I Have Fat Atrophy in Right Hip After Cortisone Injections to Treat Scar Tissue. Whats the Best Solution to Fill in the Area?

Thank you for your question.

Generally speaking fat transfer to depressions underneath the skin (atrophic tissue) is the preferred method of correcting the defects. Depending on the situation the procedure may either be done in the office while you are awake with local pain control or in the OR under general anesthesia. Be sure to find a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who has experience with fat transfer for your surgery.

I hope this helps.

Fat atrophy is best replaced with fat transfer. We are able to remove fat from areas of fat excess and place the fat in different areas including the hips, buttocks, breast and face. We routinely place fat in the hips during Brazilian butt lift (BBL), which is fat transfer to the buttocks to enhance the back side. The best way to get the best result is to make sure you are seeing a Plastic Surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons. There is a real difference between a cosmetic surgeon and a Plastic surgeon. Do your home work well.

There is no better substitute to fat than your own fat. The best way to fill corstisone associated depressions is to harvest fat from another area of the body, preferably the lower back, and place it in the depressed area after releasing any scar tethering. A good Plastic surgeon should be able to help you in this matter.

Good Luck.

Peter Aldea, MD
Memphis, TN

The best treatment for fat atrophy due to cortisone injections is to re-inject your own fat into the area to treat the depressed areas.

 

Fat transfer is a simple solution to the contour defects seen after steroid injection.  It does suffer from the predictable loss of some of the transferred fat, and may need a repeat fat transfer.  

Local atrophy can occur after cortisone injections  but many times it is temporary. Before doing anything, give your body enough time (3-6 months) to correct on its own. If a depression still exists, fat injections are a perfect solution. The fat can be harvested under local anesthesia and re-injected. Be sure your physician has experience with fat injections and operates in an accredited ambulatory surgery center

Cortisone injection can cause fat atrophy. The best means to correct the depresion is by fat transfer to the area of fat atrophy.

Fat transfer would be the best solution to your problem.  We have had excellent results with this procedure.  Be sure to consult with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, certified by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) for your surgery.