Is it true Kenalog can break down fat and cause damage?

Question

Three weeks ago my doctor overfilled my lips and now they are bumpy and uneven. Last week he injected Kenalog into some of my bumps with zero results. Now I see online that Kenalog can break down fat and cause more damage than good. Is that true? He wants to try a second injection of Kenalog but I’m now afraid.

Michael A. Zadeh, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. I am wondering what Filler was used in your lips as the most common used Fillers are Hyaluronic Acid based fillers which are easily dissolved with an enzyme called Hyaluronidase. So, the injection of Kenalog in your lips could mean either a non-hyaluronic acid based filler was used, there is suspicion for granuloma formation, or your injector has no clue what they're doing. You are correct that steroid injections such as kenalog could cause fat necrosis and atrophy. Please make sure you are under the care of an experienced physician. Best wishes.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Typically Hyaluronidase is used to reverse HA fillers. However, Kenalog may be used in specific cases. This will not effect your fat and cause damage. You should follow up with your physician regarding these concerns for thorough clarification. Best, Dr. Emer.

Chad Robbins, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.  Hyluronidase is the only product injected to remove unwanted filler.  It is an enzyme that absorbs the hyluronic acid.  I haven't heard of using kenalog to remove it.  I use kenalog to soften and flatten post surgical thick scars.

Radiance Skin Therapy - Madison · Answer

Thank you for your question! Typically hyaluronidase is used to dissolve any bumps caused by hyaluronic based filler. I would recommend following up with your injector to clarify why Kenalog was used instead of hyaluronidase. Good luck!

Jean M. Casello, MD · Answer

Typically hyaluronidase is used to dissolve a hyaluronic acid filler. Hyaluronic acid fillers are what is most commonly used in the lips. Other types of fillers are not usually not used in this area.  I am not sure why your doctor would inject kenalog into the area to treat bumps from a filler unless he/she thought something else was causing the problem.  Kenalog can cause fat necrosis and atrophy , these issues are  usually seen when large amounts of the steroid are injected  over long periods of time. You should question your physician as to why he/she felt this was an appropriate treatment in this case.

Vilma Di Maria, MBBS · Answer

Thankyou for your question. The  most commonly used fillers are made of hyaluronic acid and this is easily dissolved with hyaluronidase . Hence its popularity.  You need to check with your injector to see what he had used. Kenalog is definitely used to break down keloid  scars. good luck

Shaun Patel, MD · Answer

Hyaluronic acid based fillers like Restylane and Juvederm are commonly dissolved using hyaluronidase and not Kenalog.

Mehdi Sina, MD · Answer

Hi,HA fillers are most commonly injected in the lips and can be very easily reversed with an enzyme called hyaluronidase. I would avoid having the kenalog injection until you are clear what product was initially used in your lips.Best,

Is it true Kenalog can break down fat and cause damage?

Answers (8)

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