Fat transfer to upper lip uneven after procedure; is it normal? (Photo)

Question

After the procedure my right upper lip are bigger, more swollen than left. When i touch the left i feel its flat, no pain, no swelling while touching the right its lumpy, a little pain and feel fat inside. Seem like doctor has forgotten to inject the left. Doctor say its just different swelling. Im really worried abt the shape and the balance of my upper lips. Is this normal to have a side which is more swollen and feel completely different to the other side?

Robert M. Tornambe, MD · Answer

Leah.   I see what you mean, but you have not mentioned when you had the procedure.  If the asymmetry persists, it looks like you may need a revision, which is not uncommon. Talk to your surgeon. Good luck!

Philip S. Schoenfeld, MD, FACS · Answer

You didn't provide a time frame for your procedure.  Lip swelling following injections is common.  Fat is not my first choice for lip injections as the longevity of the fat is not predictable and actually fat does not tend to last very long when injected into the lip.  Swelling can be asymmetric in the immediate post procedure period but after a few days you should be able to see your expected result.  If the asymmetry remains in the lips then you will likely require further fat injections to the side which you feel appears flat and untouched.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

it will take you a few weeks to settle.  I suggest having patience and after 4-6 weeks if you are unhappy to consider treatment options.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Dhaval M. Patel, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and sharing your photo. This is common after fat transfer. It is important to remember there will be swelling as well that can appear to be uneven. I would recommend giving it sometime then follow up with your plastic surgeon if there is still unevenness. Best of luck!Dhaval M. Patel Double Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Hoffman Estates Barrington OakbrookChicago

Miguel Mota, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. It is completely normal to have unevenness between two sides after fat transfer due to swelling. The photo is from immediately after the procedure so I assume you are still in the early stages of recovery. We can only asses the possibility of asymmetry once the swelling goes down. Please be patient for a couple of weeks or so, and then re-evaluate. Lips tend to swell up a lot so, this is a very common thing when dealing with lip augmentation. Best of Luck,Dr. Miguel Mota

Fat transfer to upper lip uneven after procedure; is it normal? (Photo)

Answers (5)