Role of Triamcinolone Acetonide in the Maturation of Scars

Abstract

Background: Surgeons have tried various measures to achieve a minimum and aesthetically appealing scars after wound healing at surgical sites. Various regimens have been recommended to minimize scars both intraoperatively and postoperatively. Our study aims to assess the outcome of the injection of triamcinolone acetonide used intraoperatively on a normal surgical suture line. Methods: This is a prospective, observational study of 21 patients (divided into test and control groups with a single scar at the same site) treated with or without injection of triamcinolone acetonide, and outcomes were assessed using Vancouver Scar Scale and Stony Brook Scar Evaluation Scale. Results: We found a significant difference (P > 0.05) between the median of vascularity, pigmentation, and total score on the Vancouver Scar Scale, whereas there was significant difference between height, color, and overall appearance according to the Stony Brook Scar Evaluation Scale between the test and the control group. We could not find a significant difference in outcome with varying, increasing doses of triamcinolone acetonide. Conclusion: A low dose of triamcinolone acetonide is an effective drug that tends to improve the outcome of a scar in terms of vascularity, pigmentation, height, and overall appearance of the postoperative surgical scar and helps in the maturation of a normal scar.