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My Lips Are Swelling!

I used 1/2 of syringe of Perlane yesterday (used Restylane before) and immediately swelled up. Yet the swelling got a lot worse as the time passed. Now it's the next day and I am really freaking out; my lip is so swollen and can hardly talk and it's almost touching my nose! When will this go down? I have to work tomorrow, and I work at a MedSpa. I can't look like this! Is there anything I can take besides Ibuprofren to make this swelling go down quicker? PLEASE HELP!

Asked 41 months ago by Misstique in Pembroke Pines, Fl
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+2

Please see your Physician

Hello Misstique, Sorry to hear that your lip injections are causing you such grief and discomfort. First you should be seen by the Physician / RN who injected you - even though you have had Restylane before given the amount of swelling it is important to make sure you are not having a reaction to Perlane. I am hoping you didn't inject yourself - if so please call and see a board certified Plastic Surgeon / Derm nearby you!! Also need to make sure that there is no hematoma (collection of... more
Kamran Jafri, MD
New York Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Lip swelling after Perlane isn't all due to Perlane; perhaps a small vessel was hit too!

Since Perlane and Restylane are both hyaluronic acid products, this is almost certainly not an "allergic reaction" or something unique to the Perlane. Infection is extremely rare as well, and would not have shown up so rapidly in my opinion. Either IS possible though super unlikely! Your injector likely hit a small arteriole (there is rich blood supply to the lips) and you had localized bleeding that caused the swelling. Of course the bleeding eventually stopped, but ibuprofen... more
Richard H. Tholen, MD, FACS
Minneapolis Plastic Surgeon
+1

Swelling Is Likely Normal But Should Be Evaluated

The swelling you describe is likely normal and there is not much to do for it to make it go away in 24 hours. Staying upright as much as possible, cold packs, and possible steroids can help but they won't be a magical cure. In either event, if you are concerned, I would have your physician who injected the product take a look to ensure that you are not having an allergic reaction or some other complication that requires medical attention.
D.J. Verret, MD
Dallas Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Lip Swelling After Perlane

Hi, Perlane is a much thicker version of Restylane so it tends to attract more water and more swelling.  However, if your swelling does not subside I agree it is best to have your provider evaluate you for a more serious problem such as bleeding or infection.  If it is primarily a problem of excessive swelling from the Perlane, you can ask your provider to give you topical steroids for your lips or even a short course of oral steroids to take it down faster as long as you... more
Grace Liu, MD
Newport Beach Dermatologic Surgeon
+1

See your doctor.

Hello, Have your doctor take a look and sort this out for you. It is rare but possible that you could have infection.   Best Regards,   John Di Saia MD
John P. Di Saia, MD
Orange Plastic Surgeon
+1

Swelling after Perlane

You need to see the injector ASAP to address this.  Swelling beyond the volume of Perlane injected could be an allergic response (rare), hematoma, or localized collection of tissue fluid at the site of injection.  Management of this situation depends on the cause.
Steve Laverson, MD
San Diego Plastic Surgeon
+1

Swelling After Perlane Injection

In a majority of cases, the swelling following lip augmentation with fillers is mild to moderate. There are, however, some patients who develop more dramatic swelling from the injection procedure. Fortunately, this is quite rare as is bruising following injectable lip augmentation. This type of swelling that you describe will hopefully resolve within the next 2-3 days. Ice, ice, ice is my recommendation.
John M. Hilinski, MD
San Diego Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Do not inject lips by yourself

Injection and sculpting lips is a difficult task. Only trained physicians should do this. Self injection of lips will not work. My advice is to consult with a dermatologist or ps. 
Robert Kasten, MD
Mainz Dermatologic Surgeon
+1

Swelling in lip after Perlane

Swelling and bruising after filler injection in the lips or on the face with Perlane is not uncommon. This problem typically resolves without sequelae in 3-7 days.
Steven Hacker, MD
West Palm Beach Dermatologic Surgeon
+1

Perlane occasionally causes temporary swelling.

Don't panic, occasionally fillers can cause massive swelling. This will resolve, 1/2 a syringe will settle in very nicely.  After performing thousands of filler injections I have rarely seen swelling that required more than ibuprofen.   In your case a course of oral steroids can be very helpful in reducing the reaction you are experiencing.  I advise that you contact your physician and allow her to evaluate your condition and prescribe an appropriate remedy. more
Susan Van Dyke, MD
Paradise Valley Dermatologist
+1

Swelling after perlane

I would ice, take benadryl, ibuprofen and give it some time. It should get progressively better over the next few days. At times you can have swelling after a filler is placed but it tends to improve fast. 
Chris Thiagarajah, MD
Washington DC Oculoplastic Surgeon
+1

Management of Swelling after Lip Augmentation

While hindsight is 20-20 regarding less is better for lip augmentation, when significant swelling occurs within 12-24 hours of hyaluronic acid (HA) filler injection such as Perlane, Juvederm or Restylane, take Benadryl 25mg every 4-6 hours, apply ice compress, and do not massage as HA is known as humectant and additional massaging may bring about prolonged swelling.
William Ting, MD
Bay Area Dermatologic Surgeon
+1

Swelling to the lips after Perlane

As the panel members recommended, an evaluation by the one that injected you should be your first priority.  It is not too unusual to experience more swelling with Perlane since it is designed for more volumizing.  Using 1/2 cc in the upper lip only with this product may have proven to be just too much.  In the meantime, intermittent icing and avoiding any massaging of the lips will help until you are able to be evaluated.  Since you  made mention of a working at... more
Harold J. Kaplan, MD
Los Angeles Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Lip swelling after injection

Lip augmentation with the use of dermal fillers is a very popular and effective technique. Patients who received a filler in this area should expect a small amount of bruising and swelling. This typically lasts for 1 to 2 days. It is best to apply a cool compress and keep it elevated to allow for quick resolution of this swelling.  
B. Pat Pazmino, MD
Miami Plastic Surgeon
+1

Swelling after Perlane

Some swelling after Perlane is normal.  Most women find that the swelling has subsided considerably within 3 days.  Applying ice immediately afterwards will minimize the swelling.  Severe swelling may be due to bleeding (bruising) or a reaction to the injectable.  You should contact your doctor and let him evaluate you immediately.
Randy J. Buckspan, MD
Austin Plastic Surgeon
+1

Lip swelling after Perlane

Sorry about your swelling. This may be the result of over-injection, a reaction to the Perlane, or possibly from a small hematoma in the lip. It can also be as simple as lip swelling secondary to the injection itself. Definitely speak with your doctor and get evaluated so that all these possibilities can be looked into.
Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

Swelling after lip augmentation

Given how quickly and the extent of swelling you are experiencing, along with your past history of successful treatments, it sounds like there was some bleeding within the lip from the injection. It is possible that there might be an allergic reaction, but I can't tell from your description. Elevation, cold compresses, and steroids may help, but it will take time, and you may have some bruising. Be sure to let your doctor know about this, and see if he can offer you any advice on the above... more
Scott E. Kasden, MD
Dallas Plastic Surgeon
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