Restylane Injections for Malar Bags, Worried About Effects of Hyaluronidase - London, UK
I had a small amount of restylane injected a week...
I had a small amount of restylane injected a week ago in my cheek area to try to correct genetic malar bags and 'flat face' but it has altered my face shape which I hate and I am desperate for hyaluronidase to correct it.
However I am terrified that it causes damage to the natural hylauronic acid in the skin as well as dissolving the restylane. I seem to be unable to find any reassurance that no permanent damage is caused, but I fail to see how the hyaluronidase can distinguish between restylane and 'natural' hyaluronic acid in the skin. It also seems like hyaluronidase has only been used for this purpose since 2005 so surely any long term damaging effects of its use are not yet known?
I know I could always wait for 6 months but I can't bear to look like I do now for that long. I am so upset about it.
Updated on Sep 5, 2009
I had Restylane injected into my cheeks 3 months ago. I am only 26 and did it because of malar 'bags' on my cheek which I always had since a child and wanted to do something about. I read a small amount of restylane in the cheek can help so thought it was worth a go to 'smooth' them out. However, whether it is because of my age or because I am sensitive to the hyaluronidaise, I have had swelling since it was first injected and wish every day it will reabsorb. I wake up each morning not knowing what I will see - sometimes it is ok, sometimes my face is like a hampster. I feel like the swelling is the hyaluronidaise binding excessive water, or that is what I presume it is, because if I massage my cheeks or press them it will go down for a while before returning. If I drink or eat salty food it is worst. I thought that it might get better, but 3 months on it is still happening although slightly less than the start where it was hideous.
I would so appreciate some expert opinion on what it is that is happening and when it will go away. Even if I can do anything to make it go away faster? I wanted to use hyaluronidaise so badly but I am scared that I would just be causing myself more problems so I resisted. I feel like such a fool for being so vain and doing this to myself. Any reassurance that it will get better and that I won't have caused any long term damage with the restylane would be very gratefully received. Many thanks -- UPDATED September 5, 2009 -- How long until my restylane is reabsorbed? I had it injected in my cheek 3 months ago and it still swells if I drink or eat salty food. My PS gave me steroids which sometimes help but I am reluctant to take them because of their side effects. Should I consider hyaluronidaise?
Replies (25)
No I have stopped the prednisone shortly after the swelling subsided. A week later it started again - so I took some more and it went away. But I am just waiting for it to swell up again at any time. I feel like I am living with a ticking time bomb in my face. If I can keep taking prednisone when necessary until this awful stuff goes away (only a few more months I hope - it does go away doesn't it?)I think I will cope.
Has anyone else dealt with this problem the same way? I am concerned the doctor may not want to give me too much more prednisone.
I feel the swelling is sometimes triggered by putting pressure on my cheeks - such as sleeping on side of my face. I have been trying to sleep on my back only which is really hard for me.
I also was put on predisone and antibiotic which i think helped a little. I was on 75mg a day for 5 days then that was all my dr would allow me. I think it helped the swelling a little. Could i ask how much you were taking?? Also did it work any??My dr says predisone is very dangerous.
Anyone one else in Australia had this garbage put in our faces.And had problems .Please let me know how things are going.
I feel i am slowing losing my battle, 18 months of hell, looked up in this house. I dont know how much more i can put myself or my family through..