How Do I Know if I Had an Allergic Reaction to Juvederm Injections?

Question

This was 5 days after 1 syringe of juviderm was injected.
My lips bled and cracked for three weeks, the were hot very sore and lumpy for three weeks, l my gums bled around my teeth for a week, my nose and up past my cheekbone were lopsided for over 5 weeks, my lips were black and blue for ten days, and things a month and a half later still continue to change. One side of my top lips droops sometimes like I have had a mini stroke, but not all the time, and I have hard pearl size lumps in my lips and one side of my upper lip has a hard ridge.
I had to stay in for over three weeks because I looked disfigured. I have over 70 photographs over 4 weeks that are awful looking and was afraid to get hyaluralonaise because I think this was allergic.
It was very sore and very painful for those 3 weeks and very ugly for 4. Now it is lopsided and droopy but the nose is getting more even. WHAT IS GOING ON? Did I have an allergic reaction to Juvederm? This picture is not the worse by any means, two and three weeks later it looked bad, and still looks "odd."
Thank you.
 
Editor's Note: Find out about allergic reactions to Restylane here.

Michael A. Persky, MD · Answer

Hi,
The best way of determining whether you are allergic to Juvederm (hyaluronic acid) would be to have a very small bleb injected into your forearm, and then watch for swelling, etc.  I have seen two patients over the years with allergic response to hyaluronic acid, and both showed immediate swelling when their arms were tested.
It sounds and looks as if you also suffered from excessive bleeding and bruising.  It is difficult to say exactly what happened without knowing how much was injected, what technique was used, and how much bleeding there was during the injections.  What did your physician tell you?  Was this the first time that you have had Juvederm?  Are you sure that what you received was Juvederm?
You probably don't need anyone's advice on this, but I would advise staying away from hyaluronic acid injections in the future given your response.  I hope that your swelling and adverse effects resolve quickly.
Be well.
Dr. P

Richard J. Bruneteau, MD · Answer

Juvederm is a hyaluronic acid dermal filler that’s
associated with excellent clinical results and high satisfaction rates. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring
material that’s formed in our bodies. For this reason, it’s very unusual to have true allergic reactions when
using Juvederm as a dermal filler. Allergic
reactions are often characterized by redness and swelling. In some cases systemic manifestations such as
airway swelling may occur as well.Your
pictures suggest that your swelling and bruising may be related to injection
technique. Under these circumstances,
it’s appropriate to perform skin testing to rule out a true allergic
reaction. If a true allergic reaction
has occurred, removal of the hyaluronic acid with hyaluronidase is appropriate. Systemic steroids may be indicated as well. If
you’re concerned about an allergic reaction, it’s important to discuss this
issue with your plastic surgeon. Your
surgeon should be able to make an appropriate recommendation.

Sanusi Umar, MD · Answer

Typically, allergic reactions to Juvederm is rare. The product is free of animal products and the body recognizes hyaluronic acid; therefore allergic reactions are not common. But if you suffered a reaction that has not resolved over the course of a few weeks, r is getting worse at any time, my advice is to see your physician as soon as possible and have them run a skin test. Also, not that local irritation or other side effects such as bruising from the injection and even infections may occur. A dermatologist should be able to discern the difference in etiology.

Scott Trimas, MD · Answer

It is very uncommon to have an allergic reaction from either of the hyaluronic acid fillers juvederm or restylane since both naturally occur in your body. That being said it is still possible for that to occur. Other possibilities include that you had too much injected too superficially or in the locations where it may have migrated. In either case, you can easily have it treated and removed with hyaluronidase injections so I would talk with your surgeon about doing that for you.

Monika Soni, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. I would follow up with your injector and have a skin test done. He/she will inject a small bleb underneath the skin of your forearm and monitor for swelling etc. over the next 48-72 hours. I would advise staying away from hyaluronic acid injections in the future. Best of Luck!

How Do I Know if I Had an Allergic Reaction to Juvederm Injections?

Answers (10)

Answer: Allergic reactions from juvederm

Answer: Allergic reactions from juvederm

Answer: How Do I Know if I Had an Allergic Reaction to Juvederm Injections?

Answer: How Do I Know if I Had an Allergic Reaction to Juvederm Injections?

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Juvederm

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

How Do I Know if I Had an Allergic Reaction to Juvederm Injections?

Answers (10)

Answer: Allergic reactions from juvederm

Answer: Allergic reactions from juvederm

Answer: How Do I Know if I Had an Allergic Reaction to Juvederm Injections?

Answer: How Do I Know if I Had an Allergic Reaction to Juvederm Injections?

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Juvederm

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