Services
Kenalog
Kenalog injections use a corticosteroid to reduce inflammation, flatten raised scars, and soften keloids. Ideal for treating stubborn, thickened scar tissue, these targeted injections help improve skin texture and appearance, restoring smoother, more even skin with minimal downtime and long-lasting, noticeable results.
What is Kenalog and what does it do?
Kenalog is a brand name for triamcinolone acetonide, a powerful corticosteroid medication commonly used to reduce inflammation and treat a variety of skin and soft tissue conditions. In aesthetic and dermatologic treatments, Kenalog is often used as an injection to help manage stubborn cystic acne, keloid scars, and certain inflammatory skin issues.
When injected directly into targeted areas, Kenalog works by calming the overactive immune response and decreasing inflammation. This can lead to a significant reduction in swelling, redness, and discomfort, and can also help flatten raised scars over time.
Kenalog treatments are generally quick, minimally invasive, and performed in-office. Results can often be seen within a few days, offering patients a fast and effective solution for certain skin concerns.
What to Expect
Before Your Procedure — Pre-Treatment Instructions
Kenalog injections don’t require much prep, but it’s best to avoid anti-inflammatory medications or supplements for a few days beforehand to reduce your risk of bruising.
If the area is sensitive or inflamed, let your provider know in advance so they can adjust your treatment accordingly. Wear comfortable clothing and avoid applying any skincare products or makeup to the area that will be treated.
During Your Procedure
Your provider will cleanse the area and may apply a topical numbing agent depending on the treatment location. Kenalog is injected directly into the scar or inflamed area using a fine needle.
The appointment is usually quick—often under 15–30 minutes. You may feel some pressure or a pinch during injection, but discomfort is minimal.
After Your Procedure — Post-Treatment Instructions
After your Kenalog injection, keep the treated area clean and dry for at least four to six hours, and avoid touching, rubbing, or massaging it during this time. Do not apply makeup or topical products for the first 12 to 24 hours unless instructed otherwise. It is also best to avoid vigorous physical activity, hot tubs, saunas, or additional treatments near the area during the first day, and skip harsh skincare products like exfoliants or retinoids for several days.
Mild redness, tenderness, swelling, or bruising are normal and typically resolve within a few days. Over the following weeks, you may notice the area becoming softer, flatter, or less noticeable. To manage discomfort, you can use a cold compress, but avoid placing ice directly on the skin. After 24 hours, you may apply a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer if the area feels dry or itchy. Protecting the area from sun exposure is important; daily use of a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) can help prevent discoloration.
Kenalog injections often require a series of treatments spaced four to six weeks apart for optimal results. Your provider will guide you on the recommended schedule and any future maintenance sessions to help maintain or enhance your outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Kenalog injections (which contain triamcinolone acetonide, a type of corticosteroid) are commonly used to treat inflamed acne cysts or nodules. They help reduce swelling, redness, and discomfort quickly. Kenalog can also be used for certain other dermatologic conditions involving inflammation, such as keloids or hypertrophic scars.
Kenalog works by reducing inflammation within the skin. When injected directly into an acne cyst or nodule, it quickly decreases swelling and pain, often flattening the lesion within 24–48 hours. This helps prevent further irritation and can reduce the risk of scarring.
Many patients notice improvement within 24 to 48 hours after the injection. Large, painful acne lesions often shrink dramatically during this time, making Kenalog a popular choice for urgent situations (such as before a big event or photoshoot).
Yes, Kenalog injections are generally safe when administered by a qualified medical professional. However, as with any treatment, there are potential risks. These can include skin thinning (atrophy), lightening of the skin at the injection site, or small depressions in the skin. These side effects are uncommon and usually temporary, but it’s important to discuss them with your provider.
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