Kenalog Scar Injections Vancouver | Raised, Keloid & Hypertrophic Scars
Not all scars are the same — and raised scars need a different approach than depressed ones. At IV League Injections by Vicki Nguyen, RN, located within Six Clinic in Vancouver, we offer Kenalog (triamcinolone) injections to help flatten, soften, and relieve raised, thickened, and keloid scars.
Raised Scars vs. Depressed Scars — Which Treatment You Need
Raised scars — keloids, hypertrophic scars, and thick, firm acne scars — sit above the skin because of excess collagen. These respond well to Kenalog, a corticosteroid that calms the overgrowth and helps the scar flatten. Depressed scars — rolling, boxcar, and ice-pick — sit below the surface and need collagen-building treatments instead, like subcision, microneedling, or laser. Because the two are opposite problems, identifying which you have is the first step. More on acne & acne-scar treatment →
What Are Kenalog (Triamcinolone) Injections?
Kenalog is a brand of triamcinolone acetonide, a corticosteroid injected directly into raised scar tissue. It works by reducing the inflammation and excess collagen that make a scar sit proud of the skin, gradually helping it soften, flatten, and become less itchy or tender.
What We Treat with Kenalog
- Keloid scars — thick, raised scars that grow beyond the original wound
- Hypertrophic scars — raised, firm scars that stay within the wound border
- Raised or thickened acne scars
- Scars that are itchy, tender, or uncomfortable
- Some raised scars from surgery, injury, or piercings
How It Works
- Assessment: We confirm the scar is raised (not depressed) and review your history to make sure Kenalog is appropriate.
- Injection: A small amount of triamcinolone is placed precisely into the scar tissue using a fine needle. Treatment takes only a few minutes.
- Series: Raised scars usually need a series of injections spaced about 4–6 weeks apart, as the scar softens gradually.
- Review: We track progress between sessions and adjust the plan to your response.
What to Expect
Most people feel a brief pinch and mild pressure during the injection, with little to no downtime afterward. Raised scars soften and flatten gradually over weeks to months, and results vary from person to person. Kenalog is often combined with other scar treatments for the best overall outcome, which we'll discuss at your consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Kenalog injection hurt?
Most people describe it as a quick pinch with some pressure, since scar tissue is firm. The injection itself takes only a few moments, and any discomfort settles quickly.
How many sessions will I need?
Raised and keloid scars usually improve over a series of injections spaced about four to six weeks apart, rather than in a single session. The number depends on the size, age, and thickness of the scar, and we'll give you a realistic plan at your consultation.
Can Kenalog treat depressed or pitted acne scars?
No — Kenalog is for raised scars. Depressed scars like rolling, boxcar, and ice-pick sit below the skin and need collagen-building treatments such as subcision, microneedling, or laser. We'll identify which type of scarring you have and recommend the right approach.
Are there any side effects?
Possible temporary effects at the injection site include lightening of the skin, thinning, or a small indentation if the scar over-responds — which is why precise, conservative dosing matters. We adjust between sessions to reduce this risk and review all considerations with you beforehand.
How soon will I see results?
Raised scars soften and flatten gradually — often over several weeks to a few months as the series progresses. Itch and tenderness frequently improve earlier than the visible height of the scar. Individual results vary.
Book a Scar Assessment
If you have a raised, keloid, or thickened scar you'd like to soften, a consultation is the best place to start — we'll assess the scar and build a plan around what you're dealing with.
Disclaimer
Kenalog (triamcinolone) is a prescription corticosteroid and is only administered after a medical assessment. Individual results may vary, and a consultation is required to determine whether treatment is appropriate for you.