Has anyone seen a reaction like this from Volbella lip filler? (photo)

Question

I had a horrible reaction to Volbella the dr overseeing the injector will not prescribe me any antibiotics says it’s just a herpes out break.

Gregory A. Buford, MD, FACS · Answer

First, this is definitely not normal and may represent Avascular Necrosis which can lead to scarring.  If your treating injector is not addressing this (and this needs to be addressed ASAP), then you really need to see an experienced injector as quickly as possible.  First step is generally to dissolve the product using hyaluronidase and then treat accordingly.  But this needs to be taken care of as quickly as possible.  So sorry to hear about your experience and hope this information helps!-Gregory A Buford MD FACSBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon and AuthorAllergan MASTER Facial Injectables Trainer

Michael A. Zadeh, MD, FACS · Answer

Sorry to hear about your experience. Before all else, vascular occlusion from filler should be ruled out as soon as possible as the consequences can be devastating. This needs prompt evaluation and should only be done in-person. Herpes outbreaks can be treated concurrently, if necessary. If you are not getting the care required from your current providers then I would recommend finding a physician ASAP who has experience in dealing with filler complications. Best wishes.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

I suggest you see your physician right away for possible vascular occlusion. This can be reversed with hyaluronidase and should be treated with topical vasodilators (nitropaste) as prevention. If it is a herpes outbreak, it can be treated with Valtrex. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Tonya Boudreaux, MD · Answer

Hello, I suggest you see a NEW physician right away for possible vascular occlusion. I would be concerned about your current providers advise. This is not a normal reaction to filler and can be very dangerous.
Wishing you the best of luck!

Vilma Di Maria, MBBS · Answer

Thankyou for your question.  I suggest your go back to your injector or find someone new asap. A reaction like this after lip filler is a blocked artery until proven otherwise. The area needs the to be flooded with hylase which will dissolve the filler and unblock the artery.Some people rely on the symptom pain but it has been proven that the majority of blocked arteries do not have pain. Good luck

Lorne Poon, MD · Answer

This, more likely than not, is an occlusion of the labial artery. This is an urgent situation and must be treated immediately. Find a professional who knows how to administer hyalurondaise. This should also be reported to Allergan in an incident report.
Best of luck.

Suneel Chilukuri, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your photos and concerns.  I am sorry that you are suffering and that your “injector” and “injector supervisor” are not helping.  My primary concern is that you may be having a vascular necrosis (the filler may either be in the labial artery or may be compressing the labial artery). Is the area painful?  How soon after the lip injections did this “reaction” occur?  Was there first a bruise?While I normally recommend returning to your physician, he or she does not appear to be helpful.  Please find a board certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon with significant filler experience to evaluate your lip today.  You may be able to prevent scarring.  Best of luck,Suneel Chilukuri, M.D.Houston, Texas

Blue Medi Spa - Sherman Oaks - Account Suspended · Answer

Hi, thank you for your question. I'm sorry you are experiencing this. Even though I can see the photos, it is still best to evaluate this in person to know exactly what is going on. With that said, it does look very similar to a HSV or herpes outbreak. Many patients who have had outbreaks of herpes around the mouth in the past may get an outbreak after any type of filler treatment as it is a type of stress on the body. I would agree with the injector as far as the antibiotics go as they will not help. However, you can be prescribed antiviral which can decrease the duration of your outbreak. I would also suggest letting your injector know in the future to prescribe you antivirals prophylactically prior to the treatment to help prevent this from happening. 
Good luck, Melody

Davin Lim, MBBS, FACD - Account Suspended · Answer

EMERGENCY - you do need to see someone good ASAP. The problem with fillers is that injectors MUST know how do deal with all the potential complications including vascular occlusion, HSV infection, granulomas, atypical infections, antigen cross reactions and all the rest. Your best way forward is to see someone like a dermatologist or plastics ASAP, they will take a structured history (pain? previous history of HSV?), swab the area, and go from there. Vascular occlusion needs to be excluded, and if present treated ASAP. All the best, Dr Davin Lim. Brisbane. Australia.

Has anyone seen a reaction like this from Volbella lip filler? (photo)

Answers (9)

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