These are my lips 2 days after Juvederm. What should I do? They look and feel so bad, I believe too much filler was used (photo)

Question

I had juvederm injected before this and it was a horror story situation and had to have hylaurondise injected to my lips my lips weren’t quit the same after that and 6 months later i decided to try again with a new doctor and and sadly just as disappointed with my results, my lips feel huge there itchy and burn. I feel as if I’ve lost my lip shapes, there lumpy on the top lip and drool in the middle of my top lip. What should I do at this point im so afraid to go out in public.

Farbod Esmailian, MD · Answer

It is not uncommon to have excessive swelling and lumpiness right after the procedure.  In fact it will take about two weeks before you can assess your results.I would be patient at this point and see how things feel and look when you are 2 weeks out.  At that point if you are unhappy or for any other reason I would recommend you visit back with your surgeon/injector to re-evaluate things.Hope that helps.

Harold J. Kaplan, MD · Answer

Hi Ashley.  Swelling in the lips after Juvederm injections can be profound, especially in the first few days.  For this reason, we usually don't inject more than 1 CC (syringe) of product into the lips at any one appointment.  Swelling should be mostly resolved after a week with gentle icing, Benadryl and Ibuprofen.  If you don't like the results after the swelling has subsided, then consider hyaluronidase injections to reverse it.To see a Juvederm reversal with Hyaluronidase for our Los Angeles patient, click on the link below.

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

Lumps and swelling can be typical following lip fillers. It can take 1-2 weeks for final results. I would wait a full 2 weeks before judging the results. If it is after the two week wait, you can have the filler reversed with hyaluronidase.
I hope this helps!

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Ashley21,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, MHA, MS 
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery  
Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

It's too soon to tell what your final results will be. You have swelling, which can be asymmetrical, and last 1-2 weeks after lip injections. If you're unhappy with your final results, you can have it reversed with hyaluronidase and try a different technique next time. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Marek Kacki, MD · Answer

I understand very well your concerns. That shouldn't have happened considering your previous filler history which, I hope, you had a chance report to your new doctor. Although certain degree of swelling is always present, your photo suggests an exaggerated response due to either immediate inflammatory response or excessive volume of the injected filler. Since you feel uncomfortable, you could take a dose  of Prednisone to decrease the inflammation and, if possible, save a part of the filler. Once the swelling is gone, you will need to make a decision - either reduce the volume further with hyaluronidase or, if aesthetically acceptable, hang on until your filler is fully metabolized.With that experience, you will ask yourself what to do next? Have another go or forget about the fillers? Yes, you can have a beautiful, natural and gentle lip enhancement. With your history, start with no more than 1/2 syringe and do not feel press to get more. If possible, seek someone who may, in your case, use a small cannula, preferably gauge 30. If the needle is the only option, you can dramatically reduce the trauma by having injection with a tiny needle -gauge 32! Yes, you can extract even the thickest filler through it if the filler is transferred to a different syringe. Simple physics of liquids. And always stay within the aesthetics and proportions your own individual beauty. I wish you good luck!!!

Tim Sayed, MD, MBA, FACS · Answer

I think you should consider hyaluronidase injection to try to break up the HA injections, couple this with arnica and bromelain as others have suggested, and then take a moratorium from lip injections for about 6 months. Then, consider some of the less cross-linked versions to have a softer and less plump result, perhaps with a new injector.

Sheryl D. Clark, MD, FAAD · Answer

Dear Ashleyt21:Personally, I do not feel it is acceptable to tell a patient, don’t worry, your swelling will go away in 2 weeks. It is possible to use a filler and an injection technique that does not cause unsightly swelling for weeks after treatment. Injecting depots which can be gently massaged into place causes less trauma and therefore less swelling and bruising. Using a filler that spreads easily, such as Belotero, Restylane Refyne, or Volbella and which attracts less water will also minimize swelling.   One can also inject half the amount planned and then inject the second half a week or two later.Also, giving high potency Arnica with Bromelain and suggesting patients take this and apply topical Arnica and cold compresses will minimize swelling significantly. Patients can eat pineapple, which has Bromelain.We all have very busy lives and cannot take 2 weeks off from work and our social activities just because we had lip augmentation.Patients who have this kind of swelling can have hyaluronidase to reduce the swelling immediately, or decide to wait two weeks for it to improve to see what the lips will look like after the swelling has resolved. It is a good idea to return to your injector or consult with a board-certified dermatologist who can examine you and give you more specific advice.All the best,   Dr. Clark

Shoib Myint, DO, FAOCO · Answer

Hello Ashleyt21,First, let the swelling go down, Usually takes 2weeks. You might want dissolve it if it bothers you that much. Good thing is that these products are reversible. After,  my suggestion is to seek out a conservative expert facial injector plastic surgeon dermatologist or Oculoplastic surgeon to have discussion on sculpting your lips to avoid this issue. You can achieve beautiful lips, just need the right injector.Cheers

Alix J. Charles, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. It is normal for the lips to swell, bruise and hurt more than other locations after they are treated with filler.  I tell my patients to wait two weeks before they judge their end result, and I honestly believe there are some patients who need more time than this even.  If after two weeks you are still dissatisfied, please discuss it with your physician injector. Best of luck to you!

These are my lips 2 days after Juvederm. What should I do? They look and feel so bad, I believe too much filler was used (photo)

Answers (13)

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