Can cortisone injections cause fat atrophy?
I received a cortisone injection in the hip (upper buttocks) for severe allergy symptoms about 6 weeks ago. I just noticed a large indentation in the area around the injection site. It looks like the fat has been "melted" away in this area. Is it anything to be concerned about? Will it eventually fill back in? Should I worry about future shots?
Comments
IMPORTANT: As noted in our Terms of Service, the information found on RealSelf.com, including that provided by professionals in the Questions & Answers area, is a general educational aid. The Questions and Answers contain opinions and views created by community members. RealSelf.com is not responsible for the accuracy of any information posted by community members. Do not rely on this information as a substitute for personal medical or healthcare advice, or for diagnosis or treatment purposes.
95 posts
5 Jan 2009
Steroid injections do cause tissue atrophy (thinning out). Indeed this tends to be most evident in adipose tissue (fat). Most unusual to happen after just one time. I suspecting that what you're noticing is a slight dimpling which should improve with time. Discuss this with your treating physician. If they stay away from abundantly fatty areas and inject into the muscle in future the atrophic effect, if any, should be much less noticeable. Meanwhile, if this is unslightly for you, consider consultaing a physician for a filler as a temporizing measure.
1 post
5 Jul 2009
I have had the same thing happen!! Did it get better on its own