Can getting Botox and facial fillers cause granuloma annulare? (Photo)

Granuloma annulare is a chronic skin condition causing raised, reddish or skin-colored bumps that form ring patterns, usually on the hands and/or feet. It is usually seen in otherwise healthy people, but sometimes it it is also seen in association with chronic conditions such as diabetes or thyroid disorders. It has also been associated with certain autoimmune disorders (systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, Lyme disease and Addison's disease). The exact cause of the condition is unknown, in medicine we call it "idiopathic". It has not been linked to injectables such as botulinum toxins or dermal fillers in any way.
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Lisa Vuich, MD

It is rare, but one of the possible complications of dermal fillers is having the formation of a granuloma. A granuloma is a form of scar tissue that forms around the injected filler. This is a completely different condition from granuloma annulare which is a systemic rash that can occurs anywhere in your body but usually on the hands and feet. No one knows exactly what causes granuloma annulare but some of the thing that have been linked are insect bites, infections and vaccinations, so it is possible that you may have had some kind of systemic reaction to an ingredient in the filler, but most likely it is coincidental. It is worth noting that the FDA requires manufacturers to prove the safety of the fillers before they are released in the US market however, counterfeit products are commonly used even by some physicians. You will have a much higher risk of developing these weird reactions if unknown substances are injected into your body. If you think the condition is related to your filler injection, you should have your doctor report the incident to the manufacturer so that they can investigate further and make sure it was not an issue with a specific lot number.

Thank you for your question. I have not heard that Botox or any dermal fillers cause the granuloma condition that you speak of. Best to see a BC dermatologist for an evaluation. Hope this helps.Benjamin J Cousins MD Board Certified Plastic Surgeon