Hard lump still present MONTHS after Botox - what can I do? (photos)

Question

I had Botox for my forehead lines injected about 8 months ago, done by my Dentist, who is trained in administering Botox. I’ve had Botox twice before without any issues. This last time, I felt a bit more pain than normal during injection in one site. Days and weeks later I still felt tenderness and swelling in that one injection site, which turned into a tender but firm lump that hasn’t gone away. The DDS told me to rub cortisone cream on it, which hasn’t helped. Who do I see for this problem?

William Lao, MD · Answer

If the needle accidentally hit a small vessel then it can form a small hematoma which can be a small swelling with tenderness, but often it is self limiting and goes away with time. would recommend seeing a board certified plastic surgeon for this and all your future injections.

Anna Petropoulos, MD, FRCS · Answer

Hello Oohlalah, thank you for your question! This looks like it could possibly be a cyst and potentially an infection. Cysts sometimes need to be drained (infection) or removed, which should only be performed by a highly skilled provider or ideally, a facial plastic surgeon. This type of issue should be evaluated by someone with extensive knowledge of facial anatomy as well as injectables and their potential complications. In the future, be sure to see a provider who specializes in injectables. Hope this helped! Best, Genie Alexander, RN BSN for Dr. Anna Petropoulos, MD FRCS at Center for Classic Beauty, Danvers & Boston, MA.

Douglas Taranow, DO, FACOS · Answer

Moral of the story....don't go to a dentist for Botox.  While trained to administer a medication, many doctors are not adept at treating complications that may arise.
Cortisone cream does not get deep enough into the skin and subcutaneous tissue to have any effect.  It is hard to say whether they hit a blood vessel and you have a collection or exactly what is the cause.  It is VERY rare to have a lump 8 months later.  I would like to rule out a cyst at this stage.
Best wishes.
Dr. Taranow

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Go see a boarded Plastic Surgeon to either Rx for scan, biopsy the area, &or inject area with a steroid. Best to use only MD injectors or experienced injectors.

Elizabeth Liotta, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

The lump that you developed after Botox injections is most likely not caused from the Botox itself. It is possible that it could be a cyst that formed after injection, with the possibility of infection occurring after the injection. I would suggest getting it looked at by your Dermatologist to determine what exactly the lump is.

Reuel Aspacio, MD, FAAD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hi there,

I am not sure without a physical evaluation I would suggest scheduling an appt with a Dermatologist
Best of luck!

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Hard lump still present MONTHS after Botox - what can I do? (photos)

Answers (6)

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