“Hydrelle Lip Injections - When Will This Nightmare End?!?!”

I have had Restylane injected in my upper lip twice before with no complications, by the end of the day the swelling and soreness was gone and I had great results. After moving I had to find a new Dr and he offered a newer product that had the lidocaine mixed in to make it almost pain free without using a dental block. Hydrelle...

First off, he very skillfully injected them and the pain was no worse than a small pinch. I left happy but noticed as the week went on that I had a lot more swelling and bruising than normal - I didn't think too much of it since I used a different product this time.

Fast forward 2 weeks later and the swelling is worse not better. I am forming weird looking lumps in my lip that make me too self conscious to smile at all. I finally go back to my PS office and the nurse said she could clearly see the lumps and scheduled me into the next available appointment. By the time of my appointment to see the doctor my lip was 3x it's normal size and I was in immense pain. I was put on steroids, antibiotics, and antihistamines... The swelling still did not stop.

I went back in 2 days later with my cheeks turning red and my nasal area and under my eyes getting puffy. They numbed me and went in with a syringe to try to suck out the fluids and product. I left looking almost back to normal and optimistic but by the next morning my lumpy balloon lip was back and I was in so much pain I had to give in and start taking the pain killers so that I could eat solid foods again. I had been resorting to smoothies for a few days because when anything touched my lips I wanted to cry. I go back tomorrow to see the Dr and I don't know what the next step will be. I think he is going to be injecting another product with an enzyme that will dissolve the Hydrelle out of my lip.

Updated on 21 Jan 2011:
My lips returned to normal after being drained about 3 times. I was severely swollen for about 3 or 4 weeks total and it was not a fun time - very painful! Once every few months there is one little spot where I know there is still product that will become irritated for a few days. Not enough for anyone to notice but me. It's been almost a year now so it will probably go away completely soon. (I hope) Once again though, stay away from this product, it's dangerous.