Nerve irritation following lip injections - How long will this last? (Photos)

Question

I had lip injections done 5 days ago by a board certified doctors,and both of my lips now do a bit of twitching when I do certain movements also when putting lip liner on if I press down too hard the right side is bothered due to pressure on left side and vice versa. I saw my primary physician she said it seems that it could be due to the traumas caused by the needle/injection technique aggravating the nerve endings. I am wondering how long does the occasional muscle twitches last?

Ross A. Clevens, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. For individuals with aggravated nerve endings, the muscle twitches may last up to two weeks. That said, you and your surgeon can revisit your treatment plan knowing your reaction to the injectibles the first time. Meanwhile, I cannot stress the importance of consulting with a board certified facial plastic surgeon who is an experienced injector.  Best wishes,

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your lip augmentation experience.  Often as a result of filler placement the tissues of the lips develop swelling that may result in some irritation and altered sensations that take 2-3 weeks to resolve.  I would inform your injector of your symptoms so that they can follow you for steady improvement.  Hope this helps.

Steven F. Weiner, MD · Answer

This should subside in about 2 weeks. It is possible the nerves were irritated by the injections. Make sure your injecting doctor knows about this.

Michele S. Green, MD · Answer

It appears that the injection could have caused swelling and irritation to the area. It may take two weeks for the irritation to go away.  If there is still concern I would consult a neurologist for examination.  Best, Dr. Green

Francis R. Palmer, III, MD (retired) · Answer

Hi, any "needle based" therapy which includes things like dermal filler or Botox can lead to minor, temporary changes in the sensory nerves. These should all resolve, if and when they occur, in a matter or hours or days. Anything lasting beyond that should probably be seen by the Surgeon/Doctor that did the dermal filler injections to rule out ulcerations due to herpes simplex or vascular complications. I have performed many lip augmentation procedures using dermal fillers or lip implants for over 30 years. Following the beauty principles outlined in my book on face and body beauty, the upper lip should be approximately 75 % the size of the lower lip for the lips to appear balanced. The lips can be augmented using a dermal filler or a Permalip implant.

Dermal filers and lip implants offer far more reliable volume to augment the lips than permanent fillers or fat injections that are also associated with increased, unwanted, side effects.

Hope this helps.

Dermal filers and lip implants offer far more reliable volume to augment the lips than permanent fillers or fat injections that are also associated with increased, unwanted, side effects.

Hope this helps.

Nerve irritation following lip injections - How long will this last? (Photos)

Answers (5)