Steroid Injection Timeline

[Fisher]

I am now 6 months post op from a direct incision and had a diluted injection into scar tissue a week ago. I am not seeing any changes yet and was wondering how long it can take to start softening the scar? Or is there a general timeline after injections before I would know if another is needed? 

I had an injection on the other side over 6 weeks ago, and I felt like I had results starting within 3 days and am now completely satisfied on that side. 

Thanks for any replies in advance. 

[Litlriki]

Steroid injections may have some impact early on, but that early response is usually a decrease in pain or itching if those are a part of the picture.  The softening and shrinking typically takes longer, and I advise patients that the effect occurs over 4 to 6 weeks, and I can repeat the treatment after 6 weeks. 

[Dr. Elliot Jacobs]

When I do steroid injections for post-op scar tissue, I tell my patients not to expect any changes for 3-7 days.  The medication is a timed-release and works over a period of six weeks.  I tell them to return after eight weeks to consider another injection if needed.

Dr Jacobs

[Fisher]

Thank you both for the replies. I do actually feel a little improvement today.  All I can do is wait now. 

Is massage still recommended after an injection or would that flush the medication out of the scar area? 

Thanks 

[Dr. Schuster]

It generally takes 6-8 weeks. I would not repeat injections any closer together.

[Litlriki]

I'm a fan of massage. I encourage my patients to massage the area to help avoid any skin tethering as the healing process goes forward, and it also helps with resolution of the swelling and hard spots.  It shouldn't be done in a way that's painful and there may be circumstances that would impact timing and so on, so you should consult your surgeon.