What Steroid is Used to Fix Fat Transfer Lumps?

Question

I am 25 years old, and have had fat injections under both my eyes to fill the hollowness about 3 months ago. Although the swelling has gone down and the colour has improved, the fat has lumped in the corners of my eyes. It now looks like i have bags under my eyes. My doctor told me not to worry as a steroid injection would help smooth the fat out. I would like to know what type of steroid would be injected and what will it exactly do? Does it have any side effects?

Brent Moelleken, MD · Answer

At 3 months after surgery, you are not seeing the final result.  There is likely still some swelling and healing that must still occur.
Steroids cause atrophy of the tissues.  There are many different types of steroids and different strengths.  Your doctor will no doubt discuss specifics with you.
In general, the stronger the steroid, the stronger the effect on tissues, both good and bad.  Steroids can cause atrophy of tissues (sinking in), veins to appear on the skin surface, and possibly have a greater effect on the native tissues than the fibrous tissues of fat injection, so the injections should be carefully delivered.
However, it is likely that things will continue to improve for the next three months, especially with the careful interventions of your surgeon.

Sam Naficy, MD, FACS · Answer

Steroids can be safely used to reduce lumps after fat injection.  It is important to use a dilute concentration of the steroid and to massage the lumps for a few weeks after injection.  Discuss this with your surgeon.

David Shafer, MD, FACS · Answer

Tuscany,  Most likely the steroid will be Kenalog-10 or Kenalog-40.  It is also called triamcinolone.  This steroid is typically injected for disorders such as keloids, but is also useful for lumps caused by inflammation or from fat grafting.
Good luck with your procedure.

Sam Lam, MD, FACS, FISHRS · Answer

First 3 months out is hard to read anything as i believe the fat changes and improves over a period of a year or two.  i am opposed to steroid injections as i believe there is a risk of atrophy, which may be what you want but must be done carefully.  i believe 5-flourouracil is a safer option especially if the area is thick and hard.  then 5-FU may be a better choice.

Robert M. Freund, MD · Answer

Although, I  am partial to the viafill system for fat transfer, I understand that lumpiness will occur. If this occurs, I suggest Kenalog-10. Using a higher dose, like kenalog-40 may be too strong and result in atrophy of the surrrounding tissues.

What Steroid is Used to Fix Fat Transfer Lumps?

Answers (6)

Answer: 5-FU Injection not Steroid

Answer: 5-FU Injection not Steroid

Answer: Fat Transfer Lumpiness

Answer: Fat Transfer Lumpiness

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What Steroid is Used to Fix Fat Transfer Lumps?

Answers (6)

Answer: 5-FU Injection not Steroid

Answer: 5-FU Injection not Steroid

Answer: Fat Transfer Lumpiness

Answer: Fat Transfer Lumpiness

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Facial Fat Transfer

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