Under eye swelling from drinking alcohol after Volbella. (photos)

Question

Back in November, my then boss injected Volbella under my eyes. 2wks later I had a glass of wine and one of my under eyes started swelling. I didn't realize it was the Volbella till later on-I would notice every time I drank my right eye would swell up. I feel this itchy pressure in the front corner of my eye, then a min later I start sneezing, & then my eye swells. Months have gone by since injection & it's still happening. Will this go on forever? This has never happened. HELP!

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a cosmetic dermatologist. Volbella can be dissolved with hyaluronidase. It may take a series of treatments. Belotero, Juvederm and Restylane are good for under the eyes. I recommend injections with cannulas to limit complications. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photographs and I am sorry to hear of your reaction to filler placement.  Since it has been months since your injection I would favor having hyaluronidase injected into your lower eye to help speed breakdown and absorption of your Volbella.  I am not sure of the correlation between alcohol intake and swelling but best to have this reversed.  Best wishes.

Payman Kosari, MD, FAAD · Answer

Swelling and hypersensitivity are certainly a possiblity with fillers but the association with swelling and alcohol use is an interesting one.  It almost reminds me of a localized angioedema of sorts.  If this has been months and it continues to do the same, you may consider having your injector dissolve the filler with hyaluronidase.  Best of luck!

Kouros Azar, MD · Answer

I am so sorry that you are experiencing this. You need to have this assessed in person by a really experienced injector such as a board certified plastic surgeon or cosmetic dermatologist. I think that you are going to have to have at least some of the Volbella dissolved.

Faiyaaz Kalimullah, MD, FAAD · Answer

Thank you for your question and for submitting your photos.  I'm sorry to hear about the complications you have been experiencing after your filler injections.  I have seen a few patients who have experienced intermittent swelling after under eye filler injections, often associated with mild illnesses or allergy flares - in many cases, I feel that this is related to impaired lymphatic drainage due to superficial filler placement around the eyes.  The relationship with alcohol intake is interesting.  I would recommend scheduling a consultation with a cosmetic dermatologist to discuss your concerns.  Best of luck!

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Very doubtful the HA filler injected (VolBella) would be associated to this reoccurring orbital lower lid swelling. Might try a regime of Medrol (steroid) dose pack. Also seek eye or ENT evaluation with a MRI to rule out maxillary sinus/orbital disease. In either respect the HA dissolves by 6 months to a year..

Alex Eshaghian, MD, PhD · Answer

Thank you for
your question christyfern. I am sorry to hear about your situation. Volbella
is a hyaluronic acid filler designed to enhance the lips. It can also be used in other areas off-label. Volbella has a high safety profile because it is a hyaluronic acid filler and can be dissolved in the event of complications such as swelling. Please
consult with a doctor for specific recommendations. Good luck!

VOLBELLA PROVIDERS NEAR YOU

Under eye swelling from drinking alcohol after Volbella. (photos)

Answers (7)

VOLBELLA PROVIDERS NEAR YOU