Moon face

I noticed it a little bit during my first occurrence of PMR going on prednisone and it did get better shortly after my PMR went into remission. There are a couple other discussions on the same question that you might find helpful:
-- Moon Face: What can I do about a puffy face?
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/moon-face/
-- Facial puffiness? PMR/GCA on Prednisone/Actemra
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/facial-puffiness-pmrgca-on-prednisoneactemra/

I started on 60 mg. of Prednisone in July 2024 and began tapering in Sept 2024. Along with it, came the expected 'chimpmunk cheeks' (moon face). The moon face began to subside after I got to 8 mg. day. It completely disappeared, but the ordeal of PMR/GCA really shows in my face. I feel like it aged me 5 years.

@ropnrose
This whole disease makes me feel like I’ve aged 10 years! I’m glad to know that moon face can disappear after tapering off prednisone. I don’t know if I imagine I have moon face but I definitely feel like my face has changed in some way. Perhaps it’s the fatigue and distress that comes through.

My symptoms started about a year ago and the pain got really bad until I started prednisone. I have been on prednisone for 9 months. I started on 30mg and have tapered to 3mg. I had very noticeable moon face that didn't start decreasing (so I noticed) until I had tapered to about 5mg. Now it is almost back to normal. I agree with others that dealing with the pain and medication of PMR is aging. Chronic pain ages people. My pain was under control with prednisone but now that I am on a reduced dosage I feel the morning pain and stiffness. I am working on managing the pain without medication.

@csimmonds
Fortunately I am not feeling PMR pain yet. I’ve tapered to 4 mg and hope the process goes smoothly until I’m off. Glad the moon face can disappear!

I have a new relationship with my grandfather clock now. When its moon dial shows a full moon I think, “Well hello, sister!”
Truly, the hair loss and weight gain and posture change and moon face and skin issues of treatment for PMR have been hard to see and feel. But I’m still kicking, and glad to be.

I do have to say the pred puffed out the lines around my mouth & under the eyes. Almost no old lady frown lines! Now that I’m on 3 mgs prednisone I’ve noticed the frown lines are more noticeable. The face is changing. Ah well. I’d like to at least see my hair regrow darn it

A bit of humor--when I was on higher doses of prednisone and my moon face was at the maximum I noticed a side effect I had to be aware of---when using my cell phone my chubby cheek and jaw would hang up and end the call.

@kare1 Same! That 'puffing' out of the fine lines on my face was the only positive that I could see when I was taking Prednisone! My hair did thin out when I was on it, but it's not falling out anymore.

My puffy face is bothering my eyes. It’s like my cheeks are swollen as are my eyes. 🙁 I am very uncomfortable