Filler for Atrophied Butt Caused Kenalog Injection?

Question

Hi! I have had an atrophy caused by a Kenalog shot in my left buttock. I am very upset and frightened about it. Do you think it will come back on its own? If I get it filled, which filler do you recommend?I have heard lots of stories about Sculptra forming little lumps and iI don't want to look any worse, would collagen be best? Thank you for your time. I wish I had never had this done although I have had many over the years and this has never happened before.

Ricardo L. Rodriguez, MD · Answer

I would stay away from injecting any type of foreign substance into your buttocks. The rejuvenating power of your own adipose fat may be your best resource. However, you need to be examined to advise further.

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	Plastic surgeons can process the fat into stem cell enriched fat cells and reinject them into another area, including breasts and buttocks. They not only rejuvenate the skin, but they can also repair damaged tissue. Stem cells are the new frontier of plastic surgery. Instead of the surgeon using his talents to create the illusion of a more youthful body, the surgeon guides your body to rejuvenate itself!!  Read more about it in the web reference and see me talk about it in the video.

Jaime Perez, MD · Answer

Steroid injections such as kenalog can result in depressions and contour deformities in the buttocks. Fat transfer to fill the deformities after the scar tissue is released, usually gives an excellent result and is long lasting.

Andrew T. Lyos, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello Dooby,  Corticosteroid injection, such as Kenolog, can result in atrophy of the subcutaneous fat of the injection site. The process results in fat necrosis and scarring. Keno log is a long acting steroid, so I generally recommend waiting for at least 6 months prior to performing any definitive treatment. Initially, conservative therapy, including message and ultrasound therapy, is advised to soften the scarring. I have treated several patients with similar dents. I generally do not recommend the temporary fillers due to the large volume required to correct these deformities. Fat transfer is ideal to correct this problem. Fat transfer can be performed in the office with local anesthesia to fill in the contour deformity. Most of the time only one treatment is required. If there is a large deformity, or excessive scar tissue, a second treatment may be required.

	I would recommend consulting with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon.

	Best regards, Andrew Lyos, MD, FACS

Sam Jejurikar, MD · Answer

Hi Dooby,
I've taken care of a few patients who developed significant atrophy of the fatty tissues after corticosteroid injection.  The first thing to realize is that atrophy of the fat is a process that evolves over several months.  Before you seek any long-lasting treatment, the best thing to do is to wait for several months until you are sure the indentation isn't getting any worse or any better.  
My best results have been achieved with autologous fat grafting.  Because the goal of surgery is to replace missing fat, and fat is a semi-permanent filling material, it's always made the most sense to me for this particular indication.  Some of the fat re-absorbs in the first few weeks to months after surgery, so a secondary touch-up procedure is sometimes required.  All in all, though, the results are quite good.
Hope this helps.  Best of luck.

John LoMonaco, MD, FACS · Answer

The condition is usually from fat necrosis, which is hardening and then shrinkage and scarring of the fat.  A dent results from this.
The first and best thing to do is massage the area....this can really help break up the scar tissue and smooth the area out.  
My preference  would be to use your own fat to fill in the defect and I would probably wait at least 6 months after the injection to do this.

Filler for Atrophied Butt Caused Kenalog Injection?

Answers (9)

Answer: Correcting fat atrophy caused by corticosteroid injection

Answer: Correcting fat atrophy caused by corticosteroid injection

Answer: An Indented Scar From An Injection Can Be Improved

Answer: An Indented Scar From An Injection Can Be Improved

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Filler for Atrophied Butt Caused Kenalog Injection?

Answers (9)

Answer: Correcting fat atrophy caused by corticosteroid injection

Answer: Correcting fat atrophy caused by corticosteroid injection

Answer: An Indented Scar From An Injection Can Be Improved

Answer: An Indented Scar From An Injection Can Be Improved

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Nonsurgical Butt Lift

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.