What can I do to fix indentation and discoloration from steroid shot? (Photos)

Question

My derm gave me a steroid shot in my leg last July. A few months later I noticed a large indentation follow by discoloration of the skin. I have a white circle around indentation with a darker, bruise looking area and a red spot inside the white circle? Is there anything I can do to fill in the dent or fix discoloration. It has been almost 8 months now and I am very frustrated! I returned to the dermatologist and she was very dismissive of my concerns.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Our treatments use combination therapy to improve the epidermis and dermis for most deep scars. The options available for acne scars depend on the character of your scars, in terms of topography and contour. We see atrophic and hypertrophic acne scars, as well as scars that have hypo and hyperpigmentation. We begin each scar evaluation with an assessment of scar quality and subtype. Our main concern is rebuilding collagen and that is why we use a HIDEF protocol that includes combination therapy. Morpheus 8, scar subcision, fibrous release, fractional laser, CO2 laser, Thulium laser, PDL Vbeam laser, and fractional resurfacing can be used in addition to TCA Cross and chemical peels to further improve skin. Patients should start Melarase AM and Melarase PM for active hyperpigmentation. Always begin with a consultation to decide whether early subcision should be started.

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian 
Realself100 Surgeon

Jacqueline Anne Luong, MD · Answer

Dear jen630,
Fat grafting has been very successful in treating such indents. I generally require patients to wait at least one year from the time of their injection prior to proceeding. With the size of your defect, one treatment may be sufficient.
Good luck, Dr. Luong

Elizabeth F. Rostan, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

So the good thing is that the depression as well as the hypopigmentation that you are experiencing will both improve over time. If you are looking to speed up the healing process, plain sterile saline can be injected (a doctor can do this) as often as weekly or every other week to fill it in. You will see temporary improvement but the saline stimulates collagen renewal of the depressed area. A dermal filler can also be used to fill in the depressed area but this treatment option can be expensive.
To help improve hypopigmentation, a non-ablative fractional treatment like Fraxel can be used. this treatment created micro injuries in the skin to help stimulate collagen and elastin production.  Regardless if you choose to proceed with a additional treatment, there is no doubt that it will improve with time. Good Luck!

What can I do to fix indentation and discoloration from steroid shot? (Photos)

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What can I do to fix indentation and discoloration from steroid shot? (Photos)

Answers (3)

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