How do I know if it’s lip filler or scar tissue? 13 months after lips injection (Photo)

Question

I got my lips done 13 months ago. The doctor used restalyne Volyme (Thick and not recommended for lips) I was left with irregular shape on the bottom lip and upper lip near the nose so it seems puffier. I went to a different doctor and she inyected hialurodinase, but it didn’t have an immediate effect, went back for more 2 more times and still no results. what else I can do?She mentioned to inject cortisone to see if it’s scar tissue but read it is only temporary and that I have to do it often.

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

That suggests that you got this service outside of the United States or your injector obtained this filler outside of conventional supply channels. Hyaluronic acid fillers are broken down by hyaluronidase. Products that do not respond to hyaluronidase are likely not hyaluronic acid based filler.  It suggests that you may have received a product that was not actually a hyaluronic acid filler.  There is a big business in bootlegged products. The risk of receiving such a product increases when products are obtained outside normal channels.  Injectors are motivated to lower their costs and bootlegged products are cheap.  The most common products that end up in these syringes include products like silicone oil or polyalkylimide gel.  I caution you about using steroid injections that can damage your natural lip fat.  It is not possible to help you without a detailed assessment. Medical records are helpful. I would recommend very high dose hylauronidase. If that does not make a change, then it is likely you received something other than hyaluronic acid filler.  Caution is advised at that point.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

This needs an in-person evaluation. It can take a series of treatments, but it's difficult to determine how many treatments of hyaluronidase is needed to dissolve filler. I recommend following up with a cosmetic dermatologist to determine if this is filler or scar tissue. Best, Dr. Emer

Monika Soni, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question! At this time frame there should be no filler in the lip and scar tissue is not really very likely.  see a board certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon to see if something can be worked out. Best of luck!

Benjamin C. Paul, MD · Answer

Hi.  Sorry to read of you story. Steroids can cause permanent changes. It may be worth trying that with a local expert.  I think for other readers, the lesson here is to make sure you know what filler you are getting and what experience your injector has.  I have cared for patients told they are getting restylane... then they get silicone!   The last step in persistent lip asymmetry after filler is to surgically remove filler/scar tissue... which can be done! Anyways, good luck - hope you get resolution..

William Marshall Guy, MD · Answer

Hello olioli1,An in person evaluation is really the best way to evaluate what is going on in the lips.  Scar tissue tends to feel more firm than filler.  If filler is injected into the lips as opposed to more superficially, it can last longer and be more difficult for the hyaluronidase to remove.  Depending on how much hyaluronidase was injected you may simply  need more injected and in different levels of the lip.  I'd recommend you consult with a facial plastic surgeon to learn more about your options.I hope this helps and good luck.

How do I know if it’s lip filler or scar tissue? 13 months after lips injection (Photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: Make sure you know the filler!

Answer: Make sure you know the filler!

Answer: How do I know if it’s lip filler or scar tissue? 13 months after lips injection

Answer: How do I know if it’s lip filler or scar tissue? 13 months after lips injection

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How do I know if it’s lip filler or scar tissue? 13 months after lips injection (Photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: Make sure you know the filler!

Answer: Make sure you know the filler!

Answer: How do I know if it’s lip filler or scar tissue? 13 months after lips injection

Answer: How do I know if it’s lip filler or scar tissue? 13 months after lips injection

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Restylane

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.