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

BACKGROUND: None of therapeutic options for the treatment of keloids has been found completely effective and satisfactory. A combination approach is the best modality. OBJECTIVE: To assess the clinical safety and efficacy of radiofrequency (RF) followed by intralesional (IL) steroid injection in keloids. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 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. RESULTS: 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. CONCLUSION: 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.