“Elevess allergic reaction”
Elevess: NOT worth it
Cost: $250
Pain: Mild
Pain: Mild
Elevess satisfaction: Poor
I recently received Elevess injections for some depressions on my chin due to acne. All was fine for three weeks and then all my injections sites started to swell. It seems I am also allergic to sulfites (nose turns red when I drink red wine). Apparently, the reaction was caused by this allergy I didn't even know I had. I'm now on steroids to reduce the swelling and look way worse than before. My PS called the company, and they said this type of reaction could last for up to three weeks! So, let's see...if the injections are supposed to last for three months but I have to look terrible (the only place I will go is my office) for nearly a month?! Definitely NOT worth it!!
Sep 17, 2008Comments and replies (9)
13 of 13 people found this review helpful
This review is the subjective opinion of a RealSelf member and not of RealSelf, Inc.
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1416 posts
17 Sep 2008
Wow! I'm so sorry you had such a horrible reaction. :( Please keep us updated and let us know how you're doing over the coming weeks/months.
7 posts
19 Sep 2008
Here's an update (9/19/08) The steroids and the topical antibiotic my PS prescribed seem to be doing the trick. The swollen areas are coming down and the Elevess remains in the right spots, thankfully. If this happens to you, get a prescription for: MethylPrednisolone and take as directed. You'll only look scary for one week... BTW - NOT changing my original not worth it review. Good luck to all of us in this uphill battle to look and feel better.
4 posts
10 Oct 2008
I had Elevess injected 3 weeks ago to fill the fine lines around my mouth. I had immediate swelling and the swelling and lumpiness continue and seem to get worse. I was told I am not having an allergic reaction so I am confused as to what is happening to me. I went to my pcp who referred me to an excellent dermatologist who suggested I tough it out and all would look aesthetic in a couple of months. But, in the meantime, I cannot go into hiding. It is very difficult to be in public but I must go to work. I was also told by the doctor who injected it as well as the dermatologist I saw afterward to massage it. I have found out from others this is not the case because it can cause the filler to move which it has. It has moved to my upper lip. I wonder if I should follow up and pursue the steroid treatment. Any feedback is helpful. Thanks for listening.
7 posts
13 Oct 2008
Nlynne, Sorry to hear your injections have gotten lumpy as well. My surgeon warned me against massaging, so it's interesting yours told you to do just that. The good news is that they will go back down to normal in 2-3 weeks. I know that is not what you want to hear now…I didn't want to hear it. I originally thought the steroids were helpful but turns out I just had to wait it out. All injections look great now. Still am not changing my "not worth it". And obviously, this is why the original pharmaceutical company dumped the product. It should be taken off the market completely, in my opinion. Good luck!
4 posts
13 Oct 2008
Another thing I have noticed about Elevess is some red/purplish discoloration at some of the injections sites. Will this discoloration go away?
2 posts
16 Oct 2008
Wow, I wish I had read the reviews on Elevess before having it injected. I had it done around my nose and mouth. It was swollen for about 2 days and then okay. But after 2 weeks my face started getting hot, itching, and swelling. All the injections got rocky feeling. My whole face swelled up. The doctor prescribed steroids and a sulfa drug. I have finished the steroids and now my face is starting to swell up again. I don't know what to do? I also have red marks and spider veins where some of the injections were made.
4 posts
17 Oct 2008
I am so sorry you had this reaction. I had Elevess injected on 9/18 and I am still dealing with the swelling around my mouth. All of the injection sites are also still hard and lumpy. I am told to massage it as this will help break it down. But others say not to massage it. It seems to slowly be getting better but I still look like a funny duck. It definitely was not worth it. I hope you find some help. Good luck!