Hard lump 4.5 weeks after Voluma, what can I do? (photo)

Question

Hello. It's been 4 and a half weeks since my Voluma injections and I still have a hard red lump on each side of my jaw. I went to my injector yesterday and he said it's normal to apply heat and didn't do anything to help me. I'm very upset as this looks awful.

Kyle Coleman, MD · Answer

It is not normal to have a painful lump after injectables.  Inflammatory nodules and granulomas can occur after voluma injection.  Treatments can include oral antibiotics, injectable steroid preparation and / or hyaluronidase to reduce the voluma.  Seek second opinion from an expert.

Nima Shemirani, MD · Answer

Hi @gconn123! This is not a normal side effect to experience 4.5 weeks later. I recommend  that you get second opinion form a board certified plastic surgeon. Best of luck, Dr. Nima!

Ross A. Clevens, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. Swelling, redness and lumps are potential side effects that should subside within 2-4 weeks. Each patient reacts differently to each procedure so I suggest that you remain patient. Please schedule a consultation with your board certified facial plastic surgeon for the 6 week mark to review your results.

Best wishes,

Best wishes,

Michael A. Zadeh, MD, FACS · Answer

This is definitely not normal, especially after 4.5 weeks. Infection needs to be ruled out. I would get a second opinion from a physician who is able to handle filler complications. Best wishes.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Swelling is normal after Voluma. However, after one month you should not still be so red. If you are unhappy, you can have the filler reversed with hyaluronidase. Best, Dr. Emer

Mitesh Kapadia, MD, PhD · Answer

Hard lumps after filler injections are usually caused by an inflammatory reaction to the filler called a granuloma. The granuloma can sometimes be treated using oral or injectable steroids to reduce the inflammation, but if the lump is persistent, the filler will need to be dissolved.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photograph.  After 4.5 weeks any injected Voluma should have softened, and the overlying skin stretched, to leave a more natural result.  If you have a significant lump at this point it would be best to have it dissolved with hyaluronidase, and possibly a short course of antibiotics if there is the possibility of an infection with the redness seen on your skin surface.  Hope this helps.

Kouros Azar, MD · Answer

The red lumps that you are experiencing are not normal at 4.5 weeks post op. I would definitely suggest that you seek a second opinion form a board certified plastic surgeon with a lot of experience with dermal fillers. So sorry that you are going through this. Kindly,Kouros Azar

Marla M. Klein, MD · Answer

That could be an infection, or a non-infection inflammation due to improper placement.  If it is warm or tender to the touch you may need oral antibiotics.  If it is just a lump of filler, then see someone who will dissolve it with a hyaluronidase product.I don't personally use or like cannulas.  In my hands, I feel that I am more precise with the use of a needle and withdrawing every time before injecting for safety.   In regards to adding Voluma to a face,  I do agree with going slowly.  Voluma needs to be placed deeply, and looks funny when placed too superficially in the skin.  I wish you luck.

Michele S. Green, MD · Answer

I am concerned that you may have an infection and that the product needs to be dissolved with Vitrase. Please consult an expert in facial injections. Best, Dr. Green