Post-Botox knot on brow treated with hydrocortisone shot; depression developed beyond injection site. (photos)

Question

What to do? Last August, my derm injected Botox at inner corner of both brows, as usual. This time a lump appeared at each injection site. After 6 months, lumps had hardened. To relax affected muscles, derm injected small amount of hydrocortisone into each, and recommended waiting several weeks. Two months later, lumps diminished, but a depression beyond injection area appeared. Forehead has developed a faint pattern of subcutaneous "waves" as well. Could these be due to the injections?!

Houtan Chaboki, MD · Answer

Steroid injections are used commonly in dermatology and plastic surgery for a variety of reasons. However, steroid injections can cause depressions. Sometimes these depressions can resolve gradually over time. If you haven't already, then speak with a specialist to review options.Best,Dr. Chaboki

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

I think you should fire your current dermatologist.  Kenalog can cause atrophy.  I would recommend even at this late date injecting this area with saline although the probability of residual kenalog persisting this long is highly unlikely.  The reality is that the tissue atrophy caused by steroids can be permanent.  There are a lot of options to improve this situations but the first step is to get away from the person causing the problem.

Monika Soni, MD · Answer

Thank you for your
question. This is most likely due to your steroid injection (Kenalog).
Depressions and atrophy are known side effects of Kenalog. This can improve and
resolve on its own over time, however if it does not there are other options.
You can try to improve this with radiofrequency, saline injections or dermal
fillers such as Restylane or Juvederm. I recommend having a consultation with
an expert to have this evaluated and to determine the best treatment plan for
you. Best of Luck!

Hardik Soni, MD · Answer

Thank you for your
question. This is most likely due to your steroid injection (Kenalog).
Depressions and atrophy are known side effects of Kenalog. This can improve and
resolve on its own over time, however if it does not there are other options.
You can try to improve this with radiofrequency, saline injections or dermal
fillers such as Restylane or Juvederm. I recommend having a consultation with
an expert to have this evaluated and to determine the best treatment plan for
you. Best of Luck!

Sean Doherty, MD, FACS · Answer

Steroid injections can cause a depression. This may resolve on it's own with time, but if not, schedule an appointment to see your surgeon to discuss possibly using filler to smooth out the area. Best of luck.

Melvin Elson, MD · Answer

Injections of various forms of cortisone is very frequent in correcting issues from cosmetic procedures but may lead to depressions.  since you have had enough time for this to subside and it has not, see a board certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon and filler injections should help

Drew Varano, MD · Answer

This is from the steroid injection. They can cause atrophy of the area. It may take several months to improve. You should consider giving it some time since they have newly appeared . There are options to "fill in " the area but generally with time it should improve without intervention

Matthew Elias, DO, FAAD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  This is likely due to the kenalog (ILK) injection as depressions and atrophy are well known side effects of ILK.  This tends to improve and resolve itself over time, however if it doesnt you may consider some localized radiofrequency therapy to the area like Venus to see if you can improve it, in addition a series of saline injections or fillers like Restylane and Juvederm may help.  Regards, Dr. Matt Elias

Faraz Valaie, MD · Answer

I am so sorry to hear about what happened. 
I am not sure how much it is due to the hydrocortisone injection... specifically as I have not seen your before photos....
Regardless... This is a relatively easy area to help!...  forehead bone can be used as the support and that helps a lot ... Try some short term fillers and see how that goes... you can always switch to some long-term fillers...
Based on what I see... I am very optimistic of a great result...
Best of luck!

Post-Botox knot on brow treated with hydrocortisone shot; depression developed beyond injection site. (photos)

Answers (9)

More Botox Questions

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS

Answers (9)

More Botox Questions

Can Botox cause double vision?

I had 20 units of Botox in my chin to reduce chin dimples. My lower smile is lopsided. Frozen on one side, droops on the other

Botox: Too much? Or am I sensitive?

Botox injections in armpits and getting pregnant?

Is it normal not to be able to lift your head off the floor when lying down flat after having Botox in the neck bands?

3 days after Botox injection to the masseter to slim the jaw, I don't see any effect, should I go back to the doctor?

WE SEND PRETTY EMAILS

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS