Are lips suppose to be this swollen after lip injections? I feel the entire area around my mouth is inflamed (Photo)

Question

I went yesterday to a board certified plastic surgeon for lip injections. I asked for a natural look. He injected 1cc of Juvederm. My lower lip looks fine but why do I have such severe swelling ABOVE my top lip. It’s like the entire area around my mouth is inflamed. I’m so worried about duck lips and am considering going back to get everything dissolved. Is this normal on day 2? Thanks so much

Lillian Overman, MD · Answer

Yes, it is common to swell after lip injections.Things to know are:
1. The more times the needle goes into the lips, the more swelling there will be.
2. The more filler that's injected, the more swelling will occur.
3. Some patients swell badly and some don't swell at all. Just like everything else, there is a lot of variation among people.
4. Expect more swelling in the AM and less in the PM because of fluid shifting up and down with the pull of gravity.
5. Things you can do to minimize swelling are:
     i. Sleep propped up on pillows.
     ii. Minimize salt consumed in food and drink.
    iii. Avoid getting overheated. 
    iv. Apply cool compresses (not ice).
    v. Apply Arnica around mouth. Avoid getting in mouth.
    Realize that these suggestions will only help a bit and your body just needs to heal. 
   Carrying out the above recommendations will not effect final outcome, but just make you look less odd in the meanwhile.
I've been there (personally). Be patient.
Best,
Lillian Overman, M.D.

Kyle Coleman, MD · Answer

Filler in lips can be a great way to create volume and shape; however, unfortunately swelling is a very common side effect.  Almost always starting 4 hours after filling and lasting a few days, swelling can be dramatic.  It is important to apply cold compresses regularly in the first few days to decrease this.   The amount of swelling can vary from person to person depending on the amount of filler used.  Best of luck.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear lpa2410,Juvederm has significant swelling post injection. I would follow up with you plastic surgeon but typically I tell all my patients to wait a full two weeks.  Generally at 2 weeks they are happy and glad they didn't dissolve.  Dissolving is unpredictable as well.Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS 
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery  
Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

Avron Lipschitz, MD · Answer

Lip filler can cause swelling. You also have some bruising.Try the following1. apply cold pack2. take arnica3. sleep with head of bed elevatedswelling should come down in 1 week

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Yes, swelling can be typical after lip injections and can last 1-2 weeks. If you're unhappy with your final results, you can have it reversed with hyaluronidase and try a different technique next time. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Joel M. Stewart, Jr., MD · Answer

Unfortunately, this much swelling can be seen. It is rare but it depends on the individual. It does not necessarily indicate that something is wrong. Allow a few days for the swelling to subside. Fever, redness, or drainage would be an indication to notify your surgeon. Otherwise wait and see. If the swelling does not go away in 2 weeks, I think you should visit your surgeon to discuss.
Hope this helps and best of luck.

John J. Martin, Jr., MD · Answer

Lips can get very swollen with Juvederm.  You can use some ice and take some ibuprofen which will help them go down.

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

Yes, this can be typical following lip fillers. It can take 1-2 weeks for final results. I would wait a full 2 weeks before judging the results. If it is after the two week wait, you can have the filler reversed with hyaluronidase.
I hope this helps!

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photograph.  Though the degree of swelling around your upper lip is more than typically seen, it can occur due to the thin nature of the tissues.  This swelling, and your results, should steadily improve over the next 10-14 days.  It often takes up to 2 weeks for fillers to soften and the tissues to appear more natural.  In the meantime try reducing the swelling by using cold compresses to your lips and elevating your head at night with a couple of extra pillows behind your back.  You may want to also consider using Arnica Montana and bromelain as supplements.  Hang in there!

Monika Soni, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. It is common to have some swelling and bruising after fillers for lip augmentation which can take up to 2 weeks to resolve. You can apply cold compresses to your lips to help reduce swelling and bruising. It is also advisable to avoid any NSAID’s before and after treatment as they tend to thin the blood and increase the risk of bruising and swelling. If you have any other concerns please contact your treating physician. Best of Luck!

Are lips suppose to be this swollen after lip injections? I feel the entire area around my mouth is inflamed (Photo)

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