Lip fillers/smoker lines. How bad should bruising be?

Question

Had smokers lines filled yest. RN said she had to do my lips also. Now around my mouth/lips are bruised badly & have spider veins sprouting from my lips. Is that normal procedure & more important are the veins going to go away. It looks horrible! How long should I continue to ice?

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

There can be some swelling and/or lumps after lip injections which can last 1 to 2 weeks. You can apply firm pressure between two fingers on the lips for a few days, for 5 minutes at a time, in order to help decrease swelling and even out the lumps. If you're unhappy with your final results, you can have the filler dissolved with hyaluronidase and try a different technique next time. Best, Dr. Emer​​

Thuy-Van Tina Ho, MD · Answer

Dear Seeshells,
Thank you for your question. It is difficult to make an accurate assessment and recommendations based on a description alone. It is not uncommon to experience swelling and bruising after lip filler injection, as the lips can be a sensitive area. I typically recommend my patients to ice the lips frequently the first two days after treatment, sleep with their head elevated the first night after the procedure, and to hydrate frequently. If your extent of bruising is worrisome and much more than expected from what was discussed with your provider, I recommend you contact your provider with possible re-evaluation so they can address your questions and concerns. 
Thuy-Van Tina Ho, MD
Facial Plastic Surgeon

Mitchell Chasin, MD · Answer

There is a concern after injections that filler may have blocked a blood vessel and can cause really serious damage. So do be sure to see your injector and/or send them photos right away. It's pretty easy to spot, but important to catch early.That having been said, the lips are full of blood vessels and very easy to bruise, making swelling and bruising very normal for post-injections for 1-3 days.

Michael G. Brandt, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question.Bruising and swelling following the injection of fillers in the lips is common.  That being said, you mention some unusual treatment - i.e. injecting your lips as a consequence of injecting fine lines.  I would recommend following up with the nurse who injected the area or contacting a local expert injector - i.e. Facial Plastic Surgeon, Dermatologist, Plastic Surgeon - to review your results and provide you with advice.Thankfully filler does go away on its own and this is likely not permanent but certainly not a desirable outcome in the interim.

Gregory Mauldin, MD · Answer

It is hard to know without seeing a picture. You should see a complete reduction of bruising and swelling after the first two weeks. Usually after 24 hours, you can use warm compresses to help the bruising reabsorb more quickly.  Best of luck and don't get discouraged if you don't see the results you were expecting immediately.

Leonard Grossman, MD · Answer

Without a set of photographs or an in-person consultation, it is impossible to answer your questions. Good luck from New York City

Kristine Brecht, MD (license suspended) · Answer

Sounds very dramatic! Sounds like you got too much filler, and a bit to superficially.Good news is a lot of the fillers swelling goes down in the 1st week.Sucking on ice, sleeping up with pillows and gentle massage will help some.If in a few weeks you still hate it, your injector can put in a bit of hyaluronidase to disolve it.Best. Dr Brecht Seattle, Wa

Lip fillers/smoker lines. How bad should bruising be?

Answers (7)

More Dermal Fillers Questions

Am I a candidate for fillers with autoimmune disease and nodules?

Have my fillers gone wrong? I had fillers done for the first time and originally thought they looked amazing. But now (Photo)

Is it possible for me to get dermal fillers/facial fillers? I have Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, hypermobile (Photo)

Had Botox and Radiesse 4 days before CT scan. Would the radiation from the scan affect my results or how long the filler lasts?

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS