Is it normal for my lips to be bigger in the morning? Restylane (photo)

Restylane and other HA fillers can cause swelling and this can come in go over the course of having the filler in some people.  This is usually an allergy type reaction and often resolve with antihistamines.  I suggest reversing the filler if you are concerned.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Hi @koriannkendl! Swelling can last up to two weeks. If you are unhappy with the final results, you can dissolve the unwanted filler with Hyaluronidase. Best of luck, Dr. Nima!

It is not uncommon to have residual swelling 2 weeks after lip injections. Swelling can vary throughout the course of the day and sometimes is more noticeable in the morning, following consumption of salty foods, or if you are retaining fluid in general. If you are concerned about this or it does not seem to be improving, I recommend consulting with your injector.

Dear koriannkendl:

Thanks for your question
and sharing your photo.

Many things happen at
the time of filler injection.

1.If
a local anesthetic is injected first, such as for a cheek injection or
sometimes for lip injection, the amount of fluid will add to initial volume. Lidocaine
also has a vasodilatory effect and therefore swelling.

2.Then
the gel filler is injected causing the volume to further increase from the
amount of filler. A normal inflammatory response will occur with swelling. Particular
areas such as the lips and eyes generate a exaggerated edema response from
specific immune mediators (IgA and IgE) and histamine. Lidocaine in the filler for anesthesia will
also further swell the area.

3.As
these effects tame down during the next 1 to 14 days, the particular filler
will attract more or less water from the surrounding tissues to create the accentuated
volume of the filler. “Thinner” fillers such as Silk, are more polar and
therefore attract for water giving this injectable a greater fill appearance.
More “linked” or “denser” fillers are less polar and attract less water volume
but are less deforming and more projecting.4.Your
normal “hormonal” and physical activities during the day may attribute to
changing appearances as well.

If your response is too
exaggerated, there are inflammatory moderators which can be recommended by your
physician including:

1.Sedating
and non-sedating anti-histamines

2.NSAID’s
(non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)

3.Tapering
steroid 4. Hyaluronidase
to enzymatically breakdown the injected filler
This is a lot to
appreciate but typically, it takes 2 weeks for patients swelling to calm and
subside and therefore a good time for follow-up with your injector. Please consult with a
Board Certified, skilled and experienced Plastic Surgeon or Dermatologist for
filler injection. I hope this is helpful!
All the best!

Hello Koriannkendl,If you are noticing fluctuations with the morning being the time when they are the biggest, then this is residual swelling from the product being injected.  The reason is that swelling tends to be pulled downwards from gravity during the day. When you sleep at night, if you sleep flat, then swelling will accumulate at the area of the treatment.  Of course having swelling beyond 2 weeks is not very common.  But you did say you had a touch up 4 days later with the lips being squeezed which can cause even more swelling than normal.  I would recommend you continue to follow up with your injector to express your concerns.  If you remain dissatisfied then you can receive an injection that dissolves the filler.  I hope this helps and good luck.