Why Did my Body Metastasize Juvederm Lip Injections So Quickly?

Question

I had Juvederm (1 vial) injected, for the first time, in both my upper and lower lips a little over a month ago. I have lumps on the inside of just my upper lip that I have continued to massage, but they do not appear to go down at all, and even swell more as the day progresses (I'm assuming from water rentention?). In addtion, I feel as if my body has already, I guess, metabolically absorbed the Juverderm, as I am no longer seeing the great results that I did in the beginning. I am healthy, with no immuno-deficiencies, etc. Why did my body absorb the Juvederm so quickly, and why does my swelling seem to get worse? What advice would you give?

Steven H. Williams, MD · Answer

The injection techniques used are critical in creating a long term effect. Both the amount of filler injected and the layer it is injected into can be criticial in the amount of time a filler lasts.
Be sure to find an experienced injector.  Also be sure to recognize that most injectables are "off label" for use in the lips.
I hope this helps.

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

It would be best if you book a follow up appointment with your injector to see what's going on. You may have excess product that can be dissolved with hyaluronidase.

Kris M. Reddy, MD, FACS · Answer

Patients frequently confuse the effects from the initial swelling post treatment with the expected results especially around the mouth. Lumps are generally an indication of poor technique. Consult with your injector as he or she knows the specifics of the case and about you. Ensure that your injector is an experienced and expert physician injector.

Jeffrey Zwiren, MD · Answer

A Juvederm injection to the nasolabial fold will generally last up to one year. On some individuals I have seen it last longer and on others not as long. It all depends upon the rate at which your body metabolizes the product.

Pat Pazmino, MD, FACS · Answer

Juvederm is an excellent hyaluronic acid based injectable that can be used effectively for facial contouring.

	Juvederm is commonly used around the lips, the smile lines, the marionette lines, under deep wrinkles, under deep scars, and even under the area of the eye.

	Over time, your body will help break down the Juvederm that was injected. For this reason, you may see a feeding of your result after 9 to 10 months. Juvederm however never metastasizes. When we use the word metastasis we are speaking of cancer that moves from its initial location to another part of the body.

Why Did my Body Metastasize Juvederm Lip Injections So Quickly?

Answers (5)