Kenalog and hair loss?

Question

I'm a male and I had some chin filler to increase my chin projection. The filler used was sculptra and the results were great but a little lump formed due to excess collagen. The doctor injected the spot with a small dose of Kenalog which worked great. A couple of weeks later however, a small dent formed in that area and a small patch of beard hair fell out. It's been 2.5 months and still hasn't grown back. Is hair loss normal from Kenalog injections and will it grow back?

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

Kenalog (triamcinolone acetonide) is a corticosteroid that is often used to reduce inflammation and treat various medical conditions. While it can be effective for reducing lumps or excessive collagen formation, it does come with potential side effects, especially when used in certain areas of the body.

In your case, it sounds like you experienced a common side effect known as localized atrophy, which can occur when Kenalog is injected into the skin. This can result in a dent or thinning of the skin and underlying tissues, and in some cases, it can also cause localized hair loss. The hair loss occurs due to the atrophy affecting the hair follicles.

Here are some key points to consider:

1. **Localized Atrophy and Hair Loss**: The dent and hair loss you described are consistent with localized atrophy. This side effect is usually temporary, but it can take several months to resolve.

2. **Hair Regrowth**: Hair regrowth can vary from person to person. In many cases, the hair does grow back once the effects of the steroid injection subside and the tissue begins to heal. However, this process can take a few months, and in some cases, it might take longer.

3. **Follow-Up with Your Doctor**: It’s important to follow up with the physician who administered the injection. They can assess the area and provide more personalized advice. They might suggest treatments that can promote hair regrowth or help with the atrophy.

4. **Patience and Monitoring**: Continue to monitor the area. If you notice any changes or if the situation does not improve over the next few months, make sure to consult your physician again.

5. **Minimizing Future Risks**: If you need similar treatments in the future, discuss alternative options with your doctor to minimize the risk of such side effects.

While localized hair loss can occur after a Kenalog injection, it is generally temporary. Hair typically grows back, but it may take several months. Keeping in touch with your healthcare provider is essential to ensure proper monitoring and management of the side effects.

Jeff Donovan, MD, PhD · Answer

If the hair loss is truly from the kenalog and side effects like atrophy or effluvium (it causes both)… then yes hair will grow back. it can take a long time so give it 4-7 months. Sometimes it is sooner. Now if there is a pressure alopecia from filler in an area or if blood supply was affected by a filler results are different. most of the time for this anatomical area, it’s kenalog related atrophy or telogen effluvium and hair comes back in 4-7 months. The biggest mistake people make is rushing to more and more and more options to treat this. Be patient and keep close follow up with your doctors. I have guided hundreds of patients through atrophy and it’s a worrisome time but end results are usually good.

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