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

Question

However I have a prescription for allergies hydroxyzine. Can I take that instead?

Melissa Chiang, MD, FAAD · Answer

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.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

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.

Yasser A. Elseweifi, DDS · Answer

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.

William Marshall Guy, MD · Answer

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.

Lee A. Gibstein, MD · Answer

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

Alim R. Devani, MD, FRCPC · Answer

I always tell my patients to not love their filler
injections for 2 weeks. Swelling is very common and sometimes immediate. It can
last 3-7 days and a good idea is to use cold compresses. Cold compresses may be
used immediately after treatment to reduce swelling only if needed. This may be
applied for 3 minutes, 3 times per day, for up to 3 days. This is best done
with a bag of peas in a zip lock bag. Only apply light pressure to the area but
gentle massage might be necessary if the bump is from the filler material
itself. Get Arnica gel if you can find some and apply a few times a day as well
to help treat any swelling. Avoid any blood thinners. Bruising can also last
1-2 weeks. I don't recommend hyaluronidase this early and wait a few weeks
until the swelling has resolved. If it is persistent or you are worried, set up
a follow up appointment with your dermatologist.

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

Answers (6)

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