Lips unusually swollen after Juvederm injections. Is this normal? (Photo)

Question

I've received them before and they have never been as swollen. They were painful and even a little itchy for a short while afterwards. The pain & itchiness have gone away but they are still unusually swollen. Ice does not seem to be working at all. It has been 15 hours, I've been getting lip injections for two years & have never had this reaction. I drank the night before, could this have affected it? I was also around cats right after. I had a small amount injected, should they be this swollen?

Marie E. Montag, MD · Answer

I agree, your lips are quite swollen at the time of your
photos,but it is typical tohave swelling for the first 2-3 days
following injection and especially in the first 24 hours.Even if ice does not seem to be helping, I
would recommend you continue icing for awhile longer.The pain at this point is not surprising, although more
people complain of numbness since most Juvederm products now contain some
lidocaine to reduce the pain of the injection and soreness immediately
following the procedure.Itching is an uncommon reaction and makes me wonder if you
are possibly developing an allergic reaction to the Juvederm or something in
it. (Preservatives, buffer, or the lidocaine.) Allergic reactions were much more common with the old collagen product,
but still rarely happen now with Juvederm.You might want to take a Benedryl or Claritin since these would reduce
the itchiness and swelling if it truly is an allergic reaction.Also, before your next injection, consider
talking to your surgeon about a test dose first so you don’t end up with even
worse swelling/itching.(At the very
least, you need to mention this occurrence to them.)The exposure to cats or alcohol consumption really would not
have any influence on your reaction.

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Swelling can last between 1-2 weeks after injections. I would recommend waiting two weeks, if you are still unhappy with the results then contact your doctor/injector.  Good luck

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Swelling is normal for a few weeks after fillers.  I suggest speaking to your physician if you are worried.  Excessive swelling, pain or color change should indicate an immediate need to be seen in the office or the emergency room.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Nima Shemirani, MD · Answer

Dear Josephine777,It depends on how much you drank, also if you are allergic to catsThe fact that is is improving (no more pain or itchiness) is a good signPlease be patient, the swelling will go down and the lips will improveBest,Nima Shemirani

Bryson G. Richards, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question and post. Often times, swelling can persist for up  to one week. It is not uncommon to have differing amounts of swelling with each treatment. It is unlikely related to any drinking or cats this early in the recovery process. If it was only 1 or 2 syringes of product, you will only notice a subtle change once all of the swelling has improved.I hope this helps.- Dr. Bryson Richards

Lips unusually swollen after Juvederm injections. Is this normal? (Photo)

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Lips unusually swollen after Juvederm injections. Is this normal? (Photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: Swollen lips after Juvederm injections

Answer: Swollen lips after Juvederm injections

Answer: Swelling after lip injection

Answer: Swelling after lip injection

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Everything you need to know about Juvederm

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