Can HA lip filler be removed surgically?

Question

It’s been 5 mo since I received restylane ha filler on my lips. I felt like my body did not like the filler, I got a lot of migration, lumps and tenderness. I tried to dissolve targeting the lumps but they didn’t go away and I developed severe reaction to hylase on my last trial. I still have hard lumpy lips that are very tender. Would it be possible to have the lumps removed surgically? Should I try some corto steroids or other treatments before looking for surgery?

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

This might consider the following treatment plan for the patient:

1. Observation: If the lumps are not causing severe discomfort or affecting the patient's quality of life, they might be observed for a while. Some lumps caused by dermal fillers can disappear on their own over time.

2. Massage: Gentle massage can sometimes help to break up lumps and bumps caused by fillers.

3. Corticosteroids: If massage does not help, the physician might consider injecting a small amount of a corticosteroid, which can help to reduce inflammation and speed up the absorption of the filler.

4. Surgery: If the lumps are large, painful, or not responding to other treatments, the physician might consider surgical removal. This should be a last resort, as it can cause scarring and other complications.

5. Alternative fillers: If the patient still wishes to have lip fillers after the lumps have been treated, the physician might consider using a different type of filler. The patient's reaction to Restylane and hylase suggests that these might not be suitable.

Please note that this is a general treatment plan, and the exact approach should be personalized according to the patient's specific condition and needs. You should consult with a healthcare provider to discuss these options and decide on the most appropriate course of action.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

Fillers do not migrate.
The concept of fillers migrating is simply a poor excuse for providers, failing to take ownership of their less than ideal outcomes.
I’ve been injecting fillers since they were first on the market(this includes when we only had collagen to inject) and I’ve never once seen fillers migrate.
If the treatment is done correctly, then the results will follow. Fillers tend to be fairly consistent if the treatment is done by people who have sufficient skill and experience. There are a lot of providers out there who really aren’t very good at these treatments, but do them regardless.
 Some individuals may develop potential long-term or permanent fullness from the use of HA fillers.
We don’t really know why this happens but it’s most likely related to inflammation that may cause scar tissue.
It seems more likely from individuals who’ve had multiple treatments. It is also more likely in individuals who had poorly done treatments.
We simply don’t have an explanation why some people seem to have permanence of HA fillers in certain cases.
I can’t think of a surgical treatment to even out Lip injections.
There is no such a procedure.
I suppose anything is possible, and if somebody wants to open up your lip and randomly cut out tissue in order to make it look more equal than I suppose somebody might be convinced to do that.
It is not something commonly done or something I’ve ever seen.
 I suggest you give yourself one to two years of no further lip injections then get an assessment.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom MD

Can HA lip filler be removed surgically?

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Can HA lip filler be removed surgically?

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Everything you need to know about Lip Fillers

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.