I had a filler injection done six years ago. The doctor said it was hyaluronic acid. After a few months, visible lumps began to appear. I've had kenalog injected once or twice a year into the lumps. They flatten out a little for a couple of weeks and then come back. I'm trying not to get the lumps excised as it would leave a noticeable scar on my face. Are there any other solutions out there?
One of the doctors on your site suggested making a small incision and squeezing it out - will that work after all this time?
I tried hyalase injection but did not work either. One doctor I saw suggested more aggressive treatment of kenalog but I have concerns about skin atrophy as a result.
Please advise. I'm not sure what else I should do.
Hi Say,
If it truly was hyaluronic acid that was injected, then it should be superficial in the skin. A small puncture with a #18 gauge needle and pressure should be able to squeeze the material out (I have seen this in a few patients after a year). Do not attempt this yourself, have a trained physician evaluate the situation. In Chicago, I might visit Steven Dayan, MD. Good luck and be well.
Dr. P
I am so sorry that you have to go through this! It is a odd that the hyaluronic acid has lasted this long and has been refractory to hyalase injection. Perhaps as a result of the injection you have formed little cysts that respond to the coritsone injection but then return. I like the idea of acne surgery (incision and drainage) if possible. Are these bumps blue as would be with hyaluronic acids or skin colored as cysts?
Silicone injections can contribute to long term inflammatory reactions that can cause disfiguring nodules and lumps subcutaneously. The lumps and nodules should be treated accordingly with anti-inflammatory medications that reduce the inflammation and edema surrounding the foreign bodies. These can be applied subcutaneously, or topically depending upon the zone of inflammation.
Atrophy can be induced if the subcutaneous injection of corticosteroids are not performed by an experienced physician. A silicone protocol should be employed to minimize the risks associated with this procedure.
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