Can Injectable Fillers Be Safely Used to Plump Up Depressed Skin After Cortisone Injections for Cystic Acne?

Question

A month ago I broke out with cysts all over my chin so my derm injected them with cortisone. Now I have 2 small and 1 very large hollow areas in my face. Should I use temporary injectable fillers like restalyne, juvaderm, etc? Will they inhibit the regrowth of collagen in the spots or do anything else bad to them? The length of time they last seems perfect bc the collagen should reform in ~6 mos. Which one is best to use for this? Should my dermatologist or a plastic surgeon do this? thanks!

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

Skin indentations may occur as a result of cortisone (steroid) injections. When this occurs, the skin becomes thinned, and these indentations may be filled. The injection is a superficial one, and very little filler is needed to produce an improved result. You may want to discuss this with your dermatologist.

	In my practice, I prefer to use Silikon-1000, an off-label filler for permanent results.

	Hope this helps.

	Dr. Joseph

Arnold R. Oppenheim, MD (retired) · Answer

One of the possible side effects of cortisone injections is iatrogenic lipoatrohy. Sometimes, if the injections are done a little to deep, into the sub-cutaneous fat, and the steroid will chew up the fat. This dimple does correct itself as the fat regenerates. However, this can take up to six months.

	There is also the possibility that the cyst itself would have resulted in scarring...they obviously can do that.

	Filler is a fine solution to this problem as the filler will replace the fat. Either a dermatologist or plastic surgeon should be be able to accomplish this for you.

	Another suggetion would be to consider fat grafting replacement. Some physicians can perform this intra-orally. This is even more natural since, rather than filling in the area with hyaluroinic acid ( or collagen, if you want to use one of those long-neglected tools) you are filling the area with your own fat. Justw something to consider.

Can Injectable Fillers Be Safely Used to Plump Up Depressed Skin After Cortisone Injections for Cystic Acne?

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Can Injectable Fillers Be Safely Used to Plump Up Depressed Skin After Cortisone Injections for Cystic Acne?

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Everything you need to know about Dermal Fillers

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