3 days post-op my lips still have bubbles. It’s weird and disconcerting. What can I do? (photos)

Thank you for your question.  Your lips should have settled.  I do not recommend massaging because then bruising would occur.  I would recommend following up with your doctor for a proper evaluation.  All the best!

That is some pretty dramatic swelling 3 days post injection!  Hopefully by now things are settling out well for you.  You might want to gently massage between your fingers, but don't get too aggressive with massage as that may increase swelling if they stay very inflamed.  If they are truly firm and uneven and very problematic, your injector might want to inject with hyaluronidase which will dissolve the filler, but it is an "all or none" procedure and may get rid of all of it.  If they were injected with a non-hyaluraonic acid filler, such as Radiesse or Bellafil, those cannot be dissolved and just have to gradually be metabolized, which can take years.  I would recommend going back to your dermatologist and discuss your options with them. Best of luck!

Swelling is common after lip injections and can take up to two weeks to resolve.  Sometimes gentle massage of the area is helpful.  Some patients also use the supplement Bromelain to improve swelling.  If after two weeks you still have concerns, return to your injector for an evaluation.

It is very hard to tell in the photo exactly what is going on because of the lighting and focus. Most of the time when filler is placed too superficially and causing blebs it looks a little bluish. This is called the Tyndall effect. If this is the case the only way to treat it is too dissolve the filler with an enzyme that the doctor injects called hyaluronidase. Make sure you go to a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who is experienced in facial fillers.
Good luck on your journey
-Dr. Mike