Day 3 after Juvederm lip injections and the swelling is getting worse. Should I go back to my doctor? (Photo)

Question

I have searched and read so many questions on this, bc I didn't want to be one of those people that panics & told to just wait it out a few more days. My concern is the swelling is getting more intense. I just popped another benadryl. I had been thinking by day 3 most of the obvious swelling would be gone, but today I woke up to even bigger lips. I had plans today, I will have to cancel. How much longer before the obvious duck lips go away? Or how many more days before I go back to my doctor?

Michael A. Zadeh, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi Angela. Swelling after lip injections can sometimes be significant and last up to 2 weeks. It can also get worse within the first 24-48 hours. 1 syringe to the upper lip alone seems like a lot and i'm concerned that even once the swelling goes down you may still be left with duck lips. The best thing to do is follow up with your injector and voice your concerns. Best of luck to you.

Young R. Cho, MD, PhD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  It is very common for the lips to look 
over corrected or fake the next day.  This is due to all the swelling 
that ensues.  I often tell my patients that this
 is the "oh my gosh" day.  It can be 'oh my gosh' my lips are so 
swollen!  It could also be 'oh my gosh' I love my lips even more than 
yesterday.  Either way, the swelling may last a few days with every day 
showing a decrease 
in swelling. The more you ice the first day or two, the less swelling 
you will have.   I would wait a few days to a week and then return to 
your injector if you still have concerns after that.  If you like the 
look of the lips at some point during the swelling reduction, then take a
 picture.  This way you know what volume you like in the lips for the 
future.

Alim R. Devani, MD, FRCPC · Answer

I always tell my patients to not love their filler
injections for 2 weeks. Swelling is very common and sometimes immediate. It can
last 3-7 days and a good idea is to use cold compresses. Cold compresses may be
used immediately after treatment to reduce swelling only if needed. This may be
applied for 3 minutes, 3 times per day, for up to 3 days. This is best done
with a bag of peas in a zip lock bag. Only apply light pressure to the area but
gentle massage might be necessary. Get Arnica gel if you can find some and
apply a few times a day as well to help treat any swelling. Avoid any blood
thinners. Bruising can also last 1-2 weeks. I don't recommend hyaluronidase
this early and wait a few weeks until the swelling has resolved. If it is
persistent or you are worried, set up a follow up appointment with your
dermatologist.

Steven F. Weiner, MD · Answer

This is not the normal course for lip augmentation. I would go back to your doctor. Usually day 2 is the most swelling when you wake up and gets better thoughout the day. I prefer cannulas for Juvederm for less downtime and swelling. Don't think benadryl will help much.

Lawrence Osman, MD · Answer

It is unusual for swelling to get worse the third day after lip injections.  It would be wise to go back to your doctor.  You may have an underlying hives like tissue reaction requiring additional antihistamines or a short course of steroids.

Day 3 after Juvederm lip injections and the swelling is getting worse. Should I go back to my doctor? (Photo)

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Answer: Lip swelling worse 3 days after Juvederm

Answer: Lip swelling worse 3 days after Juvederm

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Answer: Worsening swelling a few days after #Juvederm

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Day 3 after Juvederm lip injections and the swelling is getting worse. Should I go back to my doctor? (Photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: Lip swelling worse 3 days after Juvederm

Answer: Lip swelling worse 3 days after Juvederm

Answer: Worsening swelling a few days after #Juvederm

Answer: Worsening swelling a few days after #Juvederm

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Juvederm

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.