Mr. Onur Gilleard
Qualifications & Experience
Mr Onur Gilleard is a distinguished consultant plastic surgeon on the GMC specialist register. He previously held an NHS consultant post at St Bartholomew’s Hospital in London, specialising in skin cancer and microsurgical reconstruction. In 2021, Mr Gilleard transitioned from the NHS to dedicate himself fully to private practice, allowing him to focus exclusively on providing personalised, high-quality care to his patients. He is recognised as an expert in laser treatments, having conducted research and developed advanced treatment protocols using cutting-edge laser technology to optimise both clinical outcomes and cosmetic results.
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Corticosteroid (steroid) injections are a cornerstone of keloid treatment. Injected directly into
the scar, they flatten and soften a raised keloid and relieve itching and tenderness. They’re used
two ways: as a standalone first-line treatment for smaller keloids, and as the essential
partner to surgery for larger ones — a planned course after removal to hold recurrence down. Here’s how
they work and what to expect.
How Steroid Injections Work
A keloid is overgrown scar tissue full of excess collagen. Steroid injected into the keloid calms that
over-active tissue — reducing inflammation and collagen production — so the scar gradually flattens,
softens and becomes less itchy and tender. Results build over a course of injections, usually
spaced a few weeks apart, rather than from a single shot.
When They’re Used
- On their own — for smaller or early keloids, steroid injections alone can flatten and settle the scar without surgery.
- With surgery — for larger keloids, injections are the key partner to intralesional excision: typically one on the day of removal, another at around two weeks, and a final one at about six weeks, to suppress regrowth while the wound heals.
- For symptom relief — easing an itchy, tender keloid even where full flattening isn’t the only goal.
Pairing injections with surgery is precisely why combination treatment beats
surgery alone for keloids.
What to Expect
The injection is quick. It can sting briefly as the steroid goes in, and the area may be a little
sore afterwards. Over the following weeks the keloid should flatten and soften. Possible local effects to be aware
of include thinning or lightening of the skin around the injection site, or small surface vessels
becoming visible — which is why dosing and placement are done carefully by an experienced clinician. Several
sessions are usually needed for the best result.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do steroid injections get rid of a keloid?
- They flatten and soften keloids and ease itching, and for smaller keloids can be enough on their own. Larger keloids usually need excision plus a course of injections. Results build over several sessions rather than from one.
- How many injections will I need?
- It varies with the keloid’s size and response — often several sessions spaced a few weeks apart. When combined with surgery, the typical course is one on the day of removal, one at around two weeks, and one at about six weeks.
- Are there side effects?
- They can sting going in and leave the area briefly sore. Local effects such as thinning or lightening of the surrounding skin, or visible small vessels, are possible, which is why careful dosing and placement by an experienced clinician matter.
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