Restylane Refyne swelling. Is icing OK?

Question

Got lips done today and 8 hours later, I massaged them as I didn't think they looked right... Didn't realize I would swell like this nor that I shouldnt have massaged them! Is icing ok?? Can I take anything for the swelling?? I have to go to work!! I look like I got hit!

Brandon Richland, MD · Answer

Hello, and thank you for your question. Yes, icing the area is completely fine. Swelling can last anywhere from 3-4 days and full results usually show in about 2 weeks to 4 weeks. Icing will help with the swelling and Tylenol can help for comfort. I would recommend contacting your provider who completed the service for full aftercare instructions and any concerns you may have.

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

Unfortunately, massaging after lip fillers can exacerbate post-treatment swelling. Ice might help and the swelling should subside considerably within 2-3 days. If the swelling is excessive, you can follow up with your provider. In some cases, steroids are prescribed to help manage this side effect. Rest assured this is only temporary and with two weeks you should see the final improvements.

Bradley Bengtson, MD, FACS · Answer

Swelling post lip injections is very common.  Continue to ice the lips for the next 1-2 days, avoid salty foods and rigorous physical activity for the next 24 hours.  If swelling does not continue to resolve, contact your provider as a low dose steroid may assist in your recovery time.  It is advisable to follow up with your board certified plastic surgeon 2 weeks following filler injections to evaluate outcomes and adjust if needed.

Aldo Guerra, MD · Answer

Restylane Refyne is a great dermal filler - congratulations! Some swelling is normal. Icing is usually acceptable, but massaging may not. I would suggest you speak with your injector, but if not possible look at the video link below.Best wishes, Dr. ALDO

Laurie A. Casas, MD, FACS · Answer

Restylane Refyne is great a new filler from Galderma that can be used for the lips, lip lines, marionette lines and nasolabial folds.. It is important to talk to your physician for follow up if you are having issues after an injection.  Swelling is common after lip filler injections and massage can make the swelling worse.  I would refrain from massaging the area, continue icing and take an antihistamine like Benadryl or Zyrtec.  Also, avoid salty foods as this will also make the swelling worse.  The swelling can last up to two weeks but should improve in the next 48 hours.  Good luck.

Jessica Wyatt, DDS · Answer

Swelling after lip fillers is extremely common, although with Restylane Refyne, less swelling usually occurs. Massaging the area is actually not a good idea, as it can increase swelling. Icing the area may help swelling go down, but if you have significant swelling, you can always contact your doctor an RX of steroids to help with major swelling. Any swelling you do have should go down within 3 days. Avoid salty food, rigorous exercise, or manipulation of the area, as this can worsen swelling. Hope this helps!

Steven F. Weiner, MD · Answer

I wouldn't massage immediately after lip injections. It will lead to bruising and swelling. At this point ice probably won't help. Taking antihistamines might help as well as oral arnica. Steroids are really the only thing that would help in my opinion. Elevate your head on 2-3 pillows to help with swelling as well. Refyne typically doesn't cause much post procedure swelling.

Kenneth Oleszek, MD · Answer

We always advise our patients not to massage Refyne after a treatment - It will make the swelling worsen.  Also the irregularity after the treatment was likely swelling and would not last long.
So, now we use ice and a follow-up to assess the filler at 2 weeks is needed at fine tune any irregularity that could have been caused by the massaging.

Richard E. Moore, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Swelling of the lips following dermal filler injections is very common. It is often made worse by aggressive massaging. The particular product you mentioned, Restylane Refyne, is actually associated with less swelling than some of the smaller particle size hyaluronic acid fillers such as Restylane Silk or Belotero. Icing and head elevation may help but ultimately time is the answer.

Anthony J. Wilson, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Lip swelling is incredibly common after filler injections. Unfortunately the best thing is just time. Often it can take several days to completely go away. I think icing and elevating the head (sleeping upright) are both helpful. Some physicians will even offer a brief course of steroids if it is severe. You should contact your injector. Best of luck!