Black and Blue

Steven Wallach, MD answers: How do I treat bruising after lip augmentation with Restalyn?

I had Restalyn injected in my lips yesterday. I made it clear to my practitioner that i wanted the results to be very subtle, that I was starting a new senior job next week and did not want to deal with any bruising or freakish swelling. They assured me that it would be fine and that I could even go out that same night. They also promised to be very restrained in how much they used - saying that i could always inject more later. Well, going anywhere is not a possibility and I'm really worried about my first week at work.

The biggest problem is the duck like appearance, an imbalance between my top and bottom lip and, most importantly, severe bruising which has turned the left side of my bottom lip black. Oddly enough my top lip is totally fine ( although they did do more injections on the bottom) I'm icing all the time, taking Benadryl and Arnica, and sleeping upright. I think the swelling will probably be gone by Tuesday ( start day) but I'm worried about the black bruising. It's even on my skin next to my lip. is there anything at all I can do to make the blackness dissipate? I can't even cover it with concealer. Does anyone know of any make-up that can cover black and blue lips? It almost looks like they're bleeding black and blue


Steven Wallach, MD
11 months ago

Ice and elevation are usually the 2 best things for the first few days. I am not a big fan of arnica and allt he other herbals that are out there.  Make-up and lipstick can help camouflage the brusiing on the skin and the lips.

2 of 2 found this helpful
Helpful?

A: Lip augmentation

Jordana S. Gilman, MD
10 months ago

It is almost impossible to completely avoid bruising when augmenting the lips.  The lip tissue is very delicate and filled with blood vessels.  Apply your ice packs for 5 minutes every half hour for the first 8 hours and sleep upright as you are doing.  You may apply Arnica cream and take the Arnica tablets.  Do not take aspirin or ibuprofen in the first 24 hours after your treatment,  as that may increase your bruising.  Bruising may last up to one week in some people.

If you have severe bruising or swelling or pain, or are concerned about the appearance, you must follow up with your doctor.

 

 

4 of 4 found this helpful
Helpful?
Post your question

Restylane before & after photos

Post your question
IMPORTANT: As noted in our Terms of Service, the information found on RealSelf.com, including that provided by professionals in the Questions & Answers area, is a general educational aid. The Questions and Answers contain opinions and views created by community members. RealSelf.com is not responsible for the accuracy of any information posted by community members. Do not rely on this information as a substitute for personal medical or healthcare advice, or for diagnosis or treatment purposes.