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.

Pat Pazmino, MD, FACS · Answer

Fat transfer is an extremely powerful and effective technique that is used to help recontour the body and face. In the area to face, a small bit of volume goes a very long way. It is possible that you may notice small bumps after the transfer of fat. If this lump is very small, your surgeon may recommend to inject this area with a small amount of steroid. It is essential that you will let a board-certified plastic surgeon who has a great deal of experience with fat grafting and blepharoplasty do this for you. The tissues around the eyes are extremely thin and very sensitive. An expert with the greats of experience is necessary to determine the depth of the injection, the amount of the injection, and to prevent you from developing an even bigger problem.

What Steroid is Used to Fix Fat Transfer Lumps?

Answers (6)

More Facial Fat Transfer Questions

Are Fat Transfer Results Permanent?

Scar Tissue from Fat Grafting

Drooping After Fat Grafting on Hollow Upper Eyelid

Is Stored Fat Safe to Use for Fat Transfer?

Had Problems with Fat Transfer?

Skin Discoloration After Fat Transfer

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS