Juvederm after 5 years of silicone injected in upper lip. Can I fill the middle with HA? (Photos)

Question

Hi all! So I had a little ammount of silicone injected in my upper lip (Didn’t know it was silicone) it was very sensitive the first years But it isn’t anymore. When you see the picture, you’ll see the silicone was only injected on the sides of the lip and not the middle, my question is, can I fill the middle with HA? Is there any risk of inflamation ? I know the HA would be injected only in the middle but is there still risk of infection/inflamation? What would be best to do! Thank you so much!

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

The short answer to your question is that most experienced injectors would be extremely reluctant to inject even today's natural hyaluronic acid-based fillers into areas previously treated with permanent fillers, such as silicone. Permanent fillers have been associated with the spontaneous development of nodules and granulomas even five, ten or twenty years after injection. The concern here that the mere physical injection of the filler might trigger just such a reaction, which can be very difficult to treat. This is enough for me to personally interdict any kind of subsequent injection--even within areas that are closeby to the previously treated sites, which still may be affected by the silicone even if not visibly on the surface.

Muhammad Mirza, MD (license suspended) · Answer

Thank you for your question. I believe that you can now safely use an HA filler. There is always a risk of inflammation or infection whenever an injection into the skin is involved. Please make sure you see a qualified injector as this will greatly reduce the risk of infection.

Monika Soni, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. I believe that you can now safely use an HA filler. There is always a risk of inflammation or infection whenever an injection into the skin is involved. Please make sure you see a qualified injector as this will greatly reduce the risk of infection. Best of luck!

Marek Kacki, MD · Answer

It is very unfortunate you've had silicone injected in your lips. Although you could inject hyaluronic acid fillers to partially hide the deformities it would significantly add further asymmetry to your lips. It is also impossible to predict what additional problems may develop when hyaluronic acid is injected in this environment. Mae sure your injector will be available for close follow ups. Good luck!

Leonard Grossman, MD · Answer

You are probably safe in adding hyaluronic acid filler to your lip even in the face of having had prior silicone treatments. Most doctors will have you sign a waiver however so as not to take the responsibility if something should go wrong. Good luck from New York City

Juvederm after 5 years of silicone injected in upper lip. Can I fill the middle with HA? (Photos)

Answers (5)