Firm lump in lip after Volbella. Is there anything I should be doing to help it? (Photo)

Question

On Friday, I had 0.2mL of Volbella put in my upper lip. Immediately after the injection, I could feel a lump on the left side. My surgeon massaged it and said it would sort itself out, and that I should not massage it. Now Monday, the lump is tender - a constant aching feeling. Its firm, and hasn't increased or decreased in size/shape. It is visible when I smile. Is there anything I should be doing to help it? I have an appointment this week, but thought I'd ask for other opinions. Thanks :)

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

Lip filler bumps is fairly common after filler.  The bumps can occur early on and many settle down.  Although massage after filler is considered a mainstay, beware that massage can drive the filler into another location if done too early.  
Reasons for bumps after filler:
Technique- Filler may have been used too superficially or wrong type of filler
Mouth movements- In some patients their movements can promote the accumulation of bumps and an alternative technique can be advocated.
Treating lip filler bumps:
Observation +/- massage-  Should be done for almost all lip filler bumps for 2 weeks.  For our patients we usually advocated massage after 48-72 hours to let the filler settle into place.
Reversal- A reversal agent can be used such as Vitrase to dissolve the filler if there is a large obvious persistent bump
Additional filler- An expert filler injector can used improved technique to mask the lip bumps.
The application of lip filler is very technical and should be done by an expert injector.

Alex Eshaghian, MD, PhD · Answer

Thank you for
your question kate2811. I understand your concern. Volbella
is a hyaluronic acid filler designed to enhance the lips. Lumps are normal and usually settle on their own after 2 weeks. Patience is important. Please
consult with a doctor for specific recommendations. Good luck!

Praven Chetty, MD · Answer

Dear kate2811:

Looking at your photo, you need not worry.  Best advice is not to massage the lump yourself and see your physician 2 weeks after injection for further assessment and management which ranges from physician massaging of lump to dissolving it with hyaluronidase.  Best wishes.

Benjamin Barankin, MD, FRCPC · Answer

Lumps or nodules are not uncommon with fillers, especially in the lips and tear trough areas. The vast majority disappear on their own. Those persisting past 2-3 weeks, if bothersome, can be safely and effectively dissolved by an expert injector (e.g. dermatologist, etc) with hyaluronidase. Be patient.

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 if the bump is from the filler material
itself. 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.

Firm lump in lip after Volbella. Is there anything I should be doing to help it? (Photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: Lump in lip after Volbella

Answer: Lump in lip after Volbella

Answer: Swelling/Bruising/Lumpiness (early) from Fillers

Answer: Swelling/Bruising/Lumpiness (early) from Fillers

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Firm lump in lip after Volbella. Is there anything I should be doing to help it? (Photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: Lump in lip after Volbella

Answer: Lump in lip after Volbella

Answer: Swelling/Bruising/Lumpiness (early) from Fillers

Answer: Swelling/Bruising/Lumpiness (early) from Fillers

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Volbella

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