Saline flush for small bump of superficial filler on lower lip? (Photos)

Hi there! Depending on the type of filler injected, it may be possible to disperse with a small amount of bacteriostatic saline and mild massaging. The results will vary depending on the viscosity and hydrophilic properties of the filler. Try it but be aware partial dissolving may still be needed if the bump persists longer than 8-12 weeks.

You could inject a small amount of hyaluronidase into the targeted area and avoid massaging so that it stays localized to that area. Some providers do make an incision to the filler area if the filler is not dissolving with the hyaluronidase. Saline will not spread the filler around.

Saline flushes generally don’t work for filler bumps—hyaluronidase is the only reliable way to dissolve hyaluronic acid fillers. Injecting saline or “poking” the bump won’t break it up effectively and risks uneven results or trauma to the lip.
If the bump bothers you, a skilled injector can use a tiny, precise amount of hyaluronidase just in that spot to minimize dissolving surrounding filler. Sometimes gentle massage after softening can also help.

I understand your concern about wanting to maintain the overall shape of your lower lip while addressing that small, superficial bump. In most cases, a very small, precisely placed amount of hyaluronidase can soften or remove just the irregularity without noticeably affecting the surrounding filler (especially if performed by an experienced injector). Injecting saline typically won’t break up hyaluronic acid filler in a predictable way, so the results are often minimal or temporary. “Poking” it with a needle may , but it carries a higher chance of causing swelling, bruising, or unevenness. If it truly bothers you, a conservative injection of hyaluronidase targeted exactly where the bump is would likely give the best chance of improvement without changing the overall look. I hope this is helpful. Thank you for sharing this questions and photos.

That is a granuloma, most likely bound to worsen over time; once it acquires larger prominence you may need direct escision and en bloc removal of the granuloma with a wedge of overlying vermillion.

It’s understandable to feel concerned when filler appears superficially, causing visible bumps or unevenness.
If the bump is minor and superficial, gentle massage using clean fingers can often be effective in redistributing and softening filler, especially if performed shortly after injection. You can gently massage the area with slight pressure several times daily over a few days, which may help smooth the bump gradually.
Injecting saline alone typically does not effectively disperse filler. Using a needle to puncture or manually remove filler can risk further unevenness or scarring and is generally not advisable without medical supervision.
If massage alone isn’t effective, a very conservative, targeted use of hyaluronidase (hyalase) administered by an experienced injector may precisely dissolve just the superficial filler without significantly affecting surrounding filler.
Your safest next step would be a gentle massage first, followed by a consultation with a skilled injector if needed.
I hope this helps clarify your options. Consulting a specialist injector for personalized guidance is always beneficial.
— Güray Yeşiladalı, MD

Depending on how long its been there I would consider just massage if its been less than 2-4 weeks. Injecting a small amount of hyaluronidase would certainly be helpful and unlikely to cause problems. Overall they look great though!

Thank you for your query. A very carefully injected very small amount of hyalase is usually the best treatment for the bump from the filler. A saline flush may push it deeper but would not remove the bump. Please discuss your concerns with your doctor who can certainly help. All the best!

Hello and thank you for the question. There are several options that could be explored including saline injection with massage. For management of the problem you are describing, seeking a consultation by a qualified professional would be the safest approach to ensure you have the best chance at achieving your desired outcome.

There are multiple way to help diminish the irregularities post lip injections. One of the least invasive ones is to massage and apply heat. Normally patients will not massage hard enough, which can lead to the lump still being present. This has to be done within the first 2-3 weeks of the treatment. Your next option is opening up the skin with a needle and extract some of that product. When done carefully, should not distort the overall shape of your lips. They look great!