Have my lips been overfilled or is this swelling? (Photos)

Question

I’m 10 days post lip injections (1ml syringe of Juvederm ultra) and I find that my lips seem to be protruding. After about 4 days most of my swelled subsided. But yesterday I noticed my lip swelling more and even is very red color. Have I been overfilled? I’m attaching the photos of immediately post injection vs day 10. I also feel my lip line (shape around lip) has too much filler making it look unnatural. My bottom lip also looks to small. I just want a doctors opinion on this.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your excellent question and photographs and I am sorry that your current results have been concerning.  Recurrent swelling should be examined by your injector to ensure that nothing else is taking place to account for it.  Typically swelling, and softening, of the lips takes place over 10-14 days after treatment and should improve steadily over that time.  I would recommend seeing your injector at least for reassurance.  Best wishes.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

There can be some swelling and/or lumps after lip injections which can last 1 to 2 weeks -- but if the swelling has recurred, then I would suggest following up with your injector for an evaluation. If you're unhappy with your final results, you can have the filler dissolved with hyaluronidase and try a different technique next time. Best, Dr. Emer

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear a0jni65s75em,
Juvederm has significant swelling post injection. I would follow up with you plastic surgeon but typically I tell all my patients to wait a full two weeks.  Generally at 2 weeks they are happy and glad they didn't dissolve.  Dissolving is unpredictable as well.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Vilma Di Maria, MBBS · Answer

Thankyou for your question. What you are experiencing is not normal.  The lips should not re swell after 10 days. i suggest you return to your injector and be asessed. Good luck

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

I'm sorry to hear of the issues you are having with your lip injections.  Swelling is common with lip injections and typically resolves within 14 days.  Because your swelling was resolving, but then reoccurred I would suggest contacting your injector for an evaluation.

Shaun Patel, MD · Answer

Sorry to hear about your experience. While swelling is common after lip filler treatment and can take up to 14 days to resolve, recurrent swelling is unusual. I would followup with your injector in person for evaluation.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Recurrent lip swelling after 10 days post injection unusual. The issues are: Was this USA made Juvederm or counterfeit one? (easy to tell if you paid under $500/the syringe...). Were you given any by mouth (oral) steroids postinjection? Have you returned to see the injecting MD? Do you have any symptoms or signs of fever/infection?

Have my lips been overfilled or is this swelling? (Photos)

Answers (7)