What is the medical term for a lump that forms after a Botox (botulinum toxin) injection?

Medical Term for Lump Post Botox Injection

The medical term for a lump that forms after a Botox injection is a "nodular eruption" or "post-injection nodule." 1

Characteristics of Post-Botox Nodules

• Nodular eruptions following botulinum toxin type-A (BoNT-A) injections are considered rare complications that can appear at the injection site 1
• These nodules typically develop within weeks after the injection procedure, as seen in case reports where patients developed frontal and glabellar nodules approximately 3 weeks after Botox administration 2
• The nodules may present as localized swellings or bumps at the site where the botulinum toxin was injected 1

Pathophysiology and Types

• Some post-Botox nodules represent sarcoidal granulomas, which are inflammatory reactions characterized by collections of immune cells forming small nodular lesions 2
• These granulomatous reactions may be triggered by an antigenic stimulation from the injected material, similar to a Kveim reaction (a diagnostic test historically used for sarcoidosis) 2
• The pathogenesis of these nodular eruptions is poorly understood, but they appear to be distinct from systemic sarcoidosis 2, 1

Clinical Significance

• Post-injection nodules are generally mild in nature and rare compared to surgical complication rates 3
• These nodules are considered among the local complications that can occur following cosmetic injectable procedures 3
• The overall safety profile of botulinum toxin injections remains favorable when administered by appropriately trained healthcare professionals 3

Management Approach

• Treatment options for post-Botox nodules may include:
  • Corticosteroids administered orally and/or through intralesional injections (such as triamcinolone acetonide) 2
  • Observation, as some nodules may resolve spontaneously 1
• Complete regression of the nodules has been reported following appropriate treatment 2

Important Distinctions

• It's crucial to distinguish localized nodular reactions from more serious systemic complications of botulinum toxin, such as botulism syndrome, which presents with descending flaccid paralysis and potentially life-threatening symptoms 4, 5
• While nodules represent a local reaction, systemic botulism would manifest with cranial nerve palsies and potentially respiratory compromise 4
• Patients who develop nodules after Botox injection typically do not exhibit signs of systemic toxicity 1

Clinical Considerations

• Patients who develop nodular eruptions following Botox injection may still undergo subsequent treatments without complications, suggesting these reactions may be isolated incidents rather than predictable adverse effects 1
• Healthcare providers should include information about this rare complication during the informed consent process for patients receiving botulinum toxin injections 1
• A thorough assessment should be conducted to rule out systemic sarcoidosis or other systemic conditions when nodules appear after Botox administration 2