Does Juvederm Ever Leak from the Injection Site?

Question

I had Juvederm injected in my lips yesterday and this morning one of the injection sites was painful. When I washed my face it bled a tiny bit so I applied a little pressure and some clear gel-like substance came out. It stopped after I left it alone. I am guessing this was some Juvederm, but am worried it could be an infection so I put some antibiotic ointment on the area. I am really scared now that I will get an infection and want to know if anyone else had this or if it is normal?

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

Swelling is common after treatment. I would suggest you see your injector for a follow up. In the meantime, avoid touching the area and stop applying the ointment.

Richard Castellano, MD · Answer

Yes, the clear substance is most likely the Juvederm.  Unlikely that you have an infection, I do recommend following with your injector.  Avoid overly vigorous massage for a few days after Juvederm injections.

Ron Shelton, MD · Answer

Yes, Juvederm can be expressed from the lips after it is injected as a filler, but only if there is an opening for which it can extrude. That might be a blister, such as a cold sore, a traumatic scratch or bite, and even a scab. It is doubtful that an infection would occur this soon. Don't manipulate your area and see your doctor for reassurance. Sometimes lips swell a lot after Juvederm and the pressure might force some product out as a clear gel, but not to worry, it's not enough to lose the good cosmetic result.

Toby Mayer, MD · Answer

Juviderm can be pushed out within 24 hours. You don't have an infection since it is only 24 hours and it takes 3-4 days to show signs of an infection. If it swells see your surgeon.

Steven Hacker, MD · Answer

Leakage of Juvederm is rare but can happen. Avoiding manipulation of the treated area in the acute post op period will minimize this risk.

Keshini Parbhu, MD · Answer

The material that came out was Juvederm. I would not manipulate the area any further to avoid losing more - it is possible to express filler in this manner. It does not sound like you have any other symptoms that would point to an infection - redness, warmth, purulent drainage or fever.

Emily Altman, MD · Answer

From your photo it looks like you might have a cold sore (herpes simplex) at the site of the injection.  If a person has a history of herpes, they need to have prophylactic antiviral medication given for three days before, the day of and three days after lip injections with filler.

	See your doctor as soon as possible for treatment.  Although it is possible to have Juvederm leak from the site of injection, it would have to be placed very superficially, and the possibility that this is an infection is higher than that of leaking Juvederm.

Jo Herzog, MD · Answer

Aginginla, No panic needed at this point. this can happen and if was jelly-like and clear it is the juvederm. Try not to manipulate your lips and if swollen apply ice(wrap in washcloth so not straight to your face) for 10 mins. at a time. Give it a couple of days but if you have any concern, see your doctor.

Elizabeth F. Rostan, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Juvderm is a clear hyaluronic acid gel. Immediately after injection it is possible to push some of the gel through injection sites with pressure. Days after the procedure, those injection sites heal and it would be necessary to puncture the skin fairly deeply to extract any of the gel with pressure.

Richard W. Fleming, MD (retired) · Answer

The clear fluid was Juvederm, but don't panic. Don't manipulate your lip for a cople days. You do not have an infection; this would not develop within 24 hours. Consult with your physician.

Does Juvederm Ever Leak from the Injection Site?

Answers (14)