Needle-free electronically controlled jet injection with corticosteroids in recalcitrant keloid scars: a retrospective study and patient survey

First-line treatment of keloids consists of intralesional needle injections with corticosteroids, but generally entails multiple painful sessions, resulting in variable clinical outcomes. Novel needle-free jet injectors may facilitate more effective and patient-friendly dermal drug delivery. Here, we evaluated the effectiveness, tolerability and patient satisfaction of intralesional triamcinolone-acetonide (TCA) treatment in recalcitrant keloids using an electronically controlled pneumatic injector (EPI). A retrospective study was conducted in recalcitrant keloid patients with a history of severe pain during needle injections who received three sessions of EPI + TCA. Outcome measures included Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS), Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS), treatment-related pain (NRS), adverse effects, and patient satisfaction (survey). Ten patients with in total 283 keloids were included. The POSAS score significantly improved at follow-up and GAIS was reported as ‘(very) improved’ for all patients. EPI + TCA was well-tolerated with a significantly lower NRS pain score compared to needle + TCA (pilot treatment). Only minor adverse effects occurred, and 90% of patients preferred EPI over needle treatment. EPI + TCA is an effective and tolerable treatment for patients with recalcitrant keloids. The minimal treatment-related pain and high patient satisfaction makes it a promising treatment for patients with needle-phobia and/or severe pain during needle injections. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10103-023-03891-2.