Very asymmetrical swelling night of Restylane injections? (photos)

Question

Not going to lie, right after the injections were done (just one syringe for upper+lower lip), my lips weren't swollen and they looked great. However as the night progressed, as you can see in the photos, it began to swell. My concern is whether the asymmetricality of my lips (The bottom lip to be more specific) is a result of swelling, or uneven injections. I'm desperate, and absolutely devastated. Please help.

Kyle Coleman, MD · Answer

Filler injection to the lips can commonly have substantial swelling of the tissue for 1-3 days.  The swelling generally subsides completely by 1-2 weeks.  To alleviate swelling after filler in the lips, application of cold compresses or wrapped ice to the area every hour can reduce swelling.  Avoid aggressive massage of the area as this can cause brusing.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

It is common to have swelling for up to two weeks after filler injections of the lips. I suggest waiting and using ice and arnika.  If there is still asymmetry then you can get more filler or have it reversed.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Soheila Rostami, MD, FAAO, FAACS · Answer

The person who did your injection did not get you ready for the downtime that comes with filler injection in the lips. there is some times up to one week recovery after fillers in the lips. be patient and I am sure you will be fine.

Monika Soni, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. It is common to have some asymmetrical swelling after lip augmentation with hyaluronic acid fillers which can take up to 2 weeks to resolve. You can help reduce swelling by applying cold compresses to the lips. As HA fillers are not permanent you can have them dissolved with hyaluronidase if unhappy with the results. If you have any other concerns please follow up with your injector. Best of Luck!

Shalini Gupta, MD · Answer

It is not abnormal to have swelling after a filler injection treatment, especially as the day progresses.  If it was not asymmetric right after treatment, then this is likely just normal swelling after filler.  Sometimes a vessel may be hit on one side that causes greater swelling evident a day or two later.  This should all subside with time.  This is why I don't recommend a lip filler treatment before a major event.  Within a couple of weeks, it should all settle down.  If not, hyaluronidase can help take away any asymmetry.

Michele S. Green, MD · Answer

This asymmetry from the lips is probably just swelling from the procedure itself.  I would ice the treated area and wait at least a week to assess the injections.  Best, Dr. Geen

Melvin Elson, MD · Answer

Swelling of the lips is the norm after injection and you cant really tell what the final outcome will be in the short time frame you gave, but since the lips looked good right after injection, they most likely will once the swelling goes down

Todd C. Miller, MD · Answer

Hi Mackenzie, the lips are very muscular and very sensitive to any type of manipulation. It is very common for the lips to swell after injection. If the lips looked good right after the injection I would anticipate that your final result will be very good. Be patient and the swelling should resolve over the next several days. If, after the swelling resolves, you still aren't happy with the results, ask you injector to dissolve the product.

Lawrence Bundrick, MD (retired) · Answer

Swelling after any Hyaluronic Acid filler, such as Restylane,  is completely normal. Most swelling resolves after the second to third day. You can always try some ice to speed the recovery up. Unfortunately it is just a very common side effect of most fillers. If after several days, they still seem asymmetrical, your physician can inject an enzyme called Hyaluronidase into them that will dissolve some of the filler.

Very asymmetrical swelling night of Restylane injections? (photos)

Answers (9)