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Dermatology (Expert Forum)
Atrophy from cortisone injection
Answered by
Alan Rockoff, MD - dermatology, Child Skin Problems
The Rockoff Dermatology Center
Brookline - MA
This forum is for questions regarding Dermatology issues, such as: skin rashes, acne, birthmarks, skin infections, rosacea, and general skin care.
Atrophy from cortisone injection
by Fattestcat, Nov 06, 2005 12:00AM
Hi, I am 42-year-old female. My dermatologist injected cortisone on my chin to treat pimples (once in a while, I break out on my chin only). A week later, she injected cortisone again. About a week after the second round of injections, I noticed indentations from the shots. In the center, I can see the mark from needle (like a tiny whole)and seem darker. I have cortisone shots a couple times before, but I never had any reactions. I have a smooth nice skin, and these 2 indentations (one is much larger and very shallow. This is from 2 or 3 injections close to each other. And the other one is small and maybe a little deeper caused by 1 shot.) My questions are as follows:
1. I saw other posts, and seems like indentation will fill eventually. But I also saw some have permanent ones. Is there any possibility of not filling in?
2. Anything I can do to speed up the recovery process? What about IPL? Supposedly promote collagen formation, no??
3. I am going back to my dermatologist this week, and discuss the issue (I am pretty upset because she didn't warn me about the side effect). Any information I should cover at the meeting(what she used in injection and if it was diluted, and so forth)?
Thank you.
1. I saw other posts, and seems like indentation will fill eventually. But I also saw some have permanent ones. Is there any possibility of not filling in?
2. Anything I can do to speed up the recovery process? What about IPL? Supposedly promote collagen formation, no??
3. I am going back to my dermatologist this week, and discuss the issue (I am pretty upset because she didn't warn me about the side effect). Any information I should cover at the meeting(what she used in injection and if it was diluted, and so forth)?
Thank you.
Doctor's Answer
by Alan Rockoff, MD, Nov 06, 2005 12:00AM
, Nov 06, 2005 12:00AM
1. I guess it's possible, but it's very uncommon for the skin not to fill in.
2. Neither IPL nor other modes are likely to speed the process up, which lasts several months.
3. By all means bring it up, but atrophy, though it obviously can happen, is rare. We usually dilute the cortisone to minimize any risk, but sometimes (injecting deeper, bad luck, etc.) people who've gotten a bunch of injections with no problem get one anyway.
Again, however, ultimate filling is is likely.
Take care.
Dr. Rockoff
2. Neither IPL nor other modes are likely to speed the process up, which lasts several months.
3. By all means bring it up, but atrophy, though it obviously can happen, is rare. We usually dilute the cortisone to minimize any risk, but sometimes (injecting deeper, bad luck, etc.) people who've gotten a bunch of injections with no problem get one anyway.
Again, however, ultimate filling is is likely.
Take care.
Dr. Rockoff
Member Comments (2)
by anniee, Nov 30, 2005 12:00AM
Hi - I am suffering from a large atrophy indentation on my forehead from a mistaken injection of undiluted cortisone. It has been nearly 8 months and the atrophy is still worsening. I am wondering if anyone has had experience with Restylane to temporarily fill in the indentation. Also, are there any secrets to help it heal faster and what are the chances it may not heal. Thanks for the info!
