Juvederm injections gone wrong (Photo)

Question

Six days ago I had my first ever lip fillers. She hit large blood vessels with the needle. I have severe hematomas in my upper lip which has expanded my lip to about five times its normal size, have been monitored by hospital for necrosis. I’m now on a heavy dose of antibiotics. My aesthetician insists this is something she’s never seen happen before. Has this happened as an error on her part? The A&E doctor insisted this is NOT an allergic reaction to thd fillers.

N. Bill Aydin, MD · Answer

Hi Haylz, it looks to me like you may want to get the filler dissolved, have you followed up with your injector or any injector? You want to be sure the filler is not blocking blood supply which can cause necrosis. I would see someone immediately for Hyaluronidase. Good luck.

Vilma Di Maria, MBBS · Answer

Thnakyou for your question. You are definitely bruised.  Your injector has either hit an artery or vein.  Its a large bleed.  I am glad you are on antibiotics as such a bleed can lead to an infection. Apart from time and ice packs this is all you can do. FYI Its not an allergy  Good luck .

Martin Ray, MD · Answer

Hello haylz84,
It would be helpful to know which Juvederm product was used, as well as where and how it was injected. There are four reasons why your lips can swell: bleeding, infection, trauma, and reaction to the product. Discoloration can come from bruising, superficial product, compromised blood supply, and tissue necrosis. Blood vessels can be compromised by filler from product being injected into a vessel, or by product putting pressure externally on the vessel. Vascular compromise can appear suddenly when a vessel is injected with product or more slowly over days when external pressure is the problem.
Your lips look badly bruised with hematomas - I'm sorry this has been your experience. Be assured that bacterial infections are very rare. There is also a good chance you are reacting to the product as well. Most important and most critical is whether you have tissue compromise. This could result from the combination of the hematoma, tissue swelling, and the Juvederm product. Tissue necrosis must always be considered and requires enzyme on an urgent basis. Emergency physicians are highly trained to save lives but may mistake vascular compromise for infection and treat with antibiotics rather than dissolving the product with enzyme. Your aesthetician should refer you to an injection expert who understands complications and can treat you in a timely manner.
I hope you get in soon and that things settle down quickly for you.

Juvederm injections gone wrong (Photo)

Answers (3)