars and inflammatory skin conditions are biologically complex. No single therapy addresses all components. Our combination approach allows us to target:

• Inflammation
• Vascular activity
• Fibroblast behaviour
• Collagen structure
• Symptoms such as pain and itch

This comprehensive strategy consistently delivers superior clinical and cosmetic outcomes.

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