Intralesional Injections
Intralesional injections involve directly injecting a therapeutic substance into the skin. The purpose of the injection is to attain a high concentration of the substance at the area to be treated, to reduce inflammation, promote healing and treat various skin conditions like melasma, keloids, alopecia areata etc. The dose and the interval between injections depend on the type, size, and severity of the skin problem as well as the response to the previous injections.
Variable sessions
For best results
1 month
Duration between sessions
Benefits of intralesional injections
Some of the benefits offered by intralesional injections are:
Fast Results
Results of the injections are seen after just the first session. It can take as early as 3-4 days for the effects to start showing.
Long Term Results
By directly delivering the medication to the treatment area, intralesional injections offer long term results.
Better Results
Since the injections penetrate the skin and effectively target the underlying cause of the condition, it yields more effective outcomes as compared to other topical treatments.
Which skin conditions can be effectively treated by intralesional injections?
Intralesional injections can be used for:
- Treatment of melasma: Injections can help lighten and reduce the appearance of melasma patches on the skin.
- Treatment of keloids and hypertrophic scars: Injections help flatten and soften raised scars.
- Management of alopecia areata: Injections can stimulate hair regrowth in localized areas.
- Control of psoriasis and other inflammatory skin conditions: Injections reduce inflammation and promote healing.
- Treatment of cystic acne: Injections can reduce inflammation and speed up the healing process.
- Removal of certain types of warts: Injections can destroy the wart tissue and stimulate the immune system to fight the virus.
- Correction of cosmetic concerns: Injections can be used to minimize the appearance of certain skin irregularities, such as acne cysts or lipomas.
What happens during the procedure?
The medication is injected directly into the targeted area of skin using a fine needle after cleaning the site of injection with alcohol or antiseptic solution. The injection should be administered just below the epidermis (outermost skin layer), not deeper than that to avoid causing a dent in the skin. Injections may be repeated monthly for a few months.
Intralesional injections can help reduce inflammation, promote tissue healing, shrink abnormal blood vessels, or stimulate the immune system.
What are the possible side effects of intralesional injections?
Following are some side effects of intralesional injections:
- Short-term pain
- Inflammation
- Infection (rare)
- Possible allergic reactions
- Impaired wound healing
- Sterile abscess, sometimes requiring surgical drainage
Ready to get started?
Book a consultation with Dr. Amna today to determine if intralesional injections are the right treatment for you.