Raised portion of skin above upper lip after filler - what can I do? (photo)

Question

I got injections on June 10th, 2022. Then, again on July 09th, 2022. The first time, I focused on adding volume to a spot on my lip that often showed my teeth. The second session, I focused on making sure that both sides were even, as the first time created a larger size for the right half of my mouth. Now, I have this raised portion of skin above my upper lip, in the center. Goes toward both corners of my mouth. What can I do?

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

If you're unhappy with your final results, you can have the filler dissolved with hyaluronidase and try a different technique next time. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Alan Gonzalez, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello @brook4544, thank you for your question. When the effect of hyaluronic acid is to be minimized, a substance called hyaluronidase is applied to reduce the action of the acid. This substance breaks it down and causes it to be reabsorbed by the body. It is important that this substance is placed by the professional who placed the acid in the first place. Best wishes! Alan Gonzalez MD, FACS.

Richard E. Buckley, MD · Answer

I am sorry to hear about the problem you are having getting your lips the way you want them. Firstly, you should be seen by a medical doctor who is very experienced with lip fillers. If it was in a doctors office that you received your fillers, you could see the physician there in person for evaluation and treatment. It will be important to know precisely what was done. There are so many details to review with you such as the exact fillers you received and whether they were only placed in the red (vermillion) of the lips only or were they also placed above the red of the lips in the area that now appears enlarged. Are there any dental issues? For example dental we do not inject fillers if there are any dental issues or even close to a cleaning as those can "seed" the area being injected with bacteria.
Your question and photo appear to be 2 months since your last filler injection. Is the swelling something that is new or has it been there since the injection? Is it worsening or staying the same? I note in your photo that your chin appears red and you have some irregularities in the skin. Do you have a history of acne in that area or is that a new skin condition since the fillers? Fillers can migrate. The area can become infected. There can be allergic reactions. Infections and allergies can be treated. Presuming that there are no issues other than filler material where you don't want it then it may be able to be dissolved to the degree required. The Restylane family of hyaluronic sugars dissolve easily with hyaluronidase (e.g. Hylenex) with some effect being noticed immediately on injection and more over a couple of weeks. Juvederm also dissolves but in our experience takes somewhat longer to see the full effect. The amount of dissolving is controllable by the amount of hyaluronidase injected. If the filler is Radiesse (CaHA), that is not going to dissolve much. Hopefully you did not receive silicone as that will not dissolve.
You should be able to achieve your goals. Good luck.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

I suggest you let the filler dissipate on its own then try consulting with different providers until you find one who has the skills to deliver a consistent quality Results.
It’s possible to reverse HA-based fillers by injecting dissolving enzymes.
Discuss with your provider.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom MD

Raised portion of skin above upper lip after filler - what can I do? (photo)

Answers (4)

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