I had my lips done yesterday, and the doctor did only one side of my face for faint nasolabial line. She also filled in a bit for an old scar between my nose and lip area. Now, my cheeks and lips are swollen. What happened?
Swelling is normal after injections, especially into the lip area. The length of time the swelling lasts is different for different people but should go away within a few days. Please do not worry. Placing cool compresses on the area may help.
If after one week the swelling persists, please go and see your doctor again.
Dr. Kari L. Colen
Cynthia,
It is normal to have some transient swelling after injections. The swelling is due to two causes.
First, anytime you have localized trauma (the injections), then the tissues develop edema (swelling) as a response to the injury.
Second, the molecules which are injected are hydrophilic (water loving) which means they attract water within the tissues. This effect equilibrates over a few days.
However, if this does not resolve after a few days, you should go back and see your doctor. I hope this is helpful.
Everyone swells at a different rate and to a different degree. Anytime you are injected with filler there will be some swelling.
To minimize the swelling, you can place ice or cold compresses on the site of injection after the procedure. You can also use arnica montana or bromolein.
In the end, all swelling resolves, so relax and enjoy hte results.
Robert M. Freund, MD, FACS
Swelling is normal a day or two after injection with a facial filler. This should get better with time.
Contact the doctor
