Steroid Injections vs. Laser Therapy for Keloids: Pros & Cons | Kosmoderma

Frustrated by a keloid scar that just won’t shrink, no matter what you try? You’ve probably come across two common treatments: steroid injections and laser therapy. But which one’s better for your skin type, scar location, and keloid thickness? In this blog, we compare Steroid Injections vs. Laser Therapy—side-by-side—so you can make an informed choice.

At Kosmoderma Skin, Hair, Body Clinics, we use both methods—often in combination—to give the best results based on the type of keloid. Let’s explore what works best and why.

First, A Quick Recap: What Are Keloids?

Keloids are abnormal, raised scars that form due to an overactive wound-healing process. They tend to grow beyond the original wound, and are common in Indian skin—especially after acne, piercings, surgeries, or burns.

Steroid Injections for Keloids: What They Are

Corticosteroid injections (like triamcinolone acetonide) are directly injected into the keloid to reduce inflammation, flatten the scar, and prevent regrowth.

Pros of Steroid Injections:

• Reduces scar size and height over a few sessions
• Relieves itching and discomfort
• Quick and cost-effective
• Ideal for new or moderate keloids
• Can be safely used for ear, jawline, chest, and keloids

Cons of Steroid Injections:

• May require 3–6+ sessions
• Can cause skin thinning or depigmentation (especially in darker skin tones)
• Recurrence rate is higher if used alone, without laser or pressure therapy
• Not ideal for very thick or old keloids

Laser Therapy for Keloids: How It Works

Laser therapy—especially Fractional CO₂ and PDL (Pulsed Dye Laser)—is used to break down excess collagen, shrink the scar, and improve color and texture.

Pros of Laser Therapy:

• Non-invasive and safe for Indian skin when done by experts
• Smoothens thick, old, or pigmented keloids
• Reduces discoloration, redness, and thickness
• Enhances results when combined with steroids or PRP
• Minimal downtime

Cons of Laser Therapy:

• Requires multiple sessions (4–8 on average)
• Can be costlier than steroid injections
• Needs precision and experience—results vary with the clinic’s technology and expertise
• Not a standalone solution for very aggressive keloids

Side-by-Side Comparison Chart: Steroid Injections vs. Laser Therapy

Feature	Steroid Injections	Laser Therapy
Best For	Newer or moderately raised keloids	Older, thicker, or pigmented keloids
Treatment Type	Injectable	Non-invasive
Discomfort Level	Mild (numbing cream used)	Mild (laser cooling used)
Recurrence Risk (if solo)	High	Medium
Downtime	None	Minimal (1–2 days redness)
Cost	Affordable	Higher per session
Time to See Results	2–4 weeks	Gradual over 3–6 months
Can Be Combined?	Yes – with laser or cryo	Yes – with steroid injections

---

Real Results at Kosmoderma

Case 1 – Acne-Induced Jawline Keloid

🔹 Treatment: 3 steroid sessions + 2 CO₂ laser sessions

🔹 Result: 70% flattening + skin tone improved

Case 2 – Piercing-Related Ear Keloid

🔹 Treatment: 4 laser sessions with PRP

🔹 Result: Shrinkage + no recurrence at 10 months

Common Questions Answered

1) Can I choose just one treatment?

Yes, but combo therapy often works best. Kosmoderma dermatologists personalise treatment plans to minimise recurrence and downtime.

2) Which is better for dark skin?

Both are safe when performed by trained dermatologists using appropriate techniques. We tailor treatment to Indian skin tones to avoid pigmentation changes.

3) Will the keloid come back?

If treated improperly—yes. But our combo protocols (Laser + Steroid + Post-care) significantly reduce recurrence chances.

4) Is this covered under insurance?

Mostly not. Keloid treatment is considered aesthetic. But our clinics offer affordable EMI options and packages.

Expert Verdict: What Do Kosmoderma Dermatologists Recommend?

“We rarely treat keloids with just one method. A personalised combination of steroid injections and laser gives superior long-term results. Especially for Indian skin, this hybrid method flattens the scar and prevents darkening or regrowth.” – Dr. Chytra Anand, Founder, Kosmoderma Clinics

Why Choose Kosmoderma for Keloid Treatment?

• Doctors with 19+ years of experience in treating Indian skin
• Advanced lasers, safe for all skin types
• Customised, result-oriented plans
• Clinics in Bangalore, Chennai, Mumbai, and Delhi
• 1.3+ lakh happy clients

Final Word: Which One Should You Choose?

If you’re looking for faster results on a budget, steroid injections may be your starting point.
If you’re aiming for texture + tone correction or have a stubborn keloid, laser therapy is worth the investment.

Best choice? Combine both.

At Kosmoderma, we create smart, safe, and scientifically backed plans to help you get rid of that keloid—once and for all.