My doctor told me to take Benadryl for swelling after my lip injection and ice; can I take hydroxyzine instead?

Swelling is an expected side effect from lip injections (unfortunately!).  Sometimes the lips swell asymmetrically, which can invoke anxiety.  Rest assured that your lips will return to how they appeared immediately after your injection, once swelling resolves.  Swelling typically resolves in about a week.I recommend:1) cool packs on the lips immediate after injections and for several minutes every hour that evening2) sleeping with your head elevated 3) light tapping on the lips can encourage lymphatic drainageAlso, if your doctor recommended benadryl, you can take hydroxyzine.  They are both antihistamines. 

Benadryl and hydroxyzine are very similar, both should work. I suggest also taking with claritin or allergra.  If after 2 weeks they are still too swollen or asymmetrical ,then reverse the filler. Best, Dr. Emer.

I do not understand why you would take Benadryl if you did not have allergic reaction to the injected material. The best management for post-injection swelling is cold packs. Swelling takes few days but goes downs without meds. 

Hello ritac124,The lips do tend to swell more than most other areas with filler injection, but they don't always.  Benadryl and hydroxyzine are both antithistamines that can help with swelling, but both can make you drowsy.  Although both drugs should work similarly, before you take a medicine that can make you drowsy it is important to make sure you can be able to sleep and not have to operate any heavy machinery or make any important decisions.  Certainly ask your injector before taking a different medication, but they do work almost exactly the same.  I hope this helps and good luck.  

Thank you for your questionSwelling after lip augmentation is very common and basically expected. Swelling is typically worse in the morning as our face swells from being recumbent overnight and improves throughout the day. Ice is usually the simplest way to keep swelling down and provide relief if discomfort is present. Allergy medications like Benadryl and Hydroxyzine can be helpful but often cause drowsiness. Medications such as Claritin and Allegra may be helpful and often have less side effects. This should improve either way within 2 or 3 daysBest of LuckDrG