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?!

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

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

Answers (9)

Answer: Depression caused by steroid injection

Answer: Depression caused by steroid injection

Answer: Steroid injections

Answer: Steroid injections

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

Answers (9)

Answer: Depression caused by steroid injection

Answer: Depression caused by steroid injection

Answer: Steroid injections

Answer: Steroid injections

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Botox

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.